AWS launches free AI academy and hackathon at LEAP 2026

Amazon Web Services (AWS) has announced the launch of its first-ever AWS AI Academy at LEAP 2026 in Riyadh, running from August 31 to September 3, 2026. The comprehensive initiative offers a free "Learn, Build, Certify" framework open to all attendees at the major technology event. Located at the LEAP Academy in Hall 5 of the Riyadh Exhibition and Convention Center (RECC) in Malham, the program is designed to build regional expertise in generative artificial intelligence and cloud computing. The new educational program represents a significant expansion of AWS's commitment to developing digital skills in Saudi Arabia. By offering hands-on training directly on the conference floor, the company aims to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application for professionals and students attending LEAP 2026. The initiative aligns with broader regional goals to cultivate a workforce capable of driving the Saudi digital economy forward through advanced technology adoption. This localized approach demonstrates an understanding of the urgent need for specialized talent in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, where digital transformation initiatives are rapidly accelerating across both public and private sectors. The strategic placement of the AWS AI Academy within the bustling environment of LEAP 2026 ensures maximum visibility and accessibility. By removing financial barriers—the program is entirely free for all registered event attendees—AWS is democratizing access to high-level technical education. This open-door policy is expected to attract a diverse cohort of participants, ranging from seasoned developers looking to upskill in generative AI to ambitious students eager to enter the tech industry with highly sought-after capabilities. A core component of the initiative is the AWS AI Training Academy, scheduled for August 31 and September 2. This segment provides participants with expert-led instruction focusing on generative AI technologies. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage in hands-on labs, gaining direct experience with advanced tools under the guidance of seasoned AWS professionals. The curriculum is structured to demystify complex AI concepts, translating theoretical frameworks into actionable skills that can be immediately applied in professional settings. The training sessions specifically emphasize the use of Amazon Bedrock, a fully managed service that makes foundation models from leading AI startups and Amazon available via an application programming interface (API). By working directly with Amazon Bedrock, participants learn how to select the appropriate foundation models for specific use cases, customize them with their own data, and integrate them securely into existing applications. This practical exposure is invaluable for understanding the nuances of deploying generative AI at an enterprise scale. Furthermore, participants will explore Amazon Q, the company's generative AI-powered assistant tailored for businesses and developers. The training covers how Amazon Q can be leveraged to streamline coding processes, troubleshoot issues, and enhance overall productivity. By focusing on these specific, enterprise-grade platforms, AWS ensures that attendees are learning skills directly applicable to modern corporate environments, thereby increasing their immediate value to current and future employers. Complementing the instructional sessions is the AWS Agentic AI Hackathon, taking place on September 1 and September 3. This competitive element challenges teams to build real-world AI solutions using the tools and knowledge acquired during the training phase. The hackathon environment is designed to simulate actual business scenarios, requiring participants to develop functional prototypes that address specific industry challenges. This transition from passive learning to active creation is a critical step in solidifying the concepts taught during the academy sessions. The focus on "agentic AI"—systems capable of autonomous decision-making and action-taking—highlights the advanced nature of the solutions expected from participants. Rather than simply generating text or images, agentic AI involves creating systems that can interact with their environment, execute complex workflows, and adapt to changing conditions without continuous human intervention. This hands-on, competitive format not only reinforces the concepts taught in the academy but also provides a platform for showcasing emerging talent in the region's technology sector. The hackathon serves as a practical proving ground where theoretical knowledge is tested against the realities of software development. Teams must navigate the complexities of integrating foundation models, managing data privacy, and ensuring the reliability of their autonomous systems. The collaborative nature of the event also fosters networking and peer-to-peer learning, creating a vibrant community of AI practitioners within the broade