Startup Networks

Nexforge is a premier innovation-driven hackathon designed to bring together ambitious builders, problem-solvers, creators, and future leaders from across disciplines to develop impactful solutions for real-world challenges. Built on the philosophy that innovation should create measurable value, Nexforge serves as a platform where ideas move beyond concepts and transform into scalable products, systems, and ventures. In a rapidly evolving world shaped by artificial intelligence, digital transformation, financial innovation, sustainability challenges, and emerging technologies, the need for practical problem-solving has never been greater. Nexforge exists to bridge this gap by creating an environment where participants are empowered to design solutions that are relevant, executable, and future-ready. The hackathon is open to students, developers, entrepreneurs, designers, researchers, product thinkers, and professionals from all backgrounds. Whether participants are building their first prototype or scaling their tenth idea, Nexforge provides a competitive yet collaborative ecosystem where innovation is recognized, refined, and rewarded. Unlike conventional hackathons that focus only on rapid development, Nexforge emphasizes strategic innovation. Participants are encouraged not only to build functional prototypes but also to think deeply about usability, scalability, business feasibility, and long-term impact. The goal is to identify solutions that can survive beyond the competition and contribute meaningfully to industries and communities. Nexforge is structured as a multi-theme hackathon covering critical sectors such as Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Finance, Management Systems, Healthcare, Sustainability, Education, Cybersecurity, Web3, and Social Impact. This diversity ensures that participants from different domains can collaborate, compete, and contribute to solving some of the most pressing challenges of our time. Vision & Mission Vision To establish Nexforge as a globally recognized innovation platform where the next generation of transformative ideas, startups, and technological solutions are built, validated, and launched. Our vision is to create an ecosystem where talent meets opportunity, where creativity meets execution, and where innovation is not limited by geography, background, or access. We aim to build a trusted innovation league that inspires long-term problem-solving and drives meaningful progress across industries. Mission Our mission is to provide a high-impact platform that enables participants to: Solve real-world challenges through practical innovation Build scalable solutions with long-term relevance Collaborate across disciplines and industries Learn from mentors, experts, and ecosystem leaders Gain exposure to investors, organizations, and innovation networks Transform ideas into products, ventures, and sustainable impact Nexforge is committed to creating an environment where innovation is measurable, talent is visible, and execution is rewarded. Hackathon Themes Nexforge features ten major innovation tracks designed to cover emerging industries, high-impact sectors, and future-defining opportunities. 1. Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning Build intelligent systems that improve decision-making, automation, prediction, personalization, and efficiency across industries. Examples include: AI assistants Predictive analytics platforms Computer vision applications NLP solutions Autonomous systems Recommendation engines 2. Finance & FinTech Develop solutions that improve financial accessibility, security, transparency, and efficiency. Examples include: Digital payment systems Personal finance platforms Financial literacy tools Blockchain-based finance Risk management systems Investment and portfolio tools 3. Management & Productivity Systems Create platforms that improve workflow efficiency, team collaboration, strategic planning, and business operations. Examples include: Productivity dashboards Workflow automation tools HR management systems Project tracking platforms Operational analytics systems 4. Healthcare & Well-being Design technology-driven solutions that improve healthcare delivery, diagnostics, mental wellness, and patient experiences. Examples include: Telemedicine platforms Health monitoring systems Mental wellness applications AI diagnostics tools Emergency healthcare systems 5. Sustainability & Climate Innovation Build solutions that address environmental challenges and support long-term sustainable development. Examples include: Waste management systems Renewable energy solutions Carbon footprint trackers Smart agriculture tools Water conservation platforms 6. Education & Learning Technologies Transform the way people learn, teach, and access educational opportunities. Examples include: Personalized learning systems Skill development platforms Assessment tools Learning accessibility solutions Career guidance platforms 7. Cybersecurity & Digital Privacy Develop systems that strengthen digital trust, protect data, and secure digital infrastructure. Examples include: Threat detection tools Secure communication platforms Privacy-first applications Identity verification systems Security monitoring platforms 8. Web3 & Decentralized Innovation Explore decentralized technologies and new digital ownership models. Examples include: Smart contract applications DAO tools NFT utility platforms Decentralized finance systems Blockchain infrastructure tools 9. Social Impact & Inclusion Create solutions that solve societal challenges and improve accessibility, equality, and community welfare. Examples include: Accessibility platforms Community development systems Public service innovation Inclusion-focused technology Civic engagement tools 10. Open Innovation For ideas that do not fit predefined categories but demonstrate strong originality, relevance, and execution potential. This track encourages unconventional thinking and breakthrough innovation. Requirements All teams must submit their projects through the official submission portal before the final deadline. Each submission must include: Working Prototype A functional prototype, MVP, or proof of concept demonstrating the core value of the solution. Source Code Repository A public or accessible GitHub repository containing: Clean and organized code Setup instructions Documentation Required dependencies Presentation Deck A professional pitch deck covering: Problem statement Solution overview Technical architecture Market relevance Scalability potential Future roadmap Demo Video A short demonstration video (3–5 minutes) explaining: The problem being solved Product walkthrough Key features User impact Project Summary A concise written summary outlining: Innovation approach Unique differentiators Real-world implementation potential All submissions must be original work created during the hackathon period. Plagiarism, copied projects, or pre-built solutions submitted without declared disclosure will result in immediate disqualification. Hackathon Sponsors Prizes $4,500 in prizes TBD $4,500 in cash 1 winner To be Declared soon Devpost Achievements Submitting to this hackathon could earn you: <%= name %> <% if (has_levels) { %> level <%= next_level %> <% } %> Judges NexForge Qualified Jury Panel Interested in judging ..mail us Abhishek Mantrim Site Reliability Engineer at Bytedance/Tiktok Judging Criteria Innovation & Originality How unique is the idea? Does it solve a problem differently or significantly better? Technical Execution How strong is the implementation? Is the solution functional, stable, and technically sound? Problem Relevance How important is the problem being addressed? Is the challenge real and meaningful? Scalability & Feasibility Can the solution grow beyond the hackathon? Is implementation practical and sustainable?

