GDG Johannesburg presents The AI Kitchen — a MasterChef-style buildathon where developers are given a pantry of Google’s latest AI capabilities and challenged to build working solutions for real South African problems in a single day.

This is not a workshop. There are no step-by-step codelabs. You come with your skills, you get access to production-grade tools, you build with a team, and you leave with a working prototype.

The event is part of the global Google Build with AI 2026 campaign and sits under the theme: “The Human Compass: Navigating AI for Local Impact.” Every build track is anchored in a real South African challenge.

Who should apply

You need practical coding experience in at least one language. You do not need prior experience with Google AI tools — the Virtual Prep Kitchen the week before will get you set up. What you do need is to be ready to build, not just watch. This event is for developers: web, cloud, and mobile. You need practical coding experience in at least one language.

Join our waiting list as seats are limited, all applicants will be notified of the outcome.

Event Details

- Photos and videos will be taken for promotional purposes

- Park at Rosebank Mall or The Zone. Bring your parking ticket - we will validate it for free parking.

- Smart casual dress code

- Venue is BBD offices, above News Cafe opposite Proud Mary

- Must be over 18 years old

What you get

- An opportunity to monetise your skills

- Wi-Fi, Food & Refreshments

- Awesome swag

- Cloud credits are provided to every participant.

- Feedback from accelerator program experts.

THE THREE TRACKS

There are three build tracks, each rooted in a real South African problem. Track names and problem statements are released on the event day.

The three tracks are relevant to web, cloud, and mobile developers respectively. Teams of one to three people. Mixed-skill teams are encouraged and often strongest.

WHO SHOULD APPLY

This event is for intermediate-level developers: web, cloud, and mobile. You need practical coding experience in at least one language. You do not need prior experience with Google AI tools — the Virtual Prep Kitchen the week before will get you set up. You do need to be ready to build, not just watch.