GDG on Campus IE University
Apr 13-27, 2026
Build With AI · Spring 2026
Tech Roulette Challenge
A 2-week build challenge where teams create technically grounded AI projects based on a randomly assigned wildcard theme.
Event flow
- Spin a wildcard topic at kickoff.
- Build something strange but technically real.
- Present it live on final demo day.
- Dates April 13-27
- Format 2-week challenge
- Team size 3-5 participants
- Participants 50-100 expected
Challenge format
Wildcard format details
How teams get their prompt, how winners are judged, and how solo builders are placed.
Kickoff mechanic
Every team gets one random theme, then builds their own interpretation.
The wheel decides the creative constraint, not the stack. Teams can still choose the tools, technical scope, and level of ambition that fits their idea.
- Spin once Each team gets a single live draw at kickoff.
- Build freely The topic is a theme only, not a product or architecture prescription.
Judging
Two ways to win, depending on whether the edge is concept or execution.
- Best Presentation and Idea Creative concept, polished absurdity, and a memorable pitch.
- Best Developed Solution Strong build quality, clean execution, and technical mastery.
Team setup
Mixed-skill teams are encouraged, and solo participants are matched at kickoff.
- Balanced teams Best mix: CS, business, design, and beginner talent in the same group.
- Solo participants Anyone joining alone is grouped into a team during the opening session.
Roadmap: April 13-27
Five checkpoints across the kickoff, sprint weeks, mid-point review, and final demo.
Monday
Apr 13
Team formation, wheel spinning and workshops
Venue: Rooms 8.02-8.04, followed by food & networking.
Week 1
Apr 14-19
Optional evening workshops, mentor office hours and async building
Venue: Distributed / async.
Monday
Apr 20
Progress demos, feedback and blockers session
Venue: IE venue or online.
Week 2
Apr 21-26
Final sprint with continued workshops
Milestone: Code freeze at 12:00 on Apr 27.
Monday
Apr 27
Presentations, judging and awards ceremony
Venue: Google Office. Followed by food.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a team before kickoff?
No. Solo participants are matched with others at the Day 1 kickoff.
Can we pick any tech stack?
Yes. The wildcard is a theme, not a technical requirement, so teams choose their own stack.
Who should participate?
Mixed teams work best: CS, business, design, and curious beginners are all welcome.
What does "winning" mean here?
Teams can win for creative presentation and idea quality, or for strongest technical execution and code quality.
Stay connected
Follow updates, ask questions, and coordinate with mentors and teams in real time.