THE DROIDSSTRIKE BACK
AI & ROBOTICS HACKATHON
Build AI agents for robotics — in simulation, hardware, or both. A full day of intelligent systems and innovation.
Afore Capital Pre-Seed Program
$500K–$2M+ in Funding
Exceptional robotics teams may be considered for pre-seed investment
Hardware optional • Software & Sim tracks • Expert mentorship
$10,000+ Prize Pool
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In partnership with
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Brought to You By Leaders
Leading organizations in AI and venture capital
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About the Challenge
Robotics ChallengeEpisode II
Episode II brings AI agents to robotics. Build intelligent systems in simulation, on real hardware, or both. From reinforcement learning to vision models — create robots that sense, think, and act.
AI for Robotics
Build intelligent agents that navigate, manipulate objects, and make decisions — in simulation or on real hardware.
Perception & Planning
Implement vision systems, path planning, and decision-making algorithms for robotic applications.
Software or Hardware
Choose your path: simulate with Isaac Sim, MuJoCo, or PyBullet, or build with physical components.
🤖 Hardware Track
Build with physical robots! Arduino, Raspberry Pi, sensors, and actuators provided. Bring your AI to life with real-world hardware.
💻 Software/Sim Track
Build pure software solutions! Use simulation environments, digital twins, or AI agents for robotics. No hardware required.
Hackathon Series
Our AI Events
Join us for cutting-edge AI hackathons that push the boundaries of innovation
Droids Strike Back
Build AI agents for robotics — in simulation, hardware, or both
Key Highlights
- •$10,000+ in prizes
- •Hardware & software tracks
- •Expert mentorship
- •$500K-$2M+ funding opportunities
A New Agent
Our inaugural AI agent hackathon that brought together 200+ builders
Key Highlights
- •Autonomous AI systems
- •Pre-seed funding opportunities
- •Industry expert judges
- •Innovative AI solutions
Future Event
The next chapter in our AI hackathon series
Key Highlights
- •Details coming soon
- •Sign up for updates
- •Be the first to know
Stay Updated
Get notified about upcoming hackathons and AI events. Join our community of 1,000+ builders.
Join AI Valley CommunityEvent Timeline
Mission Timeline
November 22, 2025 • San Francisco, CA
Event Schedule
Saturday, November 22
Rewards & Recognition
Robotics Prizes
$10,000+ Prize Pool - Hardware, Software & Simulation Tracks
Afore Capital Pre-Seed Program
Beyond cash prizes, exceptional teams (hardware or software) may be considered for
Transform your AI robotics innovation into a funded startup with backing from Silicon Valley's premier early-stage fund — regardless of your chosen track.
1st Place
Plus robotics kit or cloud credits & mentorship
2nd Place
Plus API credits & workspace access
3rd Place
Plus cloud credits & AI platform access
Expert Panel
Judges & Mentors
Expert judges from robotics, AI, and venture capital will evaluate your creations
Judges Coming Soon
We're assembling an elite panel of robotics engineers, AI researchers, hardware experts, and venture capitalists to evaluate your innovations.
Robotics Experts
Leaders in autonomous systems and hardware
AI Researchers
Pioneers in computer vision and control systems
VCs & Founders
Investors focused on robotics startups
Check back soon for the full lineup announcement
Your Questions Answered
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about the robotics hackathon