June 24, 2025

Best AI Tools for Hackathons [Free + Paid]

Ever feel stuck staring at numbers, not knowing what to do next? You’re not alone. Data can be confusing, but with the right tools, it gets a whole lot easier.

Today, AI is helping people understand data faster and better. You don’t need to be a tech expert. These tools do the heavy lifting for you. Just upload your file, ask a question, and get smart answers in seconds.

In this guide, we’ll show you the Best AI tools for Hackathon that are both free and paid. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, these tools will help you save time and make better decisions.

Top 10 AI Tools for Hackathons – Overview

Here’s an overview of the top 10 AI Tools for beginners:

S.No.	Tool Name	Ease of Use	Starting Price	Website Link
1	ChatGPT (OpenAI)	Easy	$20/month	Learn More
2	GitHub Copilot	Easy	$10/month	Learn More
3	Notion AI	Easy	$10/month	Learn More
4	Figma AI	Moderate	$12/month	Learn More
5	VEED.IO / Descript	Easy	$12/month	Learn More
6	Runway ML	Moderate	$15/month	Learn More
7	Zapier + OpenAI Plugin	Moderate	$19.99/month	Learn More
8	Replit Ghostwriter	Easy	$20/month	Learn More
9	Whisper (OpenAI)	Moderate	Free	Learn More
10	Uizard	Easy	$12/month	Learn More

Top 10 Beginner-Friendly AI Tools for Hackathons

Here are the best AI tools for a Hackathon

1. ChatGPT(open AI)

ChatGPT is an AI chatbot that can generate human-like responses, write code, explain concepts, and brainstorm ideas.

It’s mainly used for rapid prototyping, debugging, content creation, and idea validation during hackathons.

Key Features:

Natural language code generation and explanation
Supports multiple programming languages
Built-in Code Interpreter (Advanced Data Analysis) in pro versions
Custom GPTs for specific use cases
Real-time chat interface and memory for context continuity

Use Cases:

Generating boilerplate code for apps
Debugging and understanding existing code quickly
Writing marketing copy, pitch content, or reports
Brainstorming project ideas and problem-solving

Ease of Use: Easy

Pricing:

Free version available with basic GPT-3.5 model
Paid plans: $20/month (≈ ₹1,665/month) for GPT-4 (Pro access with advanced tools)

Pros:

Accelerates development and content creation
Versatile tool for both tech and non-tech tasks
Easy to integrate into workflows

Cons:

May produce inaccurate code if not verified
Limited real-time collaboration
Some features (e.g., GPT-4) are paywalled

Get Started

2. GitHub Copilot

GitHub Copilot is an AI-powered code assistant that suggests code and entire functions based on comments or existing code.

It helps developers code faster and focus on logic rather than syntax during hackathons.

Key Features:

Real-time code suggestions
Supports multiple programming languages
Works inside popular IDEs like VS Code
Learns from your coding context
Converts comments into code

Use Cases:

Auto-completing code while building features
Writing functions based on problem descriptions
Reducing syntax errors
Pair programming during short hackathon timelines

Ease of Use: Easy

Pricing:

No free plan available (free trial for students via GitHub Student Pack)
Paid plans: $10/month (≈ ₹830/month) for individuals

Pros:

Speeds up coding with intelligent suggestions
Reduces repetitive coding tasks
Integrates seamlessly with IDEs

Cons:

May suggest incorrect logic
Requires internet connectivity
Not ideal for large-scale codebases

Get Started

3. Notion AI

Notion AI is an AI assistant integrated into the Notion workspace that helps write, edit, summarize, and organize content.

It’s mainly used to create fast documentation, project planning, and idea boards during hackathons.

