AI Hackathon: What our teams built

The AI Hackathon, delivered by Mission Ready in partnership with AI Forum NZ, became a proving ground for growth. Over two days, our candidates faced tough briefs, constant iteration, and the challenge of creating solutions with real meaning. With guidance from mentors and encouragement from peers, they discovered what they could achieve under pressure.

The judging panel included Diana Sharma (Co-founder & CEO, Mission Ready), Alan Kan (Co-founder & Innovation Director, Mission Ready), and Madeline Newman (Executive Director, AI Forum NZ). Their focus was on the depth of ideas, the potential for real-world application, and the resilience shown by each team. What they witnessed was a mix of creativity, technical skill, and determination that captured the essence of Mission Ready’s approach.

Projects with purpose

Every team delivered a working prototype, but more importantly, each project was anchored in real-world need:

• CarePal: Helping patients regain confidence after leaving hospital through guided routines, reminders, and updates for doctors.

• Wildlife Quest: Bringing New Zealand’s native species to life for young learners with AR, sparking curiosity about conservation.

• AI Advocate: Breaking down ACC’s complexity into plain-language guidance so vulnerable and multilingual communities can access support.

• Scrape Guard AI: Building a protective, ethical framework for businesses and creators to counter content scraping.

Transformation in action

For candidates, the real breakthrough was personal. They left not only with a demo but with stronger confidence in their own abilities.

“I learned so much from the incredible mentors throughout this hackathon. It showed me what I’m capable of when working with others under pressure.” – Jeremy, Mission Ready Candidate

“I learned more about collaboration and problem-solving in two days than I expected. It was intense but incredibly rewarding.” – Jisjo, Mission Ready Candidate

“The hackathon condensed the Mission Ready experience. Tight briefs, rapid iteration, and constant user focus.” – Thierry, Mission Ready Candidate

Moments like these show why Mission Ready exists. Our accelerators are built around industry-shaped learning, mentoring, and projects that mirror real working environments. The hackathon condensed this into two intense days and the results speak for themselves.

Why it matters

Employers want people who can adapt quickly, work collaboratively, and create solutions with impact. That is the mindset and capability our candidates are building. The AI Hackathon showcased it in real time: resilience under pressure, ideas shaped into action, and the confidence to step forward as the next generation of tech talent.

Mission Ready’s role is to create these experiences, to provide the environment where potential becomes capability. The hackathon was one snapshot, but the same approach runs through every programme we deliver. It is how careers are accelerated and how the wider tech sector gains the diverse, job-ready talent it needs.  

Ready to test yourself in the same way? Applications for our October intake are open now. Join a Mission Ready accelerator and gain the mentored industry experience that employers are asking for.

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