PayPal AI Hackathon: build an AI project with PayPal by November 12, 2026
The PayPal AI Hackathon is an online, worldwide hackathon for builders who want to combine artificial intelligence with the PayPal developer platform. Organized by PayPal Inc. and hosted on Devpost, the challenge is focused on AI projects that meaningfully use PayPal’s developer tools, including ideas in fintech, payments, agentic commerce, apps, automation, business tools, and web or AI builds.
As of today, October 4, 2026, the submission window is open. Participants have until November 12, 2026 to register, build, and submit their projects through the official Devpost hackathon page.
What participants and winners get
The hackathon lists $67,500+ in prizes, including cash awards for top placements and additional category or sponsor prizes. According to the available prize information, top overall winners can compete for cash awards, while strong projects may also be considered for category-specific recognition.
Beyond the prizes, this is also a chance to create a public portfolio project around a real developer platform. Because submissions require a working demo, open-source GitHub repository, and short video, participants can leave the hackathon with a shareable build that demonstrates practical AI, payments, and product skills.
Who can apply
The PayPal AI Hackathon is open worldwide, but participation is subject to the official rules and legal restrictions. Eligible entrants include individuals who are at least the age of majority where they live. Teams and organizations may also enter, subject to the rules, including jurisdiction exclusions and any other restricted categories listed by the organizer.
Because this is an online hackathon, participants do not need to travel to a physical venue. Builders can work remotely and submit their project online.
What you need to submit
A complete submission must include the required project materials. Based on the hackathon instructions, participants should be ready to provide a project description, a functional demo, the tools used, a public open-source GitHub repository, and a public YouTube demo video under 3 minutes. Participants also need to use a free Devpost account and the PayPal Developer sandbox.
The key requirement is that the project should not simply mention PayPal or AI in passing. It should meaningfully use both the PayPal developer platform and artificial intelligence as part of the product experience.
How to apply or register
- Go to the official hackathon page: PayPal AI Hackathon on Devpost.
- Create or sign in with a free Devpost account.
- Click the option to join the hackathon and review the official rules, eligibility details, judging information, and submission requirements.
- Create or use a free PayPal Developer account and work in the PayPal Developer sandbox.
- Build an AI project that meaningfully integrates PayPal’s developer platform.
- Prepare your submission materials: description, working demo, tools used, public open-source GitHub repository, and a public YouTube demo video under 3 minutes.
- Submit everything on Devpost before the deadline: November 12, 2026.
Key dates
- Submission period: October 1, 2026 to November 12, 2026.
- Submission deadline: November 12, 2026.
- Judging period: December 1, 2026 to December 15, 2026.
- Winners announced: around December 21, 2026.
Practical tips to stand out
Build the right team. If you are entering as a team, combine complementary skills. A strong group might include someone comfortable with AI workflows, someone who can integrate the PayPal developer platform, and someone who can shape the user experience and demo. Since the submission needs a functional demo, assign responsibilities early.
Choose an idea where PayPal is essential. The strongest project ideas are likely to make PayPal part of the core workflow, not an add-on. For example, think about how payments, fintech use cases, commerce flows, business tools, or automation can become smarter through AI while still relying on PayPal in a meaningful way.
Make the demo simple and convincing. Your YouTube video must be under 3 minutes, so plan it carefully. Start with the problem, show the product working, highlight where AI is used, and clearly point out how PayPal is integrated. Avoid spending too much time on slides if you can show the actual product.
Before applying, confirm every detail, including eligibility, deadlines, prize rules, and submission requirements, on the official website. Legitimate programmes never charge an application fee.
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