Join us for a 3-day Hackathon focused on building, creativity, and pure vibe coding. ​Form a team, explore decentralized cloud infrastructure, and ship something real using Akash Console and Akash ML—from deploying apps to experimenting with scalable AI/ML workloads. Whether you're a cracked dev or just getting started, this is your chance to build on the future of cloud. ​Come for the vibes, leave with a project 🚀 What you get: ​🍕 Free food, pizza, and drinks (final day IRL) ​👕 Exclusive merch ​🏆 Prize for 1st place ​🎁 Every team that submits gets a chance at a prize Requirements Use Akash in some way in your project Hackathon Sponsors Prizes $150 in prizes First Place $150 in cash 1 winner Devpost Achievements Submitting to this hackathon could earn you: <%= name %> <% if (has_levels) { %> level <%= next_level %> <% } %> Judges Thor Christoffersen Hochman Hersh Joshi Judging Criteria Creativity How did you implement Akash into your workflow? Is this a novel project or idea? Technical Depth

✨ Event details: July 24, 2026, 4-8pm @ UNSW Roundhouse Starlight is DevSoc’s open project showcase that celebrates bringing ideas to life by passionate and aspiring engineers. The event is open-floor, free for anyone to attend, and fully catered. From software to hardware and everything in between, this is your opportunity to: Share your work with a live audience Spark conversations with other builders Get inspired by what others are creating Whether it’s a side project, something you’ve been grinding for a while, or even an old idea you want to bring back to life, you are welcome to submit your project. Requirements 🛠️ PROJECT SUBMISSION STEPS STEP 1 - Submit your project on Devpost Include a poster PDF (A3) outlining your project, full requirements and restrictions can be found in our handbook. Add supporting links (GitHub, demo, etc.) Here are some examples of previously accepted posters STEP 2 - Get selected for showcase DevSoc will review submissions We will email you if you are selected to present your project STEP 3 - Present at Starlight You’ll receive your own stall at UNSW Roundhouse We’ll handle poster printing and help you get set up You showcase your project live to attendees and judges Here are the preliminary project prizes Additional Requirements Let us know of any extra items you would like to demo on the day (i.e. if you have a hardware component that you would like to display or if you would like to supply a laptop so people can interact with your project). Contact us: contact@devsoc.app Past iterations of Starlight: https://devsoc.app/starlight Hackathon Sponsors Prizes $1,050+ in prizes + other prizes Best Project - 1st Place $300 in cash 1 winner Best Project - 2nd Place $150 in cash 1 winner First Steps - 1st Place $200 in cash 1 winner First Steps - 2nd Place $100 in cash 1 winner UniLife - 1st Place 1 winner DevSoc/Sponsor Merch UniLife - 2nd Place 1 winner DevSoc/Sponsor Merch People's Choice $100 in cash 1 winner $100 Cash + DevSoc/Sponsor Merch Hobby $200 in cash 1 winner Highest Impact 1 winner DevSoc/Sponsor Merch Devpost Achievements Submitting to this hackathon could earn you: <%= name %> <% if (has_levels) { %> level <%= next_level %> <% } %> Judges DevSoc Judging Criteria Based on Prizes

About the challenge Welcome to the IMSA.ai Hackathon! You will have a week to code a real-world project based on the theme of educational technology. The event is made to be accessible to students of all programming levels, whether you just learned or have been coding for years, as you are allowed to use AI tools to further your development. Throughout the event, there will be multiple workshops to help you with your project development. At the end of the week, you will submit a live video demonstration and pitch of your project! The winning projects will receive cash prizes. Get started The first thing you should do is come up with a monetizable idea for a product that can help students using technology (and would be feasible to build in a week)! Then, choose a tech stack and start building. If you don't know where to begin, check out the Resources section or come to our Intro Workshop on 4/28! Requirements What to Build You will be building a software project that helps improve any aspect of education for students, teachers, or schools. Your solution can focus on any subject or learning challenge, and should aim to make learning more fun, accessible, or effective if implemented. Get creative! Your project can be: An AI-tool or chatbot A web app, mobile app, or a game A plugin or extension Any other software that relates to education Try to brainstorm real problems you may have noticed students or teachers facing and design your final product with the target users in mind. Remember that the most important factor is impact, not how technical/complex your project is. What to Submit On Devpost, please make sure to submit the following: Project or Code Repository GitHub or other code link (deployed website) Please make sure to include any setup instructions if applicable to your project 3-Minute Video Pitch Project name A brief summary of the problem you are solving Your solution and an overview of how it works Who it's built for (target audience) A quick demo or walkthrough Make it engaging! Hackathon Sponsors Prizes 3 non-cash prizes Grand Prize 1 winner The winning team will receive a $300 gift card to be split amongst its members. Runner-Up Prize 1 winner The winning team will receive a $200 gift card to be split amongst its members. Honorable Mention 1 winner The winning team will receive a $100 to be split amongst its members. Devpost Achievements Submitting to this hackathon could earn you: <%= name %> <% if (has_levels) { %> level <%= next_level %> <% } %> Judges Harish Chandar Svar Pandya Aarav Shah Aadya Agrawal Ihita Gupta Samiha Thatikinda Jishnu Thakkar Pranav Gadde Judging Criteria Functionality The project as scoped should be fully functional Marketability The project should have societal need Profitability The project needs to have have a way of making money (ie. subscription, purchase, ads, data, etc) Presentation The presentation should be smooth and fluent, walking through the product, who it's for, and how it helps

