$150 Free Meta Model API Credits + $1M Hackathon Prize Pool
Meta's Global AI Developer Hackathon is a free, virtual, 10-day competition running October 26–November 4, 2026.
Every selected participant receives $150 in Meta Model API credits to build projects using Meta's AI models. Participants can work with the Muse Spark series, Muse Image, SAM 3.1, Muse Code, and Meta's open-weight models.
The event has a $1 million total cash prize pool, divided across two competition tracks: indie developers (including students) and startups. Prize money is awarded competitively, not to every participant.
Applications are open. Meta accepts applications on a rolling basis, with a maximum of 20,000 accepted applicants. The deadline is October 25, 2026, at 11:59 PM ET, but applications may close earlier if all available places are filled.
Applicants are evaluated on their proposed project's clarity and feasibility, theme relevance, and demonstrated technical skills. This is not an automatic $150 signup bonus. Applicants must be selected to participate. Meta has not yet published the complete competition rules. Exact credit expiry, activation process, payment-method requirements, minimum age, and team-size restrictions could not verify.
What happens after the deal:
Once the credits are used up, additional Meta Model API usage follows the published pay-as-you-go rates if billing is enabled. Credit expiry and whether unused credits remain available after the hackathon could not verify.
How to Claim this Deal
- 1
- 2
- 3Complete the application with your proposed AI project and details of your technical experience. GitHub, LinkedIn, or product links can help demonstrate experience but are not required.
- 4Submit your application before October 25, 2026, at 11:59 PM ET, preferably earlier because acceptance is capped at 20,000 applicants.
- 5Watch for the selection decision. Meta says applicant approval notifications will be sent by October 26, 2026, at 9:00 AM ET.
- 6If selected, review and accept the official competition rules when provided, then follow the organizer's instructions for participating and accessing the $150 API credits.
Key Benefits
- $150 in Meta Model API credits for every selected participant.
- Chance to compete for part of a $1 million cash prize pool.
- Free participation for accepted applicants.
- 10-day virtual hackathon, October 26–November 4, 2026.
- Two tracks: indie developers/students and startup founders/teams.
- Build with Muse Spark, Muse Image, SAM 3.1, Muse Code, and Meta open-weight models.
- Live technical workshops with Meta and partner teams.
- Discord office hours during the competition.
- Worldwide applications, subject to eligibility and location restrictions.
Eligibility & Requirements
| Requirements | • No credit card required |
|---|---|
| Criteria |
|
Meta develops consumer technology, AI products, social platforms, and developer infrastructure. Its developer AI platform includes Meta Model API, which provides hosted access to Muse models for agentic coding, multimodal workflows, image generation, transcription, segmentation, and other AI applications. Meta Model API is usage-based and supports familiar OpenAI- and Anthropic-compatible developer interfaces.
Common Use Cases
- Build AI assistants and autonomous agents during the Meta Global AI Developer Hackathon.
- Create and test an AI-powered startup MVP using Meta's models.
- Develop coding assistants and multi-step automation workflows.
- Build image-generation features using Muse Image.
- Create computer-vision applications with SAM 3.1.
- Use the hackathon to develop a technical portfolio project.
- Test AI integrations through OpenAI-compatible or Anthropic-compatible API interfaces.
- Compete in an individual or startup track for cash prizes.
