Ryze AI Hack – build apps with only on-device ≤500M models

Ryze AI announced a 4-week virtual hackathon challenging developers to build applications powered entirely by on-device AI models with 500 million parameters or fewer, with no cloud inference APIs allowed. The winner receives a prize, while all participants get a certificate and gallery feature. Projects must be in a public GitHub repo created after Sep 10, 2026, and include a specific README line to qualify.

A 4-week virtual hackathon. Build an application powered entirely by on-device AI models with 500 million parameters or fewer — no cloud APIs. One project wins everything. Plus a certificate and gallery feature for all participants. We’re looking for projects that show what’s possible with small, on-device AI. Solve a problem that actually exists—something where running AI locally makes the solution faster, cheaper, more private, more accessible, or simply possible—or use small models in a genuinely creative way we haven’t seen before. We want thoughtful applications, clever engineering, and ideas that feel authentic rather than AI bolted onto a project just for the sake of it. The model doesn’t have to be impressive. What you do with it does. Every model you use must fit this cap. You can use multiple models Models run in your app. No OpenAI, Anthropic, or inference APIs. Non-AI APIs are fine. Desktop, mobile, browser, edge device — anything goes. Winner takes all. Every participant gets a certificate and a spot in our gallery. Virtual event — all times UTC. Repos must be created after Sep 10, 2026 to qualify. Read these before you start — they determine whether you're accepted. Every AI model you use must have ≤500M parameters. Multiple models are fine, as long as each is under the cap. Models must run locally inside your app. No OpenAI, Anthropic, Google, or inference APIs. Non-AI APIs are fine. Your project must live in a public GitHub repo created after Sep 10 with a README whose first line is: This project was submitted to the ryze.ai hackathon by NAME OF SUBMITTER . As long as this line is present and compliant, your project is accepted. Everyone must join our Discord server https://discord.gg/qSVCXpjNC to get updates and instructions.