Key Features:

Summarizes long text
Writes blogs, documentation, and meeting notes
Translates and edits text
Generates to-do lists or code snippets

Use Cases:

Creating hackathon project documentation
Writing pitches and team bios
Generating task lists and timelines
Brainstorming features or app flows

Ease of Use: Easy

Pricing:

Free plan available (with limited AI credits)
Paid plans: Starting at $10/month (≈ ₹830/month) for unlimited AI

Pros:

Boosts productivity in project management
Clean, intuitive interface
Ideal for both technical and non-technical team members

Cons:

Limited AI actions in free version
AI not always accurate with technical content
Less useful for advanced code generation

Get Started

4. Figma AI

Figma is a collaborative design tool for UI/UX that supports AI plugins to accelerate wireframing and design tasks.

It’s widely used in hackathons to create fast, high-fidelity app mockups.

Key Features:

Real-time collaboration on designs
AI plugins for layout, copy, and image generation
Auto-layout and prototyping tools
Cross-platform accessibility

Use Cases:

Creating mobile or web UI mockups
Designing logo or branding in minutes
Rapid prototyping of product ideas
Collaborative UI design across the team

Ease of Use: Moderate

Pricing:

Free plan available for individuals and small teams
Paid plans: Start at $12/month (≈ ₹1,000/month) per editor

Pros:

Highly collaborative
Massive plugin ecosystem
Great for fast prototyping

Cons:

Learning curve for new users
Requires stable internet
Limited offline support

Get Started

5. Veed.io or Descript

VEED.IO is an online AI-powered video editor that simplifies video creation with auto-subtitles, transcriptions, and templates.

Ideal for creating product demo or pitch videos in hackathons.

Key Features:

AI auto-subtitling and transcription
Text-to-video tools
Video templates and transitions
Real-time audio cleaning

Use Cases:

Making project demo videos
Adding subtitles to pitch videos
Editing quick promo content
Voiceover or screen recording for presentations

Ease of Use: Easy

Pricing:

Free version available (with watermark and limited features)
Paid plans: Start at $12/month (≈ ₹1,000/month)

Pros:

Fast video editing with AI help
No software installation needed
Beginner-friendly

Cons:

Watermarks on free version
Export times may be slow on large files
Limited advanced editing tools

Get Started

6. Runway ML

Runway ML is a creative AI tool that offers real-time video, image, and audio generation and editing.

It’s great for AR/VR projects, media apps, and creative pitches in hackathons.

Key Features:

AI video editing (background removal, style transfer)
Text-to-image and video models
Real-time collaboration
Over 30+ creative AI tools

Use Cases:

Making AI-generated visuals for app demos
Removing backgrounds or enhancing video pitches
Creating generative art projects
Prototyping creative ML apps

Ease of Use: Moderate

Pricing:

Free version available with limited features
Paid plans: Start at $15/month (≈ ₹1,250/month)

Pros:

Powerful for creative and visual projects
Intuitive drag-and-drop interface
Web-based, no heavy installs

Cons:

Resource-heavy features
Watermark in free plan
Internet-dependent for processing

Get Started

7. Zapier + OpenAI Plugin

Zapier is an automation tool that integrates OpenAI for building workflows triggered by AI-generated text.

It allows no-code builders to create smart apps, bots, or automations quickly during hackathons.

Key Features:

5000+ app integrations
Trigger actions using AI-generated inputs
No-code editor for workflow automation
ChatGPT and OpenAI integrations

Use Cases:

Building Slack bots or email responders
Creating smart lead generators
Auto-generating reports or tasks
Connecting APIs with AI triggers

Ease of Use: Moderate

Pricing:

Free version available with limited zaps
Paid plans: Start at $19.99/month (≈ ₹1,660/month)

Pros:

Great for non-coders
Fast to set up MVPs
Connects almost any tool

Cons:

Limited tasks in free tier
Complex logic may require premium
Delay in trigger/response in free version

Get Started

8. Replit Ghostwriter

Replit Ghostwriter is an AI coding assistant embedded in Replit’s cloud IDE, helping users write and debug code.

It’s ideal for hackathons due to fast cloud access and AI help.

