PayPal AI Hackathon

The challenge

Build or update an application that integrates the PayPal developer platform with an AI tool, model, or platform of your choice. The project must meaningfully use both PayPal and AI. You can use any AI tool, but using sponsor tools is optional. New or existing projects are allowed, as long as meaningful progress is made during the hackathon.

Tracks / categories

There are no prescribed problem statements or set tracks. Projects can be an agent, an app, an automation, a new payment experience, a business tool, a social product, or something else entirely.

Required tech & constraints

• Must meaningfully integrate at least one PayPal technology, API, SDK, product, or developer capability.
• Must meaningfully incorporate AI into the experience or functionality.
• Projects can be built individually or as a team.
• Participants must be above the legal age of majority in their country of residence.
• Open to all countries/territories, excluding standard exceptions.

Submission requirements

• A working project (prototype or proof of concept).
• Text description explaining features and functionality.
• Functional demo: either clear setup/run instructions in a code repository or a hosted demo URL. A design mockup or non-functional demo is not sufficient.
• Identification of AI tools used and how they were incorporated.
• A public code repository on GitHub, GitLab, or Bitbucket, containing all source code, assets, and instructions, with a visible license file.
• A demo video under 3 minutes, uploaded to YouTube (publicly visible), showing the project functioning on its intended device. No third-party trademarks or copyrighted material without permission.

Judging criteria

• Technological Implementation: How thoroughly and skillfully the project uses PayPal Developer Platform and AI tool(s).
• Design: Whether the project delivers a complete, coherent product experience.
• Potential Impact: Credibility and specificity in solving a real problem for a real audience.
• Innovation/Idea: Creativity and novelty of the concept.
• Presentation: Clarity of the demo video, effectiveness of the pitch, and overall ease of following the presentation.

Prizes

• Overall Prizes: Total of $67,500+ in cash.
  • 1st Place: $12,000 cash
  • 2nd Place: $8,000 cash
  • 3rd Place: $5,000 cash
• Special Awards: Various cash prizes and credits, including:
  • Most Creative: $5,000 cash
  • Most Impactful: $5,000 cash
  • Best Demo Delivery: $5,000 cash
  • Best Use of PayPal + AI: $5,000 cash
  • Best Use of Agentic Commerce: $5,000 cash
  • Best Use of AG Grid (1st, 2nd, 3rd):
    • 1st Place: $5,000 cash
    • 2nd Place: $2,000 cash
    • 3rd Place: $1,000 cash (3 winners)
  • Best Use of APIMatic: $1,000 cash (3 winners) + 6 months business subscription
  • Best Use of Bryntum: $1,000 cash (3 winners)
  • Best Use of Channel3: $1,500 cash (1 winner)
  • Best Use of Render (1st, 2nd, 3rd): Render Credits ($1,000, $750, $500)

Bonus / optional points

No specific bonus points are mentioned, but a strong demonstration of the core requirements and a compelling presentation are key judging factors.