NM i AI 2026 is a new initiative to advance AI expertise in Norway. With 1 million NOK in prizes, physical hubs across the country, and a format designed for students, professionals, and hobbyists alike, we're creating Norway's largest AI competition. This isn't just a continuation – it's an ambitious new venture bringing together the entire Norwegian AI community.

Demand for AI talent has surged dramatically. Across the Nordics, our neighbours are building formidable AI ecosystems. Sweden, with its established tech giants, Denmark producing unicorns, and Finland advancing rapidly. Norway is already falling behind. To remain competitive, we must invest decisively in developing our next generation of AI talent. Building on the foundation laid in 2025, the 2026 championship represents our commitment to closing this gap.

The 2026 championship will run for four days, from Thursday through Sunday, with physical hubs across Norway enabling in-person collaboration and networking. We're scaling the prize pool twenty-fold to 1 million NOK and aiming for 1,000 participants. To maximise participation, we're launching an open league accessible to everyone, with a dedicated youth league as a competitive sub-division.