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UN Human Rights
Call for Code AI
Austin AI Hub
Call for Code AI: United Against Trafficking

United Against Trafficking.

A global hackathon calling on developers, designers, artists, and advocates to build AI that combats human trafficking — built with and for the communities it serves.

May 1 – July 30, 2026 Global Hybrid 100th Anniversary · 1926 Slavery Convention
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4
Challenge tracks
7
Weeks to build
Free
To participate
Yours
You own your IP
Challenge Tracks

Choose one track.

All share the same mission: using AI to combat human trafficking.

Track 1

Anticipate & Disrupt.

Agentic AI systems that detect trafficking activity and disrupt the networks behind it — with human oversight at every decision point.

  • Real-time pattern detection across digital platforms and social networks
  • Supply chain monitoring and forced-labor risk identification
  • Financial flow analysis and trafficking network mapping
  • Privacy-preserving intelligence architectures
Example: An AI agent that monitors recruitment posts across job boards and social platforms in 40+ languages, flagging coercive language patterns and fake recruiter networks before they reach potential victims.
Track 2

Assist & Amplify.

AI systems that center survivor dignity from crisis response through recovery — designed with and governed by the communities they serve.

  • Survivor-facing navigation and resource platforms
  • Trauma-informed AI interfaces built with survivor-serving organizations
  • Case management and frontline coordination tools
  • Identity-protection systems for cross-organization collaboration
Example: A trauma-informed, multilingual assistant that helps survivors navigate shelter, legal aid, and healthcare resources — designed with survivor-serving organizations from day one.
Track 3

Accountability & Justice.

AI systems that strengthen the path from evidence to prosecution — augmenting human judgment across legal and institutional workflows.

  • Legal evidence analysis and cross-jurisdictional case pattern identification
  • Documentation and evidentiary workflow acceleration
  • Cross-border coordination platforms for law enforcement and legal advocates
  • Survivor-centered testimony and witness-protection tools
Example: A cross-jurisdictional evidence correlator that helps prosecutors and investigators connect trafficking cases across state and international lines — turning months of manual work into a guided review.
Special recognition

Art Against Trafficking.

Open to participants across all tracks. Awarded for outstanding creative use of AI to humanize the fight against trafficking through storytelling, generative media, and public engagement.

  • Survivor-informed narrative experiences
  • Generative media that raises awareness responsibly
  • Interactive public-engagement projects
  • Responsible, consent-first artistic AI workflows
Example: An interactive, survivor-informed data visualization that lets the public explore trafficking patterns anonymously — making invisible networks visible without retraumatizing victims.

Not sure? Pick the one that best describes your primary focus. Art Against Trafficking is available across all tracks.

Key Dates

Timeline.

Three months. Four phases. One mission.

MAY 1

Registration Opens

Sign up on the platform.

JUN 11

Hackathon Launch

Submissions open.

MID-JUN

Judges Announced

Meet the panel.

JUL 9

Submission Deadline

11:59 PM CT.

JUL 9 – 18

Technical Review

Code, originality & ethics rubric.

JUL 18 – 27

Panel Judging

Impact, feasibility & survivor-centered design.

~ JUL 27

Winners Notified

Privately, ahead of the ceremony.

JUL 30

Awards Ceremony

Capital Factory + Virtual.

Step by Step

How to Participate.

Five steps from idea to impact.

01

Register

Sign up on the hackathon platform. Every team member registers individually.

02

Learn

Review the resources and guidelines. Join the Discord for questions and support.

03

Build

4 weeks. Any language, framework, or AI platform. No required tech stack.

04

Submit

Submit your project before the deadline. See requirements in the Guidelines.

05

Post-Hackathon

Top teams join the AI Hub Incubator — a 6-month mentorship program.

New to hackathons?

You belong here.

A thoughtful, well-scoped idea that works beats an ambitious concept that doesn't.

Free & open worldwide ~2 minutes to register Solo or team of up to 5
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FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions.

Do I need a team to participate?

No — you can compete solo or in a team of up to five. You can also register as "looking for teammates" and we'll help connect you via Discord.

Can my team submit more than one project?

Only one submission per team. Individuals can only be listed on a single team.

Do I need to know how to code?

No. Designers, researchers, policy experts, artists, and advocates are all welcome — especially in Assist & Amplify and Art Against Trafficking.

Can I start before June 11?

You can research and ideate anytime. Implementation must happen between June 11 and July 9.

I'm not in Austin. Can I participate?

Yes — this is a global hybrid hackathon. Register as a virtual participant.

Can I use pre-built AI models?

Yes. You may use any language, framework, or AI platform. Follow the ethical use guidelines in the rules document.

Is there a cost?

No — participation is free.

How does judging work?

Two stages. Stage 1 is a technical review of every valid submission (July 9–18). The top shortlisted projects advance to stage 2 panel judging (July 18–27) with judges from AI, anti-trafficking, and policy backgrounds.

How do I find teammates?

Join the Discord and tell us what you're good at. Lots of people are looking for collaborators.

What happens after the hackathon?

Winning teams enter a 6-month mentorship and pilot pathway — moving projects from prototype to responsible deployment.

Meet Our Judges

Expert panel.

Judges from AI, anti-trafficking, and business/policy backgrounds will be announced in mid-June.

Become a Judge.

Help evaluate hackathon submissions. Technical review: July 9–18, 2026. Panel review: July 18–27, 2026.

Apply to Judge Judge sign-in →
Submissions

Submit your project.

Deadline: July 9, 2026, 11:59 PM CT.

Start your submission
Safety & Code of Conduct

Survivor-centered & respectful.

We follow UN Do No Harm principles. All participants, judges, and reviewers agree to our Code of Conduct, which prohibits harassment, discrimination, and intimidation.

Read the Code of Conduct

Report a Concern.

Reports are confidential. Email team@austinaihub.org or use the Discord #report channel.

Violations can be reported confidentially at any time during or after the hackathon.