Catalyze talent
Mentor and evaluate the next generation of AI safety researchers, engineers, and policy professionals from underrepresented regions.
The Global South AI Safety Challenge
An international hackathon convened by Apart Research and AI Safety Mexico. It brings together researchers, builders, and policy professionals from Latin America, Africa, and Asia to produce concrete work in AI safety, anchored in regional context.
Registration is open for participants and collaborators.
Collaborator deadline: May 23, 2026.
The mission
What is this hackathon?
An intensive weekend to develop prototypes, evaluations, and governance proposals in AI safety, connecting the Global South community with international researchers and mentors.
Organized by Apart Research and AI Safety Mexico as the regional partner, this initiative decentralizes AI governance and technical research, elevating local expertise onto the global stage.
AI safety cannot be solved from a single region. The Global South brings irreplaceable context, expertise, and perspectives to this conversation.
Why it matters
Why collaborate?
Four reasons this hackathon is relevant to those working on AI safety and governance.
Solve real problems
Support solutions grounded in regional challenges: AI safety, governance, and accountability across the Global South.
Decentralize the conversation
Help move the global AI safety agenda beyond a handful of institutions, toward a genuinely international ecosystem.
Build visibility
Connect with researchers, founders, and policymakers across three continents and gain presence in a growing international initiative.
Collaboration roles
How you can contribute
There are multiple ways to join the event, from one-off mentoring to institutional sponsorship.
Judges
Evaluate projects and provide expert feedback. Ideal for researchers, engineers, and policy professionals with AI safety experience.
Mentors
Share knowledge on AI responsibility, safety, and governance in the Global South across the weekend.
Speakers
Deliver short talks or workshops on AI safety topics. Broaden the conceptual and practical toolkit of participants.
Volunteers
Support coordination, logistics, and participant experience at the in-person hubs (Mérida and Guadalajara) and in the remote format.
Sponsors
Fund prizes, venues, or ecosystem development. Gain prominent visibility in an international AI safety initiative.
Event snapshot
Save the date
Three essentials for planning your participation.
- Format
- Primarily remote, with in-person hubs in Mérida and Guadalajara, Mexico.
- Dates
- June 19–21, 2026. Three intensive days in parallel across Latin America, Africa, and Asia.
- Prizes
- 3,000 USD prize pool: three winning teams in Latin America will each receive 1,000 USD.
Apart Fellowship
Beyond the hackathon
The top teams from every global hub will be invited to the Apart Fellowship: a pipeline of emerging AI safety talent with continuing mentorship, research opportunities, and professional support.
Support the future of AI safety in the Global South
Join us in building safer, more contextualized AI systems by supporting the next generation of researchers, builders, and policymakers across three continents.
Get in touch to collaborate