"We Don't Consider Educational Background" ... SK hynix to Host AI Hackathon with KRW 100 Million in Total Prize Money

[Financial News] SK hynix announced on the 21st that it will host the SK hynix AI Hackathon 2026, which assesses participants' problem-solving abilities using artificial intelligence (AI) rather than their alma mater, major, or GPA.
The competition, which offers KRW 100 million in total prize money, will accept applications through a dedicated website from the 21st through the 28th. Development experience is not a separate eligibility requirement.
The hackathon is designed to identify job-ready talent based on actual AI capabilities instead of standardized academic credentials.
The competition will consist of two online preliminary rounds and an in-person final. The online preliminaries will assess participants' basic AI application skills and AI literacy. A range of assessment tools will be used, including Cofa-Probe, Krafton's AI-native hiring and assessment solution developed with OpenAI as a partner, to comprehensively evaluate participants' ability to define problems, use AI, and verify results.
The final will take place on November 11 at COEX in Samseong-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul. A judging panel made up of experts in AI and semiconductors will select the winners based on a comprehensive assessment of AI-based evaluation results, participants' problem-solving processes, and their final submissions.
All finalists will receive AI competency certificates regardless of whether they win an award. Participants who demonstrate outstanding abilities may also be offered a fast-track opportunity when applying for future positions at SK hynix.
An AI trends seminar featuring practitioners from SK hynix, OpenAI, and Krafton will also be held on the day of the final. The seminar will be open to the general public, and details such as how to attend will be provided on the competition website.
A SK hynix official said, "This hackathon was designed to allow participants to demonstrate how they actually use AI and solve problems, regardless of their alma mater or major," adding, "We hope it will give participants from diverse backgrounds an opportunity to take on new challenges and assess their abilities."
[email protected] Park Ji-yeon Reporter