FortyGuard Launches Global AI Hackathon Focused on Climate Innovation

Projects must be submitted by August 17, 2026.

By Entrepreneur Middle East Staff | Jul 23, 2026

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FortyGuard, an Abu Dhabi-based environmental technology startup, has announced the launch of FortyGuard Hackathon’26, a free global virtual hackathon inviting developers, researchers, students, designers, and climate innovators from around the world to build artificial intelligence (AI) solutions that tackle real-world climate challenges using hyperlocal temperature intelligence.

Running from August 3-17, 2026, the two-week event is open to individuals as well as teams of up to three members, with no prior climate expertise required. Participants will compete across four challenge tracks—AI Agents, Predictive Models, Dashboards, and Interactive Maps—developing solutions for resilient cities and infrastructure, future buildings and energy, industrial operations, and government and environmental applications.

Participants can choose to compete in one challenge track or combine multiple tracks to develop original solutions.

A total prize pool of US$6,000 will be awarded, including US$3,000 for first place, US$2,000 for second, and US$1,000 for third. In addition to cash prizes, participants will receive free access to FortyGuard’s Temperature API, trial credits, developer resources, technical support, mentorship from industry leaders, and certificates of completion. Top-performing teams will also gain access to internship opportunities, incubation pathways, and exposure through FortyGuard’s partner network.

The hackathon is powered by FortyGuard’s NVIDIA-recognized Temperature API, which provides hyperlocal urban temperature intelligence measured two meters above ground, allowing participants to build AI applications using real-world environmental data. The technology is designed to support practical use cases across cities, infrastructure, energy, and public safety, enabling participants to create solutions aimed at reducing heat risk, improving urban resilience, and supporting more informed operational and planning decisions.

Designed for both experienced AI professionals and first-time builders, the hackathon aims to encourage participants to develop practical AI applications that address climate resilience challenges using production-ready temperature intelligence and real-time data.

Registration opened on July 20, with the build sprint taking place from August 3-17. Projects must be submitted by August 17, followed by judging from August 18-31, with winners set to be announced on September 1. Click HERE to learn more and register.

Participants can choose to compete in one challenge track or combine multiple tracks to develop original solutions.