Key Features:

Code suggestions and completions
Bug detection and explanation
Real-time collaborative coding
Multi-language support

Use Cases:

Web app development
Backend or frontend scripting
Team-based coding during hackathons
Fixing errors with AI explanation

Ease of Use: Easy

Pricing:

Free plan available (without Ghostwriter)
Paid plans: Start at $20/month (≈ ₹1,665/month) for Ghostwriter

Pros:

Great for collaborative teams
Works fully in the browser
Instant deployment for apps

Cons:

Ghostwriter not included in free tier
Basic IDE compared to VS Code
Occasional lag in larger projects

Get Started

9. Whisper by Open AI

Whisper is an AI speech-to-text model by OpenAI that transcribes audio and supports multiple languages.

It’s used in hackathons for building voice assistants or accessibility apps.

Key Features:

High-accuracy speech transcription
Multi-language support
Open-source and lightweight
Can be used offline with setup

Use Cases:

Building voice-activated tools
Adding accessibility features
Converting audio interviews to text
Integrating voice input into apps

Ease of Use: Moderate

Pricing:

Free and open-source
No paid version

Pros:

Very accurate transcription
No cost for developers
Easy integration via API or CLI

Cons:

Requires setup or programming skill
Not real-time in basic setups
No GUI – needs coding knowledge

Get Started

10. Uizard

Uizard is an AI-powered design tool that transforms wireframes, text prompts, or sketches into usable UI mockups.

It helps teams move from idea to interface within minutes.

Key Features:

Sketch-to-UI conversion
Text-to-design generation
Pre-built templates and components
Collaborative editing

Use Cases:

Designing mobile/web UI quickly
MVP design with little design knowledge
Visual prototyping of ideas
Creating user flows for demos

Ease of Use: Easy

Pricing:

Free version available with limited projects
Paid plans: Start at $12/month (≈ ₹1,000/month)

Pros:

Saves hours on UI mockups
No design skills required
Great for pitch decks and prototypes

Cons:

Limited custom styling
Not ideal for advanced design workflows
The output may need polishing in other tools

Get Started

Final Words

These best AI tools for hackathon that can change the way you work with data. Pick one that feels right for you and give it a try.

Most of them are easy to use and super helpful. You’ll be surprised how much easier data becomes when AI has your back.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the best AI tools for hackathon?

The best AI tools for hackathons include ChatGPT, GitHub Copilot, Notion AI, Figma with AI plugins, VEED.IO, Runway ML, Zapier + OpenAI, Replit Ghostwriter, Whisper, and Uizard—chosen for speed, versatility, and ease of use.

2. How can AI tools help in hackathon Projects?

AI tools help in hackathon projects by speeding up coding, generating content and UI designs, automating workflows, and simplifying video or pitch creation.

3. Are these AI tools suitable for beginners participating in hackathons?

Yes, these AI tools are beginner-friendly and designed to reduce complexity in development, design, writing, and automation tasks.

4. How do I select the best AI tool for my hackathon project?

You should select the best AI tool based on your project needs—whether it’s coding, design, writing, automation, or multimedia creation—and your comfort level with using the tool.

5. Are there free AI tools available for hackathon use?

Yes, many AI tools like ChatGPT (free tier), Replit, Figma, VEED.IO, and Uizard offer free versions suitable for hackathon use with basic features.

6. What skills do I need to start using AI tools in a hackathon?

Basic computer skills, an understanding of your project domain (e.g., web dev, design), and familiarity with prompts or simple logic are enough to start using most AI tools

7. How can I learn to use AI tools before a hackathon?

You can learn by exploring tutorials on YouTube, reading official documentation, or practicing with free versions of the tools a few days before the hackathon.

Thirumoorthy

Thirumoorthy serves as a teacher and coach. He obtained a 99 percentile on the CAT. He cleared numerous IT jobs and public sector job interviews, but he still decided to pursue a career in education. He desires to elevate the underprivileged sections of society through education