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Hack the Future: Build What’s Next with AI

What is Hack the future?

At Catalyst, we believe AI is unlocking a golden age of entrepreneurship. Northern Ireland has a chance to leapfrog, not catch up, by leading the world in building AI-Driven Enterprises (AIDEs).

We’re kicking things off with ‘Hack the Future’, a new platform bringing developers, founders, designers, and dreamers together to imagine, test, and launch bold new AI-powered ideas.

This Isn’t Just a Hackathon

We’re not locked into one format. This could be hackathons, build sprints, labs, or something else entirely. What matters is momentum, and we’re starting by building community.

Who We’re Looking For:

Developers, designers, founders, and technologists who:

  • Are curious about AI
  • Have big ideas (or want to find one)
  • Want to meet others building the future

Whether you’re a dev, a dreamer, or both, if the idea of shaping NI’s AI future excites you, we want you in.

 

First Event: Save the Date

📍 Catalyst, Belfast
📅 Wednesday-Thursday: 23-24 July 2025
🕙 Evenings

This will be our first community gathering, part build, part conversation, part spark. What we create next will be shaped by the people who show up.

Register Your Interest

Help us design the experience.
Get early access to events, resources, and updates.
Join the movement to build AI-Driven Enterprises in Northern Ireland.

FAQs

  • What is a Catalyst Hackathon

    Catalyst’s new AI innovation platform designed to bring together developers, designers, founders, and creatives to explore how AI can power the next wave of startups in Northern Ireland. It’s not just a hackathon — it’s a space to test, learn, and shape what comes next.

  • Who should register?

    Anyone curious about AI and entrepreneurship, especially:

    • Anyone dreaming of building something new with AI
    • Founders, freelancers, and students in tech
    • Developers and engineers

    • Designers and product thinkers

  • Is this a hackathon?

    Not exactly. We’re starting with a build-focused community event, but the format is still open. Think of it as a testbed for AI-driven startup activity. What we do next will be shaped by your ideas, feedback, and energy.

  • What happens when I register?

    You’ll:

    • Join our early-access list for Hack the Future events and updates

    • Be invited to share what you want from future AI experiences

    • Help shape a new AI-powered community in Northern Ireland

  • Why is Catalyst doing this?

    AI represents a once-in-a-generation leap, and we believe Northern Ireland can lead, not follow. By empowering the next wave of AI entrepreneurs (AIDEs), we can spark new ventures, skills, and energy across the region.

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