AI Mobile App Hackathon · Leicester

Build a mobile app in an evening.

The Build Room is bringing an AI mobile app hackathon to Leicester, powered by Bilt.me and supported by Leicester Startups, with food and drinks sponsored by H2K Solutions Ltd!

Bilt is providing complimentary Pro-level access to its AI mobile app building platform, giving participants the tools to turn an idea into a working prototype in just one evening.

Come with an idea, a problem worth solving, or join a team to build something new. You'll have one evening to turn it into a working mobile app prototype using AI.

You don't need to be a developer. Just bring a laptop, a willingness to experiment and an interest in building something.

Come solo or in a team of up to four. We recommend forming teams in advance so you can spend more time building on the night. Approved attendees will be invited to our optional WhatsApp group to meet other builders, share ideas and find teammates.

New to AI app building? We'll also run an optional online beginner session before the event to introduce Bilt and help everyone get started.

THE CHALLENGE

Choose one of two tracks:

Open Build: Build whatever mobile app you like. Bring an idea or come up with something on the night.

Startup Challenge: Tackle a real business problem from Leicester's startup community. Build an MVP that demonstrates how your idea could solve it.

The goal isn't a polished, finished product. It's to build something that works, learn along the way and see what's possible.

NEW TO AI APP BUILDING?

No problem! We'll run an optional online beginner session before the event to introduce Bilt, explain the format and help you get your account set up.

We'll share the details with registered attendees. You don't need an idea, a team or previous hackathon experience.

RUNNING ORDER

18:00 · Doors open, check-in and Team formation

18:15 · Welcome, challenges and judging criteria

18:30 · Building begins

20:15 · Submissions close

20:15 to 20:45 · Judges review submissions and select finalists

20:45 · Selected teams demo their apps

21:15 · Final judging and winners

21:30 · Close

JUDGING

Projects will be evaluated on practical value, creativity and execution.

Judges will review submissions and select a shortlist of teams to demonstrate their apps in front of everyone.

You don't need to be an experienced developer to do well. We're looking for interesting ideas and what you've managed to build during the evening.

WHAT TO BRING

A laptop and charger

An idea, if you have one

A willingness to experiment

FOOD & DRINK SPONSOR

A big thank you to H2K Solutions Ltd for supporting our first Leicester AI hackathon and helping keep the evening free and accessible to everyone.

H2K is sponsoring food and refreshments so our builders can stay fuelled, connect with others and focus on bringing their ideas to life.

We're delighted to have their support for Leicester's growing AI and startup community!

When: Wednesday 18 November 2026

Time: 18:00-21:30

Where: Canopy, Leicester

Entry: Free, with limited places and registration approval

Bilt Pro credits: Included for the event

Come with an idea. Leave with something you've built.