Welcome to Devlance 2026 Innovation does not happen by chance ,it is engineered by students. Welcome to Devlance 2026 – Engineering the Future, is not just another coding competition. It is a platform where ideas are transformed into scalable solutions, where execution matters more than theory, and where participants compete at a professional level to solve meaningful challenges across industries. This hackathon is built for those who want to create products, systems, and innovations that can shape the future. Whether your expertise lies in Artificial Intelligence, Software Engineering, FinTech, Healthcare, Product Development, Cloud Infrastructure, Cybersecurity, Sustainability, Data Science, or Business Innovation—Devlance gives you the stage to prove your capability. Participants will work individually or in teams to build high-quality projects that are judged on innovation, technical strength, execution quality, scalability, and practical business value. Our jury panel includes experienced professionals from leading companies, research institutions, startups, and universities. Their role is not just to evaluate projects, but to recognize work that demonstrates excellence and real implementation potential. Devlance is designed for both students and professionals, ensuring that participants gain not only prizes but also recognition, visibility, networking opportunities, and long-term professional value. This is where builders compete. This is where ideas become products. This is where the future gets engineered. Welcome to Devlance 2026. Themes 1. Artificial Intelligence & Intelligent Systems Artificial Intelligence is no longer optional—it is foundational. This theme focuses on solutions built using machine learning, generative AI, predictive systems, recommendation engines, natural language processing, automation, and intelligent decision-making. Participants may create AI assistants, healthcare prediction systems, fraud detection platforms, recommendation engines, workflow automation systems, or enterprise AI tools. The focus should remain on usable, scalable, and practical solutions. 2. Software Engineering & Product Development Great engineering builds great products. This track focuses on system design, backend architecture, scalable applications, developer tools, SaaS platforms, APIs, workflow systems, and product-led innovation. Participants can submit enterprise platforms, developer productivity tools, workflow automation systems, CRM platforms, SaaS products, and technical solutions that solve operational problems. Strong engineering and execution quality will be highly valued. 3. Cybersecurity & Digital Trust As digital systems grow, trust becomes critical. This theme includes cloud security, identity access management, endpoint protection, privacy systems, Zero Trust architecture, fraud prevention, cyber defense, and secure infrastructure. Participants can create IAM tools, phishing prevention systems, monitoring dashboards, security automation platforms, compliance tools, and privacy-first digital solutions. Projects should demonstrate reliability, trust, and professional relevance. 4. Finance, Banking & FinTech Finance is being rebuilt through technology. This theme covers digital payments, personal finance systems, fraud prevention, banking solutions, compliance systems, financial inclusion, lending systems, and enterprise finance tools. Projects may include payment platforms, financial literacy tools, fraud detection engines, smart lending systems, compliance dashboards, and investment intelligence platforms. Business applicability and problem-solving strength are key. 5. Healthcare, Wellness & MedTech Technology can transform healthcare delivery and accessibility. This theme invites solutions related to diagnostics, patient care, hospital systems, telemedicine, wellness platforms, mental health tools, and digital healthcare operations. Participants may build patient management systems, AI diagnostics, healthcare dashboards, remote care platforms, and preventive health solutions. Real-world usability is essential. 6. Cloud Infrastructure & DevOps Scalable systems require strong infrastructure. This track focuses on cloud platforms, deployment automation, CI/CD systems, infrastructure reliability, containerization, platform engineering, and performance optimization. Projects may include deployment tools, monitoring platforms, infrastructure dashboards, cost optimization systems, Kubernetes-based solutions, and cloud operations products. Efficiency and scalability are the core evaluation metrics. 7. Sustainability & Climate Engineering Engineering the future also means protecting it. This theme covers renewable energy, sustainable operations, climate intelligence, waste management, green logistics, agriculture innovation, and environmental monitoring. Participants may create carbon tracking systems, agri-tech platforms, waste reduction tools, water conservation systems, and climate impact dashboards. Impact and implementation are strongly valued. 8. Education, Skills & Learning Systems Future-ready talent requires future-ready education. This track focuses on learning platforms, skill development tools, mentorship systems, career guidance, educational accessibility, and productivity solutions for learners. Projects can include adaptive learning systems, certification tools, mentorship platforms, career mapping systems, and skill development ecosystems. Accessibility and measurable outcomes are important. 