The AWS Breaking Barriers Challenge, led by Amazon Web Services (AWS), will convene more than 500 participants across London, Manchester, and Dublin from January 13 to 15, 2026 for a three-day, multi-city event designed to help charities solve real-world problems using generative AI.
A total of 20 charities will benefit from the competition, with winning ideas in each city set to receive up to $200,000 in AWS cloud credits and technical support to turn their prototype ideas into reality.
Alison Kay, Vice President, UK & Ireland at Amazon Web Services, said: “We believe AI is one of the most transformational technologies of our time, with the potential to solve some of our most pressing challenges.
“We’re proud to bring together technology companies, academic institutions, and students from across the UK and Ireland to help charities to overcome technical barriers and harness the full potential of AI to deliver real-world impact.”
The hackathon will see students, industry professionals, AWS experts, technology partners, and academics work together in teams to develop practical AI-powered solutions.
Charities taking part include Cancer Research UK, Citizens Advice, Bookmark Reading Charity, and FoodCloud.
Dan Barrett, Head of Data and AI at Citizens Advice, said: “We believe AI can help our advisers focus on what matters most – helping those who come to us for help, whoever they are, whatever their problem.
“By participating in the AWS Breaking Barriers Challenge, we’re exploring how to give advisers faster, easier access to the information they need, so they can spend more time supporting the people who need us most.”
Cancer Research UK will explore how to use AI to build a cancer support service that provides personalised information for caregivers and patients, while FoodCloud is looking to address inefficiencies in managing surplus food across its distribution hubs.
The hackathon will also support Citizens Advice in integrating local knowledge into its service to deliver advice faster.
Judges will assess the teams’ entries based on innovation, feasibility, and potential impact.
Frankie Smith, Chief Finance and Operations Officer at Bookmark Reading Charity, said: “Living in a country where 1 in 4 children are leaving primary school unable to read at the expected standard is creating barriers for the most disadvantaged in society.
“These barriers can be overcome if children have access to the resources, tools and activities to develop a joy for reading.
“By taking part in the AWS Breaking Barriers Challenge we can rise to the challenge to meet schools’ demand for children across the country who need support.
“The power of AI gives us the opportunity to tackle literacy challenges, particularly in disadvantaged communities, by providing access to reading, and that is what is so exciting about what the project teams will be solving during the hackathon.”
Among the 15 judges are John Hurley, CTO of Ryanair; Maggie Philin, CEO of TeenTech; Steven Fry, Director of Digital & Customer Service at Salford Council, Manchester; Graça Carvalho, Director, University College London, Centre for Digital Innovation; and John Barry, Director of Major Strategic Partnerships at University College Dublin (UCD).
Mr Hurley said: “This hackathon represents an incredible opportunity to push the boundaries of innovation and collaboration.
“I’m excited to see teams tackle real-world challenges with creativity and technical excellence, showcasing solutions that can make a tangible impact.
“My hope is that participants leave with not only new skills but also a sense of empowerment and confidence to drive change in their respective fields.”
Mr Fry said: “I’m proud to be judging the AWS Breaking Barriers Challenge because it puts social impact at the heart of technology, not as an afterthought.
“I’m hoping to see teams design solutions that genuinely remove barriers, amplify underserved voices, and improve access to services in the real world.
“Most of all, I want participants to leave believing that technology, when applied with empathy and intent, can be a powerful force for equity and positive change.”
