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Think. Build. Innovate | HSO + Microsoft AI Hackathon 2026
Work side by side with Microsoft and HSO specialists to design, build, and showcase AI solutions that deliver value.
When
January 15 - 16
Time
9:00 AM
Location
HSO Manchester Office
Join us for the HSO + Microsoft AI Hackathon. A two-day innovation sprint designed to turn your AI concepts into working solutions. You’ll work with Microsoft and HSO technical experts and use the power of Azure AI to build tangible – and value-focused – AI solutions. By the end of the 2-day sprint, your team will walk away with three outcomes:
- A clearly defined AI use case
- A functional prototype powered by Azure AI
- A practical roadmap to bring your solution into production.
Whether you’re exploring a new idea, tackling a technical challenge, or looking to streamline business operations through AI, this hands-on hackathon will help you turn your goals into results.
What you'll create
With guidance from our AI specialists, your project could:
- Automate time-consuming or complex workflows to boost productivity.
- Build AI-driven knowledge systems to improve decision-making.
- Create conversational AI tools that improve customer interactions.
If you don’t have a fully formed concept yet, don’t worry, our team can help you shape and scope your project before the event. You’ll have the option to work with your own data or anonymised datasets to test and refine your ideas.
Why participate?
- Validate and de-risk your ideas before investing in full-scale implementation.
- Get hands-on technical support from Microsoft and HSO experts who can help you overcome challenges and accelerate progress.
- Network with other innovators, share ideas, and gain new perspectives on AI adoption.
Event information
The AI Hackathon is free to attend. We’ll provide:
- On-site technical mentors from Microsoft and HSO.
- A dedicated workspace in HSOs Manchester office to keep your team productive.
- Breakfast, lunch, and refreshments across both days.
Ideal teams consist of 3–5 members with a mix of business and technical skills, such as:
- Developers to bring concepts to life.
- Business leads familiar with the challenges
- Project managers to align solutions to business capabilities
Submit your desire to participate by December 12th 2025, to reserve your spot. We’ll then be in touch to finalise the practical details.