9. Startup, Product Strategy & Business Innovation Technology without execution has limited value. This theme focuses on startup systems, product strategy, growth frameworks, operational models, customer acquisition systems, and business innovation. Participants may submit startup concepts, go-to-market strategies, SaaS growth systems, product roadmaps, and scalable business frameworks. Execution clarity matters as much as the idea. 10. Open Innovation Innovation should not be restricted by categories. This track welcomes interdisciplinary projects across management, legal tech, operations, logistics, HR systems, supply chain optimization, design systems, and social impact innovation. If your project solves a real problem and creates measurable value, this is your category. Innovation is open. Requirements To ensure fair and professional evaluation, all participants must complete the following: Submit the final project before the official deadline Provide a project title and clear short description Submit a detailed explanation covering problem statement and solution approach Include demo video or working prototype link Provide GitHub repository link (if applicable) Upload presentation deck or supporting documentation (recommended) Clearly mention all team members (maximum 5 allowed) Select the correct theme/category Ensure originality and avoid plagiarism Complete all improvements before final submission lock Please note: once submissions are locked, no further changes will be allowed. Hackathon Sponsors Prizes 6 non-cash prizes Champion of Devlance – 1st Position 1 winner Grand Cash Reward Official Champion Certificate Exclusive Premium Mega Swag Collection Featured Spotlight Across Official Platforms Priority Nomination for Future Premium Hackathons Leadership Recognition from Jury Panel Premium Community Recognition Badge Fast-Track Access to Future Professional Programs Highlighted Winner Profile Publication Excellence Award – 2nd Position 1 winner Cash Prize Excellence Recognition Certificate Premium Swag Collection Featured Placement in Final Winner Announcement Priority Access to Advanced Hackathon Editions Jury Recognition Mention Professional Achievement Badge Priority Future Event Invitations Innovation Distinction – 3rd Position 1 winner Cash Reward Innovation Distinction Certificate Curated Swag Package Official Public Recognition Community Feature Listing Reserved Access for Future Professional Events Domain Excellence Awards 10 winners Every major domain will have its own top-performing project recognized for excellence. Special Domain Awards: Best Artificial Intelligence Innovation Best Engineering & Product Architecture Best Cybersecurity & Privacy Solution Best Financial Technology Product Best Healthcare Impact Solution Best Cloud Infrastructure Implementation Best Sustainability Engineering Project Best Learning & Education Platform Best Startup Execution Model Best Cross-Domain Innovation Project Domain Winners Receive: Domain Excellence Certificate Special Jury Mention Premium Swag Benefits Featured Showcase on Official Platforms Recognition During Grand Finale Results Preferred Selection for Future Events Completion & Participation Recognition 1,000 winners Every eligible participant who completes the full process receives: Verified Participation Certificate Access to Swag Eligibility Programs Recognition in Community Highlights Early Access to Upcoming Professional Hackathons Referral Program Benefits Documentation Support for Professional Use Portfolio and Career Visibility Support Referral Achievement Program 250 winners Participants who help grow the community can unlock premium rewards. Referral Milestones 10 Successful Referrals Standard Swag Package 20+ Successful Referrals Premium Swag Box 50+ Successful Referrals Advanced Swag Box Plus 100+ Successful Referrals Signature Mega Swag Box with Exclusive Gifts Devpost Achievements Submitting to this hackathon could earn you: <%= name %> <% if (has_levels) { %> level <%= next_level %> <% } %> Judges Rishabh Singh Senior Software Engineer, Walmart Global Tech Veenas Patel Senior Software Engineer, Google CA Judging Criteria Innovation Functionality

Welcome to Hackvora 2026 Every breakthrough begins with a single decision—to start. Welcome to Hackvora 2026 – Innovation Starts Here, a next-generation global hackathon built for ambitious minds who want to create solutions that matter. This is a competitive innovation platform for developers, engineers, startup founders, designers, researchers, business strategists, and professionals who believe that ideas should not remain ideas—they should become products, systems, and impact. Hackvora is designed differently. It is not just a weekend coding challenge or a simple student competition. It is a professional innovation ecosystem where participants are judged on execution, practicality, and long-term value. We focus on real problem-solving across industries including Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Finance, Healthcare, Product Development, Cloud Systems, Education, Sustainability, Operations, and Business Innovation. The purpose of Hackvora is to create a bridge between talent and opportunity. Participants do not just compete for prizes—they compete for visibility, credibility, recognition, and professional growth. Strong projects here can strengthen portfolios, improve career opportunities, enhance global exposure, and create real startup potential. Hackvora focuses heavily on professional credibility. Winning is important, but so is recognition. Participants receive verified certificates, public project visibility, jury recognition, and documentation value that supports resumes, LinkedIn profiles, professional applications, and long-term career growth. The jury panel consists of experienced professionals from global companies, research institutions, universities, and startup ecosystems. Their role is not simply to score projects but to identify ideas that show genuine execution potential and long-term value. We believe that a strong project does not need to be overly complicated—it needs to solve the right problem effectively. That is why Hackvora rewards clarity, execution, and impact over unnecessary complexity. This is where your prototype can become a product. This is where your idea can become your credibility. This is where innovation truly starts. Welcome to Hackvora 2026. Requirements To ensure fair evaluation and smooth judging, every participant must complete all required submission components properly. Incomplete submissions often lose marks regardless of idea quality, so attention to detail is critical. Required Submission Checklist 1. Project Title Provide a clear and professional project title that accurately represents your solution. Avoid vague or overly generic names. 