Dhiraagu and SparkHub Launch the Maldives' First Ever Generative AI Hackathon, Challenging Innovators to Build Live Products in 48 Hours

Dhiraagu and SparkHub have joined forces to launch the Maldives' first-ever Generative AI Hackathon, a groundbreaking initiative designed to empower startups, entrepreneurs, and innovators to harness the power of artificial intelligence and transform bold ideas into fully functional, publicly launched products within just 48 hours.

Scheduled to take place from 6th to 8th February 2026, the GenAI Hack 2026 event will bring together young innovators from across the Maldives to explore how Generative AI can dramatically reduce build time, compressing what would traditionally take months of development into a single, intensive, and exhilarating weekend. The hackathon is a joint initiative by Dhiraagu and SparkHub, with Synetecs joining as a co-partner to further strengthen the programme.

From Idea to Live Product in 48 Hours

Participants will benefit from intensive, curated AI sessions led by expert practitioners, providing hands-on guidance across the full product development lifecycle, from ideation and development through to deployment and public launch. Experienced mentors well-versed in modern AI tools will be on hand throughout the event to support teams at every stage of their journey, ensuring participants have the expertise and encouragement they need to bring their ideas to life.

A Hackathon Unlike Any Other

GenAI Hack breaks the mould of the conventional hackathon format. Rather than rewarding polished slide decks or conceptual demonstrations, the event follows an open-category format that requires teams to develop entirely new solutions created during the event itself, fostering originality and a genuinely innovation-driven environment.

The defining principle of the hackathon is simple but powerful: "No shipping, no pitching." Every team is required to publicly launch their product during the event before they are eligible to pitch to the judges. Judges will evaluate only fully functional, live products that are accessible to the public, raising the bar and ensuring that the Maldives' first Generative AI Hackathon produces real, tangible results rather than untested concepts.

What the Leaders Say

Mirshan Hassan, Director of Brand and Marketing Communications at Dhiraagu, articulated the significance of the initiative for the Maldivian innovation ecosystem. "The rapid advancement of generative AI makes it increasingly important to actively engage communities in hands-on adoption of these technologies. This initiative reflects Dhiraagu's commitment to equipping Maldivian innovators with the tools, skills, and confidence to build, experiment, and launch AI-driven solutions in real-world settings, while supporting community-led innovation," she said.

Hussain Jinan, CEO and Co-founder of SparkHub, highlighted the global shift that inspired GenAI Hack's unique format. "Globally, founders are using AI to overcome skill gaps and dramatically accelerate product development. GenAI Hack was designed to reflect this shift by moving beyond conventional hackathons and placing emphasis on real product launches rather than conceptual demonstrations," he said.

How to Participate

GenAI Hack 2026 is open to teams of three to five members, with limited slots available on a first-come, first-served basis. Aspiring innovators and AI enthusiasts are encouraged to register early to secure their place at what promises to be a defining moment in the Maldives' journey towards becoming a confident and capable AI-powered nation.