Amazon Web Services (AWS) today announced the launch of the AWS Breaking Barriers Challenge, a three-day multi-city hackathon where students and industry professionals will collaborate alongside AWS experts, technology partners, academic institutions and students, to address real-world challenges faced by 20 charities across healthcare innovation, sustainability solutions, and social impact by using generative artificial intelligence (AI). Winning ideas in each location will be made a reality with charities receiving up to $200,000 in AWS cloud credits and technical support.
The AWS Breaking Barriers Challenge, which takes place simultaneously in London, Manchester, and Dublin from 13-15 January 2026, is designed to empower non-profit organisations with the tools and expertise needed to harness the full potential of AI. Over 500 participants in the UK and Ireland will work in teams to create working prototypes that demonstrate both technical excellence and real-world impact using AWS’s generative AI technologies.
Specific challenges the teams will address using AI include helping Cancer Research UK build a cancer support service that provides personalised information for caregivers and patients, through to enabling FoodCloud to address inefficiencies in managing surplus food across its distribution hubs, and enabling Citizens Advice to integrate local knowledge into its service to deliver advice faster.
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.”
Participant Dan Barrett, Head of Data and AI, 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."
Participant Frankie Smith, Chief Finance and Operations Officer, 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.”
Fifteen judges across the three cities will evaluate teams based on the innovation, feasibility, and potential impact of their solutions. The judging panel includes leaders such as 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).
Winning ideas in each location will be made a reality with charities receiving up to $200,000 in AWS cloud credits and technical support.
Member of the judging panel, John Hurley, CTO, Ryanair 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."
Member of the judging panel, Steven Fry, Director of Digital & Customer Services, Salford Council, Manchester 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.”
For more information, visit the AWS Breaking Barriers AI Challenge webpage here.