2. Short Project Description A concise summary explaining what your project does, what problem it solves, and why it matters. This should help judges understand the purpose immediately. 3. Detailed Problem Statement Clearly explain the real-world problem your project addresses. Strong submissions define the problem well before presenting the solution. 4. Solution Overview Describe how your solution works, what makes it innovative, and why it is better than existing alternatives. 5. Demo Video A demo video is strongly recommended and often critical for judging. It should show the working prototype, functionality, user flow, and practical implementation. 6. Working Prototype / Live Link If available, participants should provide a live product link, deployment link, or working prototype access. 7. GitHub Repository Code-based projects should include a GitHub repository link. Clean code structure, commit history, and technical transparency improve credibility. 8. Presentation Deck A short presentation or pitch deck is recommended for explaining architecture, use cases, business potential, and execution strategy. 9. Team Member Details Clearly mention all registered team members. Maximum allowed team size is 5. 10. Theme Selection Participants must select the correct project category/theme for proper judging. Incorrect theme selection may affect evaluation quality. 11. Final Review Before Lock Participants must ensure that all links work correctly, files are accessible, and documentation is complete before final submission lock. No post-deadline corrections will be allowed. Important Note Top projects with close scores may enter a final tie-breaker stage where additional refinement, presentation quality, and clarity of execution become highly important. Strong ideas win attention. Strong submissions win competitions. Hackathon Sponsors Prizes $4,300+ in prizes + other prizes 1st Place – Hackvora Champion $1,500 in cash 1 winner Grand Cash Prize Official Hackvora Champion Certificate Premium Mega Swag Collection Featured Winner Announcement Across Official Platforms Priority Profile Highlight in Winner Listings Exclusive Recognition During Final Result Ceremony Premium Verification Support for Professional Use Priority Access to Future Premium Hackathons Special Recognition Badge for Community Visibility 2nd Place – Excellence Award $1,000 in cash 1 winner Cash Prize Excellence Award Certificate Premium Swag Box Featured Recognition in Official Results Priority Access to Future Editions Public Winner Showcase Professional Achievement Recognition 3rd Place – Innovation Award $800 in cash 1 winner Cash Reward Innovation Award Certificate Curated Swag Package Official Public Recognition Community Winner Feature Reserved Access for Future Events Category Excellence Awards $100 in cash 10 winners Best Artificial Intelligence Project Best Machine Learning Innovation Best Cybersecurity Solution Best FinTech Product Best Healthcare Innovation Best Cloud Infrastructure Project Best Sustainability Solution Best Education Technology Platform Best Startup Execution Model Best Product & Business Innovation Best Open Innovation Project Category winners receive certificates, special recognition, swag benefits, featured project listing, and public winner showcase. Participation Rewards 600 winners Every eligible participant receives: Official Participation Certificate Swag Eligibility Benefits Community Recognition Referral Program Access Future Hackathon Priority Access Verification Support for Documentation Portfolio and Resume Value Enhancement Referral Milestones & Rewards 300 winners 5 Successful Referrals – Starter Swag Package Official Referral Recognition Standard Swag Package Priority Access for Future Community Events This level is perfect for participants who begin contributing to the Hackvora network. 10+ Successful Referrals – Premium Swag Box Premium Swag Box Enhanced Community Recognition Special Mention in Participant Highlights This milestone rewards participants who actively help bring strong contributors into the event. 25+ Successful Referrals – Swag Box Plus Advanced Swag Box Plus Featured Referral Recognition Priority Access to Upcoming Premium Hackathons This level is designed for high-impact contributors who significantly strengthen the event ecosystem. 50+ Successful Referrals – Mega Swag Collection Exclusive Mega Swag Box with Multiple Gifts Premium Recognition Certificate Featured Community Spotlight Special Recognition from the Organizing Team This is the highest referral milestone and is reserved for participants who create exceptional community impact. Devpost Achievements Submitting to this hackathon could earn you: <%= name %> <% if (has_levels) { %> level <%= next_level %> <% } %> Judges Hackvora Jury Panel !! To be declared soon Judging Criteria Innovation & Originality Projects should present unique ideas or significantly improve existing solutions. Judges will evaluate creativity, problem-solving approach, and originality of execution. Technical Execution The solution must demonstrate strong implementation quality, technical depth, and proper functionality. Code quality, architecture, and real working output are important. Practical Impact Projects should solve real-world problems with meaningful value for users, industries, or communities. Strong practical use cases receive higher evaluation. Scalability & Presentation Judges will assess whether the solution can grow beyond the prototype stage and sustain long-term use. Clear documentation, demo quality, and presentation strength also play a major role.

