Higgsfield and ADWEEK are giving ad teams four weeks to prove AI can survive a real brief
The Adathon offers an $85,000 pool of platform credits and a stage at Brandweek Atlanta for the sharpest 30 to 60 second AI ad made for a real brand. Teams only, one entry each, deadline 24 August at 11:59 PM ET.
Higgsfield has partnered with ADWEEK on the Adathon, a month-long competition asking professional teams to produce a 30 to 60 second advertisement for a real brand using its platform. Winners are announced on stage at ADWEEK's Brandweek in Atlanta, running 15 to 17 September, and the top three teams are flown there to see it happen. Submissions close 24 August 2026 at 11:59 PM ET.
This one is built differently from every other contest on the calendar. There are no fictional briefs and no open track for solo creators. Teams enter on behalf of a real brand, working to that brand's own creative brief and direction, and the ad has to hold up as actual brand work in front of a judging panel. The competition is a direct test of whether AI-assisted production survives contact with a real client context, which is exactly the question agencies are being asked by their own clients right now.
Who can enter
Entry is teams only, in three shapes: a creative or production agency entering on behalf of a brand client, a brand's in-house marketing or creative team entering for their own brand, or a combined pod mixing client, agency and production talent. One entry per team, and late or incomplete entries are out. Solo creators without a brand attached cannot enter this one.
The rules that matter
The spot runs 30 to 60 seconds, and at least 51 per cent of its duration must feature AI-generated visuals, with the balance allowed as traditionally produced live-action footage. Production runs on Higgsfield's platform, and submissions go through the entry form on the official Adathon page. Teams keep ownership of their submissions, granting Higgsfield the promotional rights set out in the official rules. ADWEEK is the exclusive media partner, not a co-sponsor; Higgsfield runs the contest.
What you actually win
Be clear-eyed about the prize structure: the $85,000 pool is Higgsfield platform credits, not cash. First place takes $50,000 in credits, second $25,000, third $10,000. Each winning team also gets travel to Brandweek for up to three members, covering economy airfare and up to four hotel nights, reimbursed by Higgsfield within 30 days. For an agency already running AI production, $50,000 in credits is real capacity and the Brandweek stage is a genuine business development moment in front of the industry's buyers. For anyone hoping for a cheque, this is not that contest.
The judging panel is being revealed ahead of the event, with winners announced live on the Brandweek stage.
Entry form, full rules and brief requirements are on the official Adathon page.
Source: official contest rules, ADWEEK's announcement.