Buildathon
Where Ideas Turn into Prototypes
18-20 Jan, 2026
For international nomads and local Thai talent to brainstorm and build innovative solutions
Co-organised with
Supported by
What is it
The Buildathon is all about bringing ideas to life in an inspiring, fast-paced environment. Think of it as a playground for ideas—small teams working together, combining skills, and creating something amazing in a short amount of time. We’re hosting it as part of Nomad Summit to give participants a chance to pitch ideas, form teams, and go from concept to prototype. Every skill is needed—whether it’s tech, design, marketing, project management, storytelling, research, or simply bringing fresh ideas and energy to the table. Just show up, work together, and create something cool. Plus, we’re inviting local (Thai) entrepreneurs and tech talent to join in, so it’s a great chance to connect, collaborate, and bring two worlds together.
How it works?
Pre-registration
Sign up and let us know your skills or pitch an idea you’d like to work on. Our mission is to maximise the impact, that is why we are inviting local (Thai) entrepreneurs to join as well, making this a truly global collaboration.
Pitch Ideas and Form Teams (18th Jan @ 2:45 pm)
On Sunday, participants pitch their ideas in quick, 90-second sessions. Everyone then gathers to form diverse teams, combining skills to tackle the most exciting concepts. Don’t worry—facilitators will help you find the right match.
Pre-buildathon vibe coding workshop (19th Jan)
The teams meet again for an informal, hands-on session focused on building without pressure. You’ll explore ideas, experiment with tools, and start prototyping in a relaxed, collaborative setting. .
Building day and Mentorship (20th Jan @ 9.30am-7pm)
The teams meet again on Tuesday. You’ll join workshops on customer discovery, rapid prototyping, and pitching techniques. Mentors will guide your team through the process of validating and refining your idea.
Pitch to the Jury (20th Jan)
Wrap up by presenting your prototype to the jury in a final pitch session. Impress them with your idea and execution for a chance to win prizes and recognition!
Themes
Local-to-Global Products
Build products that solve problems in Chiang Mai or Thailand, but have the potential to scale globally.
Nomad × Thai Collaboration
Ideas that foster collaboration between Nomads and Thais — from hiring and communication to building strong hybrid teams.
Jazz, Music & Chiang Mai’s Creative Soul
Showcase Chiang Mai’s unique creativity through jazz, music, art, and café culture. How can we let the world experience this creative energy?
Health, Wellness & Living Better
Solutions that improve physical and mental well-being, designed for both locals and global remote workers.
Services for Nomad Communities
Design platforms or services that support the lifestyle needs of digital nomads, creators, and global freelancers.
Connecting Chiang Mai’s Talent to the World
Ideas that help local talent in Chiang Mai access global opportunities, showcase their skills, and thrive on the international stage.
Rebranding Chiang Mai: From Burning to Blooming
How can we change the global perception of Chiang Mai — from seasonal pollution to year-round beauty? Let’s help the world rediscover this magical city.
Wildcard Innovations
Got a bold idea that doesn’t fit into any category? This is your space to make it real.
Agenda
Buildathon 2026 – 3-Day Agenda
This year, Buildathon runs across 3 days, focused on helping participants go from idea → build → launch.
- Sunday 18th – Prep & Pitch
Participants pitch ideas, form teams, and align on what they want to build. - Monday 19th – NEW! Vibecoding Workshop
A workshop focused on turning ideas into real, launchable products—covering mindset, structure, and hands-on building. - Tuesday 20th – Hackathon Day 🚀
Teams execute, build, and showcase what they’ve created.
Sunday, 18 Jan (Location Shangri La)
Pre-workshop for Thai participants. Nomad Summit participants follow the standard conference schedule for the day.
8:30am–9:30am Breakfast & Introductions
Casual breakfast and informal introductions to get to know fellow participants.
9:00am–9:30am Registration
First floor, Payao 2-3 Room.
9:30am–10:30am Team Bonding & Vision Alignment
Move to event space at Shangri-La, receive wristbands. Discuss objectives, criteria, rules.
10:30am–12:00pm Unconference-Style Knowledge Exchange
Identify knowledge gaps, crowdsource topics, sign up speakers, and deliver talks.
12:00pm–1:30pm Lunch Break
Move to the Lanna Ballroom 3. Thai participants join the Nomad Summit conference.
See conference agenda here
2:35pm-3:10pm Buildathon Idea Pitches
Each idea owner has 90 seconds to pitch their idea.
3:10pm–3:20pm Closing words by Co-Organizers (Christoph & Alexandra)
Buildathon participants stay for the team formation and everyone else is welcomed to move to the pool area.
3:30pm–4:15pm Buildathon Team Formation
Teams form around pitched ideas ensuring skill diversity.
4:15pm–4:40pm Submitting the team to the buildathon
Final submission of teams.