Overview 📆 Friday, May 1st, 2026 ⏰ 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM 📍 Google, King East Toronto HQ This is not a traditional hackathon, your project should have no market-fit and no practicality. We want chaotic, weird, funny, and oddly brilliant ideas that make people say, “wait… why does this actually make sense?” Note: This is a solo hackathon, no teams, just individual builders. Timeline Hacking Starts (Online): Monday, April 27th at 5:00 PM Submission Deadline (Devpost): Thursday, April 30th at 10:00 PM Friday, May 1st (In-person @ Google Toronto Office): AI Workshop + Demo Day 1:00 PM – 1:20 PM: Attendee check-in (no entry after 1:20 PM) 1:20 PM – 2:00 PM: Google AI workshop, led by Google Engineers 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM: Final hacking + project refinement 3:00 PM – 3:30 PM: Demos + awards 3:30 PM – 4:00 PM: Networking & wrap-up Rules Projects must be original and created for this hackathon (no fully pre-built old projects). You can use open-source tools, APIs, and libraries, but your main idea and implementation should be your own. Some Project Ideas (Don't Use These) Cursor Companion: your mouse has emotions, gets tired, and reacts to what you click Fridge That Judges You: camera + AI that roasts your food choices in real time with dramatic commentary Social Credit for Your Friends: ranks your friends based on how fast they reply, cancel plans, etc. Requirements Submission Requirements Your project should: Have no market-fit and no practicality Be weird, visionary, chaotic, but oddly brilliant Use at least one Google AI tool (e.g., Gemini, Stitch, Firebase, etc.) Submit a 1-minute demo video and project link via Devpost by Thur. April 30, 10 PM. Link can be GitHub repo, deployed app, v0 chat, Lovable project, or anything showing your build. Inspired by our friends at Stupid Ideas Hackathon (SIH). Hackathon Sponsors Prizes 5 non-cash prizes Wait… Let Em Cook! 1 winner Description: Project idea started questionable, ended kinda genius! Prize: It's a surPRIZE Uselessmaxxing! 1 winner Description: Project Idea has no logic, no vision, just chaos that somehow works! Prize: It's a surPRIZE Straight Yap! 1 winner Description: Project is overcomplicated, overbuilt, solves absolutely nothing! Prize: It's a surPRIZE Just Put the Fries in the Bag! 1 winner I don't think you know why we're here today…..but you committed anyway! Prize: It's a surPRIZE 67 1 winner Prize: $67 Devpost Achievements Submitting to this hackathon could earn you: <%= name %> <% if (has_levels) { %> level <%= next_level %> <% } %> Judges Ugo U. Engineer, Google Jeffrey K. Engineer, Google Davies U. Co-Founder, GitCloud Fayez M. Engineering Intern, Google Umar A. VP Engineering, GitCloud Smit P. Co-Founder, SIH Frances Z. Co-Founder, SIH Judging Criteria Project should have no market-fit and no practicality Build something intentionally unnecessary, an idea that solves no real problem, breaks common market-fit logic, and exists purely because it’s funny or absurd. Project should be weird, visionary, chaotic, but oddly brilliant Your project should feel ridiculous at first, but make people pause and think, “wait… why is this actually kind of genius?" Use at least one Google AI tool (e.g., Gemini, Stitch, Firebase, etc.) Your project must use at least one Google AI tool, whether that’s using Gemini integrations for chat, voice, or content generation, Stitch for UI design and frontend code, or Firebase for auth, database and hosting. Submit a 1-minute demo video and project link through Devpost before April 30th, 2026 10:00PM Submit a 1-minute demo video and a link to your project through Devpost before the deadline. Link can be the GitHub repo, deployed app, v0 chat, Lovable project, or any link that clearly shows what you built and how it works.

