Overview
AI Creators U9 is where young imaginations meet the power of generative AI. Students aged 7–9 build a Scratch game that solves a live problem statement — but with a twist. Every character, background, sound effect, and voice-over in their game must be created using AI tools. No default Scratch sprites. No stock sounds. Everything original, everything student-directed.
This category is designed for our youngest creators. Prior Scratch experience is helpful but not required — what matters most is curiosity, creativity, and the willingness to try new tools. Qualified CodeFest facilitators supervise throughout both days, so students stay focused on building while we take care of everything else.
Eligibility
Open to any student aged 7, 8, or 9 as of 19 December 2026.
Deliverables
Participants submit one complete Scratch game where every asset is AI-generated.
Scratch Game
A playable Scratch game built around the problem statement. All visual, audio, and voice elements must be created using AI tools — no default Scratch sprites, backdrops, or sounds permitted.
- Sprites and characters — created with AI image tools
- Backgrounds and backdrops — created with AI image tools
- Sound effects — created with AI sound tools
- Narration and voice-overs — created with AI voice tools
- Music (optional) — if used, must be AI-generated
AI Tools
Premium generative AI tools with credits are provided by CodeFest. Every U9 participant receives full access — no need to bring your own subscriptions. The U9 toolkit features kid-friendly tools chosen specifically for younger students, covering image generation, voice and sound creation, and idea generation.
Specific tools will be announced approximately 1 month before the event (around 19 November 2026) so students can familiarise themselves ahead of time.
How It Works
Register
Sign up online and select the AI Creators U9 category.
AI Tools Announced — November 2026
Specific tools and credits announced so students can prepare and practice at home or in class.
Day 1 — Coaching, Revision & Problem Statement
Arrive at SMU, settle in with a morning coaching and revision session, then receive the live problem statement and begin building.
Day 2 — Submit by 1:30pm
Continue building through the morning and submit the completed Scratch game by 1:30pm.
Day 2 — 5-Minute Show-and-Tell to Judges
Present the game to the judging panel. Students demo their game and explain which AI tools they used for the sprites, sounds, and narration.
Day 2 — Awards at 5:00pm
Winners announced and prizes awarded at the closing ceremony.
Event Schedule
| Time | Day 1 · Sat 19 Dec | Day 2 · Sun 20 Dec |
|---|---|---|
| 9:00am | Check-in & setup | Check-in |
| 9:30–10:30am | Coaching & revision | Continue building |
| 10:30am | Problem statement reveal | — |
| 10:30am–12:30pm | Build | Build |
| 12:30–1:30pm | Lunch | Lunch · Submission deadline 1:30pm |
| 1:30–3:30pm | Build | 5-minute show-and-tell to judges |
| 3:30–4:00pm | Tea break | Judges' deliberation + tea break |
| 4:00–5:00pm | Build | Awards ceremony |
Indicative schedule. Final timings confirmed closer to the event.
Supervision & Support
Qualified CodeFest teacher-facilitators supervise all U9 participants throughout both days. Facilitators assist with non-competitive needs — login issues, saving files, bathroom breaks, water, and pastoral care — so students can stay focused on building.
Parents drop off at 9:00am and collect at 5:00pm each day. You are warmly invited to attend the Awards Ceremony on Day 2 afternoon.
Important: facilitators do not help with the build itself — fair-play rules apply equally across all categories.
What to Bring
- Laptop (fully charged) with Scratch access — either Scratch Desktop installed or ability to use scratch.mit.edu
- Laptop charger
- Water bottle
- A packed snack is optional (lunch and tea breaks are provided)
What's Included
AI Tool Credits
Full access to premium, kid-friendly generative AI tools with credits provided.
Teacher-Facilitator Supervision
Dedicated facilitators supervise all U9 participants throughout both days.
Meals
Lunch and tea breaks on both days are included in the registration fee.
Goodie Bag
Every participant receives a goodie bag with a CodeFest jacket.
Certificate
Certificate of participation for every student.
Venue Access
Full access to SMU Administrative Building facilities for both days.
Judging Criteria
Prizes
Every participant receives a Certificate of Participation.
Registration Fee
Includes meals, goodie bag, premium AI tool credits, and full facilitator supervision for both days
- Early bird−S$30
- Sibling−S$30
- Both discountsS$220
Rules
- Individual competition — every student competes on their own.
- Work done onsite — all building takes place at the SMU venue during competition hours.
- No default Scratch assets — sprites, backdrops, and sounds built into Scratch may not be used. All assets must be AI-generated.
- Identify your tools — during the show-and-tell pitch, students should be able to name which AI tool produced each asset.
- Facilitator help is limited — facilitators assist with non-competitive matters only (login, saving files, welfare). They do not help with the build.