Cambridge RealityX Hackathon 2026
Applied Focused AI × XR Hackathon
📅 March 7th - March 13th, 2026
This is a hackathon specially designed for both not just tech builders but also talents within other disciplinaries (e.g., education, art, healthcare, business, humanities subjects and many OTHERS!). Its core mission is to integrate ideas and code to address real-world institutional and societal challenges through AI × XR technologies.
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Central Themes
⏱️ Time-bound Applied Innovation Model
A structured sprint designed to support rigorous problem framing, solution development, and practical feasibility within real-life constraints across sectors such as education, healthcare, and public-facing systems.
🤝 Interdisciplinary Collaboration
Bringing together technologists, researchers, designers, and domain practitioners to co-design solutions grounded in context, ethics, and human use—rather than tool-led experimentation.
💡 Solution-focused Outcomes
Emphasis on clearly articulated solution concepts, appropriate use of AI and XR, and feasible implementation pathways, shared through an open showcase and review process.
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Exploration Areas
You will be selecting one of these tracks for your project:
🎓 XR in Education
🏥 XR in Healthcare
💬 XR in Social Media
🛍️ XR in Immersive Commerce
🎨 XR in Arts & Design
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Event Timeline
Saturday, 7 March 2026
Opening Day (Onsite)
Kick-off event, team formation support, and track introduction
Sunday, 8 March 2026 (11:59 PM)
Track Selection & Team Formation Deadline
Final deadline to form teams and select your exploration track
7–12 March 2026
Innovation Sprint (Hybrid / Flexible Work Period)
Work on your project with your team, hybrid format supported
Friday, 13 March 2026
Final Expo & Showcase (Onsite)
Present your solutions, judging, and awards ceremony
📍Location: University of Cambridge
Specific venue details will be shared with confirmed participants.
⚠️ Onsite attendance required: 7 March (Opening Day) and 13 March (Final Showcase)
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Benefits of Participation
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Hands-on AI × XR Experience
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Pilot & Research Pathways
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Interdisciplinary Networking
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Who Can Join?
Everyone is welcome — both inside and outside Cambridge — as long as at least one member of your team can present onsite on 13 March 2026.
- Apply individually or as a team
- Team formation will be supported on and before Opening Day (7 March)
- Interdisciplinary balance is encouraged
- All backgrounds welcome: tech, education, healthcare, arts, business, and more!
🎉 Free of Entry!
No participation fee required
Selection may be required after reaching capacity (150 participants)