AI Challenge Sri Lanka 2026 : Phase 02 AI Battle
August 23, 2026 · 3:30 AM - 8:30 AM @ Colombo 04, No. 36, De Kretser Place, Bambalapitiya,
Description
The AI Battle was Phase 2 of the AI Challenge Sri Lanka 2026, organized by AI Driven Sri Lanka under IEEE Young Professionals Sri Lanka. Held at ICBT Bambalapitiya, it was the pitch sabotage round and the first in-person stage of the challenge. The top 15 teams from Phase 1 were invited to present their solutions live at the stage to the audience. Each team had built a working prototype addressing a real-world problem aligned with a UN Sustainable Development Goal, spanning healthcare, education, disaster early warning, agriculture, business intelligence and public services. In the AI Battle, teams pitched these solutions to a panel of judges and then defended them under pressure. The pitch sabotage format went beyond a polished presentation where teams had to show that their idea, technology and impact claims held up under challenge, think on their feet, answer tough questions and respond to unexpected twists. The judging panel consisted of: Mr. Mithushan Jalangan , Co-founder and CTO, Acyndot Mr. Sanath Thusaya Hewa , Tech Lead, Zone24x7 Mr. Mihin Kariyawasam , Software Engineer, Zone24x7 Judges scored each team on: Strength of the problem definition Effective use of AI Functionality and quality of the prototype Potential social impact Clarity and confidence in the pitch and Q&A The round rewarded teams that paired engineering with clear communication and sound reasoning about their own work. The event gave young innovators a lively setting to showcase their work, learn from feedback and network with peers and industry professionals. The results determined which teams advanced to the next stage of the AI Challenge Sri Lanka 2026.
Agenda
Time Item 9:00 – 9:30 AM Registration and team check-in 9:30 – 9:50 AM Opening ceremony, welcome and briefing on the AI Battle format and rules 9:50 – 1.15 PM Team pitches and judge Q&A (Top 15 teams) 1:15 – 1:35 PM Judges' deliberation 1:35 – 1:45 PM Group Photo 1.45 - 2.00 PM Announcement of next steps and vote of thanks