Paystack has partnered with Google for Developers to launch the AI Builder Challenge, a two-week hackathon focused on building practical AI products for businesses. The programme aims to move AI projects beyond prototypes and into tools that address real operational needs.
Builders can either bring their own AI ideas or tackle specific problems submitted by Paystack merchants. Selected participants will receive access to Paystack APIs, partner tools, credits, mentors and office hours to develop and test working solutions ahead of Demo Day.
The challenge is open to engineers, technical builders, founders, product teams and startups. Applicants can join individually or in teams of up to three. Participation is free. The programme runs from 10 to 24 October 2026 in a hybrid format, with scheduled in-person sessions in Lagos, Nigeria. Applications close on 24 September 2026.
Paystack frames the challenge around a common gap in AI development: many projects never reach actual users. Businesses will submit everyday operational problems examples include tools for reconciling delivery payments or AI assistants that sort and route customer requests via WhatsApp. Builders working on these will gain direct insight into the problems before the build phase begins.
The organisers plan to select 50 builders. An onboarding exercise and technical workshop will precede the main build period. The challenge kicks off with an in-person opening session in Lagos on 10 October, followed by a mix of in-person and virtual build days through 22 October, culminating in Demo Day.
Winning and standout teams will receive post-demo support from Paystack. The initiative sits within a broader push by the payments company to integrate AI more deeply into business operations and payments infrastructure across its markets.
Applications are open via paystack.com/hackathon. For Nigerian and African builders looking to create AI tools with a clear path to real-world use, the challenge offers structured access to tools, mentorship and potential merchant partners.