Hackspire Hackathon 2026 is a professionally curated global innovation challenge designed for developers, engineers, designers, startup founders, researchers, students, and working professionals from all domains. This is not limited to coding alone—it is a multidisciplinary platform where technology meets creativity, business meets execution, and innovation meets real-world impact. Hackspire is built for participants who want to solve meaningful problems and create solutions that matter. Whether your expertise lies in Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Finance, Healthcare, Cloud Computing, Cybersecurity, Product Management, Business Strategy, Design Thinking, or Entrepreneurship, this platform gives you the opportunity to showcase your skills at a professional level. This year, Hackspire Hackathon is expected to host 1500+ participants from across different countries, industries, and educational backgrounds. Participants will compete by building high-quality projects that solve practical challenges and demonstrate innovation, scalability, technical depth, and business viability. The hackathon is designed to maintain professional standards of evaluation, mentorship, and recognition. Our jury panel includes experienced professionals from leading global companies, universities, startups, and research institutions. The event focuses not only on winning prizes but also on networking, recognition, career growth, and professional credibility. Hackspire Hackathon 2026 welcomes both students and professionals, and participants can work individually or in teams of up to 5 members. Whether you are building your first startup idea or refining an advanced enterprise-grade solution, this hackathon provides the right stage for your growth. This is your opportunity to build, compete, and be recognized. Themes 1. Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning AI and Machine Learning continue to transform industries across the world. This theme encourages participants to build solutions using intelligent systems, predictive analytics, recommendation engines, automation systems, generative AI, computer vision, NLP, and deep learning. Projects may include AI-powered healthcare systems, fraud detection engines, recommendation systems, productivity assistants, business intelligence tools, autonomous systems, and enterprise AI solutions. Participants are encouraged to focus on practical implementation, scalability, and measurable impact rather than only theoretical concepts. 2. Cybersecurity & Privacy As digital transformation grows, security and privacy become critical. This theme focuses on solutions related to cloud security, identity management, endpoint protection, Zero Trust architecture, privacy-preserving systems, fraud prevention, threat intelligence, and secure infrastructure. Participants can build security monitoring tools, phishing detection systems, IAM solutions, security dashboards, cyber awareness platforms, privacy-focused products, or enterprise security systems. Solutions should demonstrate trust, reliability, and strong practical application. 3. Finance & FinTech Financial technology is one of the fastest-growing innovation sectors globally. This theme focuses on digital banking, payments, financial inclusion, fraud prevention, blockchain applications, personal finance tools, investment platforms, and enterprise finance systems. Projects can include budgeting tools, payment systems, compliance dashboards, fraud detection models, smart lending systems, investment analysis tools, and financial literacy platforms. Strong business applicability and real-world value are key evaluation points. 4. Healthcare & MedTech Healthcare innovation has become a major global priority. This track invites participants to solve challenges related to patient care, diagnostics, medical accessibility, hospital operations, telemedicine, mental health, and digital health systems. Projects may include AI diagnostics, patient management systems, remote healthcare platforms, wellness apps, mental health solutions, medical dashboards, and accessibility tools for healthcare delivery. The focus should remain on meaningful impact and usability. 5. Cloud Computing & DevOps Modern digital infrastructure depends heavily on cloud systems and scalable architecture. This theme covers cloud optimization, infrastructure automation, DevOps pipelines, deployment systems, platform engineering, containerization, and reliability engineering. Participants may create CI/CD solutions, deployment dashboards, cloud monitoring tools, cost optimization systems, Kubernetes-based platforms, or enterprise cloud solutions. Projects should emphasize efficiency, scalability, and engineering quality. 6. Web3, Blockchain & Decentralization This track explores the future of decentralized systems, trustless applications, and blockchain-driven innovation. Participants can build smart contracts, decentralized applications, DAOs, NFT utilities, identity systems, token models, and blockchain-based transparency solutions. Projects should prioritize real utility over hype and focus on sustainability, governance, and practical adoption. 7. Product Management & Business Innovation Not every winning idea requires deep code—execution matters. This theme focuses on product strategy, market validation, startup thinking, operational systems, customer experience, and growth frameworks. Participants may submit startup models, product roadmaps, business systems, market-entry strategies, growth engines, SaaS concepts, and operational innovation frameworks. Judging will strongly consider clarity, execution, and scalability. 8. Education & EdTech Learning systems are evolving rapidly. This track focuses on educational accessibility, learning platforms, skill development tools, personalized education, and future-ready training systems. Projects can include adaptive learning platforms, skill verification systems, teacher support tools, student productivity systems, mentorship platforms, and community learning ecosystems. The emphasis should be on accessibility and meaningful outcomes. 9. Sustainability & Climate Tech Climate innovation is now essential for long-term global progress. This theme covers renewable energy, waste management, smart agriculture, carbon tracking, water conservation, sustainable logistics, and environmental monitoring. Participants may develop sustainability dashboards, carbon footprint calculators, waste reduction systems, agri-tech platforms, green supply-chain systems, and smart environmental monitoring solutions. Real impact and implementation potential are highly valued. 