# Hacktoberfest Open-Source AI Challenge

Challenge Overview

Theme: Ghost in the Machine

Objective: Build a project powered by open-source AI or open-weight models that explores spooky experiences, Halloween, Día de los Muertos, remembrance, or forgotten technology.

The project must use open AI technology as a core part of its functionality, rather than simply connecting to a closed AI API.

Project Requirements

The project may involve:

• Running an open-weight AI model locally.
• Using open-source AI frameworks or agent tools.
• Running AI inference without an internet connection.
• Building applications that protect personal data through local processing.
• Customizing, fine-tuning, or switching models.
• Reviving abandoned open-source projects or forgotten internet history.

Suggested Project Ideas

1. Phantom Terminal: A haunted terminal that generates eerie commentary about commands and computer activity.
2. Echoes — Family Memory Keeper: A private application that preserves family stories, recordings, photographs, and memories.
3. Offline Séance Chatbot: A chatbot inspired by an old programming language or historical technology.
4. Ghost Story Generator: An AI application that turns fictional smart-home activity logs into spooky stories.
5. Ghost of Code: An application that revives forgotten programming languages or abandoned open-source projects.

Important Considerations

• Build a functional prototype rather than submitting only a concept.
• Ensure the open AI component is essential to the application.
• Test offline functionality before claiming the project works without internet access.
• Verify the chosen model's license and hardware requirements.
• Include clear setup instructions and a demonstration.
• Explain honestly where open AI provides advantages over closed alternatives.

Official Submission

Publish the project write-up on DEV using the challenge's submission template.

Challenge: Hacktoberfest Open-Source AI Challenge — Week 4: Ghost in the Machine.

Theme dates: Halloween on October 31 and Día de los Muertos on November 1–2, 2026.