🚀 IBM Z Sheridan – BYTE: Enterprise AI Hackathon

TMU Tech Week 2026

IBM Z Sheridan BYTE is a two-day in-person hackathon designed to introduce students to enterprise computing, AI, and scalable systems thinking.

Enterprise systems power banks, healthcare, airlines, governments, and global infrastructure. These systems must be secure, reliable, and scalable.

In this hackathon, participants will design and prototype AI-powered solutions inspired by real-world enterprise challenges.

🎯 The Challenge

Build a solution that:

• Uses AI to solve a meaningful real-world problem
• Demonstrates enterprise thinking (scale, reliability, security)
• Aligns with one or more UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

You do NOT need prior mainframe experience. Think enterprise-scale.

📅 Event Schedule

February 18–19, 2026
5:00 PM – 9:00 PM EST
Sheldon & Tracy Levy Student Learning Centre
Toronto, ON

Day 1:
• Welcome & Enterprise AI overview
• Team formation
• Hackathon kickoff

Day 2:
• Hacking continues
• Live demos
• Judging & awards

 

Submission Deadline

🗓 February 20

⏰ 5:00 PM EST

All projects must be submitted on Devpost by this time.

Devpost Link: https://ibm-z-sheridan-byte-tmu.devpost.com/�

 

🔹 Judging Window

February 20, 5:00 PM EST

→ February 21, 11:00 AM EST

 

Judges will review:

• GitHub repo

• Demo video (2–3 mins)

• SDG alignment explanation

• Enterprise thinking

 

📌 What to Submit on Devpost

* GitHub repository

* Clear project description

* UN SDG(s) supported + explanation

* Short demo video (2–3 minutes)

* Live demo during presentation

🌍 Why Participate?

• Gain real enterprise problem-solving experience
• Build a resume-ready project
• Network with industry professionals
• Compete for recognition awards

 

IBM Z powers 70% of global transactions.
Now it’s your turn to build what enterprise runs on.

Requirements

 

What to Build

Build scalable AI solutions inspired by enterprise systems that power healthcare, public services, and global infrastructure.

What to Submit

Teams must submit:

• A GitHub repository link
• A clear project description
• Identification of the UN SDG(s) supported and explanation
• A short demo video (2–3 minutes)
• Live demo presentation during judging

Projects must be built during the hackathon period.

Incomplete submissions may not be eligible for prizes.

Hackathon Sponsors

Prizes

5 non-cash prizes
Enterprise Innovation Award - 1st Place
1 winner

First place team will receive official IBM Z Sheridan Gold Certificates, featured recognition at the TMU Tech Week Closing Ceremony, LinkedIn spotlight, and a 1:1 coffee chat with an IBM industry professional: Lucas Sahn - IBM Z Skills Program Manager - NA Skills Leader

Emerging Technologist Award - 3rd Place
1 winner

Bronze Certificates and official recognition on IBM Z Sheridan social platforms.

Enterprise Builder Award - 2nd Place
1 winner

Silver Certificates, LinkedIn recognition, and group coffee chat with Lucas Sahn - IBM Z Skills Program Manager - NA Skills Leader. Feature on IBM Z Sheridan social platforms.

SDG Impact Award
1 winner

Blue Certificate awarded to the team whose solution best aligns with and advances a United Nations Sustainable Development Goal through ethical and sustainable innovation.

Feature on UNSA Sheridan and IBM Z Sheridan social platforms.

Most Liked Submission
1 winner

Awarded to the team whose project received the highest number of verified Devpost likes during the official voting period.

This award recognizes:

-Strong community engagement
-Effective storytelling and presentation
-Ability to generate excitement and support around their idea

Green Certificates and official recognition on IBM Z Sheridan social platforms.

Devpost Achievements

Submitting to this hackathon could earn you:

Judges

Asma Ahmed

Asma Ahmed
IBM Z Sheridan - President, IBM Z Student Ambassador, Founder @ LegalAssist

Musaddiq Ali

Musaddiq Ali
Orion Innovation UK & IBM Z Student Ambassador

Harry Katumba

Harry Katumba
UNSA Sheridan President - Python Programmer, Linux Power User and Web programmer

Gulsher Cheema

Gulsher Cheema
Former VP of IBM Z Sheridan & Former IBM Z Student Ambassador

Anuj Jaitly

Anuj Jaitly
IBM - Partner, Hybrid Cloud & Data Transformation

Saumya Ahuja

Saumya Ahuja
IBM - Client Engineering Lead & AI Engineering Lead - ASEAN

Judging Criteria

  • Completeness & Feasibility (5 Points)
    How complete is the prototype? Is the solution technically feasible and clearly thought out? Does it demonstrate a working proof of concept?
  • Innovation & Creativity (5 Points)
    How original is the idea? Does it apply AI or enterprise thinking in a unique or impactful way?
  • Enterprise Thinking (5 Points)
    Does the solution demonstrate understanding of scalability, reliability, and security? Could this realistically function in a high-volume enterprise environment?
  • Design & Usability (5 Points)
    Is the user experience clear and intuitive? Would real users be able to adopt this solution easily?
  • Sustainability & Societal Impact (5 Points)
    Does the solution address a real-world issue and support long-term sustainability? Does it align with one or more UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)? Can it create ethical, responsible, and scalable impact?

Questions? Email the hackathon manager

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