Monday, 19 Jan (Location 4Seas)
Pre-Buildathon Vibe Coding Workshop
10am Introduction
On-site registration, Venue orientation, Guidline, Equipment setup
10.30am Workshop Kickoff & Context
Official opening, ShakeSphere & Speaker introductions, Event Overview, Intro into Vibe Coding
10.45am Live Sharing: Real Product Stories
Real world experience sharing – behind the scene of Buildathon & Nomad Summit – From concept to prototype to production
11.05am-12.00pm Vibe Coding Framework & Mini Workshop
Live Demo + Hands-on – ShakeSphere’s Fast Innovation Framework – The “One-Day Build” Product Mindset – Building Products with Vibe Coding (No-Code) – Q&A: Code Quality, Security, and Cost
12.00pm-12.30pm Lunch & Networking
12.30pm-1.45pm Hands-on: Build Your Own Product
Build Your Own Product – Select an idea / use case – Create a functional prototype – Team guidance and feedback
1.45pm-2.00pm Wrap-up & Next Steps
Key Takeaways & Summary – Next steps after the event – Opportunities to collaborate with ShakeSphere
Tuesday, 20 Jan (Location 4Seas)
9.30am Arrival
10am-10.30am Opening Words
• Overview of the day
• Sponsorship
• Setting the Tone
• What to expect today
• Judgement + Criteria
• Introduction Mentors
10.30am-11.00am Pitching Workshop
Highlight Pitching Technique
11.00am-12.30pm Team Work
Teams work on their projects
12.30pm-1.00pm Lunch break
1.00pm-1.30pm Checkin Session with Mentors and Pitch to mentors
Mentors provide guidance
1.30pm-3.00pm Team work
Teams work on their projects
3.00pm-4.00pm Final Pitches
Each team presents for 3 minutes on the stage, followed by Q&A with the jury. Best teams are awarded
4:00-5:00 pm Networking
Meet the Mentors
Our mentors and facilitators bring expertise in AI, design, business strategy, and pitching to guide you through the Buildathon.
Daniel Johnson
ex Google’s Launchpad Accelerator mentor, currently fractional CMO focused on scaling startups (Founding Partner @ We Scale Startups)
Monica Wang
Serial entrepreneur and investor, Founder @ AGI Villa
Vyacheslav Ladischenski
Serial entrepreneur, founder of www.claritypledge.com, an open-source initiative focused on active listening, a skill he finds essential for high-pressure team collaboration
Kris Escaño
Brand growth consultant | SaaS | SEO | Link Building | Digital PR
Dave Malhotra
CEO ShakeSphere and SoldOutt
Pete Chemsripong
COO ShakeSphere and SoldOutt
Bank Apirak
UX Evangelist at ODT & Founder UX Academy
Kanin (James) Kearpimy
Co-chair PyCon Thailand & Microsoft MVP
Benjarong (Benji) Khonthong
Remote Video Editor & Motion Graphics Designer
Meet the Jury
Vivianne Arnold
ex Worldwide Director for Business & Marketing Organization at Microsoft and Director Brand at Telstra, currently an AI SaaS startup founder (Founder & CEO @ wiredminds.ai)
Philipp Weber
Serial entrepreneur, Co-owner @ Nomad Summit, Founder @ friLingue
Pete Chemsripong
COO ShakeSphere and SoldOutt
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can participate?
The event is opened for Nomad Summit ticket holders and local Thai talent.
Do I need to have a technical background to participate?
Not at all! Hackathons need all kinds of skills—tech, design, marketing, project management, and idea generation. Everyone has something valuable to contribute.
Do I need to come with an idea?
Yes and no. You can join as someone with an idea or as someone looking to help build one. Either way, you’ll find a team and get involved in creating something amazing.
How are teams formed?
After the pitching session, participants will connect with idea owners and form diverse teams based on shared interests and skills. Don’t worry—facilitators will help you find the right match.
What if I don’t have a team?
No problem! The team formation process is designed to help everyone find a group to collaborate with, most of the participants arrive solo.
What should I bring?
Just your creativity, energy, and any tools you usually work with—like a laptop. We’ll provide the rest, including workspace, lunch, and plenty of coffee!
How long does the event last?
The Buildathon starts with a pitching session and team formation on Saturday afternoon. The workshops and team work happens on Monday. Check the agenda for the full schedule!
Will there be mentors to help?
Absolutely! Experienced mentors will be available throughout the event to guide you, answer questions, and help refine your ideas and prototypes.
What happens to the ideas after the Buildathon?
That’s up to you! Many participants continue developing their projects, pitching them to clients or investors, or using the experience as a springboard for future opportunities.
Is there a prize?
Yes! The winning team will receive special prizes, including mentoring hours and other surprises, to help take their idea to the next level.
