Codegate Security Forum and Korea Technology Finance Corporation (KOTEC) said on the 1st they will co-host the Codegate AI Startup Hackathon for three days from July 21 to 23.
The hackathon was planned to spread a problem-solving-centered startup culture beyond simple technology implementation as the popularization of artificial intelligence (AI) has lowered the barrier to entry for coding. A feature is that participants can naturally understand and experience the importance of security during the service planning and development process.
Applications will be accepted through the Codegate website until the 8th of next month. Anyone in Korea or abroad interested in AI and startups, including planners, developers, marketers, and designers, can participate. Teams should apply with at least three and up to five members, but for individual applicants, the operations office will support team matching.
About 20 teams selected through screening will be announced on July 15. The main event will run from July 21 to 22 at Space Share Samseong Station Center, conducting planning and development (hackathon) through short-term intensive collaboration. On the final day, the 23rd, a Demo Day will showcase the final outputs, followed by judging.
Final evaluation will be based on marketability and commercialization potential, minimum viable product (MVP) completeness, problem-definition ability, and security. Notably, security accounts for 20% of the evaluation items, verifying capabilities for designing safe AI services.
Awards will be given to a total of three teams. The total prize money is 15 million won, with 10 million won for first place, 3 million won for second, and 2 million won for third.
The hackathon will be held as a side event of Codegate 2026, an international hacking defense competition and security conference. The hackathon awards ceremony will take place on July 24 alongside the awards ceremony for the Codegate capture the flag (CTF) international hacking defense competition.