Maldives to hold first generative AI hackathon
Event reflects growing interest in artificial intelligence as island nation explores digital innovation beyond tourism and telecom services
MALE, Maldives (MNTV) — The Maldives will host its first national hackathon focused on generative artificial intelligence next month, as the island nation looks to build early capacity in emerging digital technologies.
The 48-hour event, scheduled for February 6–8, is being organized by Maldives’ largest telecommunications operator, Dhiraagu, in partnership with a local startup incubator, Sparkhub. Organizers say the initiative is aimed at encouraging young developers and early-stage entrepreneurs to experiment with generative AI tools and move quickly from ideas to working products.
Unlike traditional hackathons that typically conclude with concept pitches or prototype demonstrations, participating teams will be required to launch functional products publicly before presenting them to judges. Evaluation will be based on live tools rather than slide presentations or conceptual designs.
The organizers have adopted an open-category format, allowing teams to build new products specifically for the event instead of refining existing projects. Participants will receive technical support and mentoring from AI practitioners during the development process, covering areas such as product design, deployment and testing.
The emphasis on public launches mirrors a broader global trend in artificial intelligence development, where rapid iteration and real-world deployment are increasingly seen as essential for testing viability and impact.
By requiring teams to release products within a short timeframe, the organizers say the format is intended to expose participants to the practical challenges of building and shipping AI-driven applications.
The hackathon comes as small states, including those with limited technology sectors, explore ways to engage with artificial intelligence amid growing global investment and adoption. In the Maldives, efforts to diversify the economy beyond tourism have increasingly included digital services and technology-focused skills development.
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