10. Open Innovation (Management, Operations, Design & More) This open category allows participants from non-traditional or interdisciplinary backgrounds to participate. It includes management systems, HR innovation, operations optimization, legal tech, supply chain, logistics, UI/UX systems, and social impact projects. If your project creates value but does not fit perfectly into a fixed category, this is your track. Innovation is not limited by labels. Requirements To ensure fair evaluation and smooth judging, all participants must complete the following: Submit the complete project before the final deadline Provide a proper project title and short description Submit a detailed project explanation with problem statement and solution approach Include demo video or working prototype link Provide GitHub repository link (if applicable) Add presentation deck or supporting documentation (recommended) Mention all team members clearly (maximum 5 members allowed) Select the correct theme/category for your project Ensure originality and avoid plagiarism Make all final improvements before submission lock (no changes allowed after final deadline) Hackathon Sponsors Prizes 7 non-cash prizes 1st Prize – Grand Winner 1 winner Major Cash Prize Official Winner Certificate Premium Mega Swag Box Exclusive Featured Winner Recognition on Official Platforms Priority Access to Communities Direct Shortlisting for Future Opportunities Special Project Recognition Award Social Media and Community Feature Priority Profile Publishing for Future Events Fast-Track Access to Upcoming Professional Programs 2nd Prize – Runner-Up 1 winner Cash Prize Official Runner-Up Certificate Premium Swag Box Featured Recognition in Winner Announcements Priority Access to Upcoming Hackathons Special Mention by Jury Panel Professional Recognition Badge Future Event Priority Access 3rd Prize – Achievement Award 1 winner Cash Prize Achievement Certificate Swag Package Public Recognition in Official Results Community Feature Future Participation Priority Access Theme-Based Awards 10 winners Each of the 10 hackathon themes will have dedicated recognition for the best-performing projects. Theme Categories Include: Best Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning Project Best Cybersecurity & Privacy Solution Best Finance & FinTech Innovation Best Healthcare & MedTech Project Best Cloud Computing & DevOps Solution Best Web3 & Blockchain Project Best Product Management & Business Innovation Best Education & EdTech Solution Best Sustainability & Climate Tech Project Best Open Innovation Project Theme Winners Receive: Official Theme Winner Certificate Special Mention Recognition Theme-Specific Swag Benefits Featured Project Listing Public Recognition During Final Results Priority Selection for Future Professional Events Jury Appreciation Recognition Special Awards 10 winners Apart from standard winner categories, additional recognition awards may include: Best UI/UX Design Award Best Startup Potential Award Best Social Impact Project Best Innovation Award Best Technical Architecture Award Most Scalable Solution Award Community Choice Award (Public Voting) Jury Excellence Mention Fastest Execution Award Best Team Collaboration Award Participation Rewards 1,000 winners All eligible participants who successfully complete the hackathon process will receive: Official Participation Certificate Eligibility for Swag Rewards Priority Access to Future Hackathons Community Recognition Referral Reward Eligibility Professional Verification Support Event Participation Record for Career & Portfolio Use Referral Rewards Program 100 winners Participants who help expand the community by referring others will unlock additional rewards. Referral Milestones: 5 Referrals Swag Package 10+ Referrals Premium Swag Box 25+ Referrals Swag Box Plus 50+ Referrals Mega Swag Box with Multiple Gifts Inside Devpost Achievements Submitting to this hackathon could earn you: <%= name %> <% if (has_levels) { %> level <%= next_level %> <% } %> Judges Hackspire Jury Panel Interested in judging ..mail us !! Shubhangi Jain Senior Business Analyst, Critical Mass US (Omnicom Group) Judging Criteria Creativity Responsiveness Functionality Design & Aesthetics

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NEXORA INNOVATION SUMMIT Nexora Innovation Summit is a global student-centered innovation hackathon designed to create a structured environment where ideas, technology, and execution come together to solve real-world problems. It is built as a multi-domain innovation platform that encourages participants to go beyond theoretical learning and actively engage in building functional, scalable, and meaningful solutions. Unlike traditional hackathons that are limited to narrow domains or short-term experimentation, Nexora is designed to reflect how real-world innovation actually happens. In the real world, solutions are rarely confined to a single field. They require a combination of technical understanding, design thinking, product awareness, and business logic. Nexora is structured to replicate this environment in a simplified and accessible format for students. The hackathon welcomes participants from all academic backgrounds, not just computer science or engineering. Whether a participant is exploring artificial intelligence, building a fintech application, designing a web platform, or working on sustainability solutions, Nexora provides an open space to experiment and build. The core philosophy of Nexora Innovation Summit is based on three fundamental principles: 1. Open Innovation Participants are not restricted by rigid categories. They are encouraged to explore ideas freely across domains and combine multiple technologies to build hybrid solutions. This ensures creativity is not limited by structure. 2. Practical Execution The focus is not just on ideas but on execution. Participants are expected to build working prototypes or functional systems that demonstrate real understanding of the problem and solution space. 3. Student Empowerment The hackathon is exclusively designed for students to provide a balanced environment where learning, collaboration, and innovation happen simultaneously without external professional pressure. Nexora Innovation Summit also encourages collaboration between students with different skill sets. A strong team might include developers, designers, and product thinkers working together to solve a single problem. This approach helps simulate real startup or product development environments. Participants will also gain exposure to structured problem-solving, system design thinking, and project communication—skills that are essential for future careers in technology, entrepreneurship, and research. Requirements The submission process for Nexora Innovation Summit is designed to ensure clarity, fairness, and meaningful evaluation of all projects. Participants are expected to submit not just an idea, but a complete representation of their thought process, execution strategy, and technical implementation. What Participants Are Expected to Build Participants are required to develop a working solution that addresses a real-world problem or improves an existing system. The solution must demonstrate: Clear understanding of the problem space Logical and structured approach to solving the problem Functional prototype or working system Evidence of technical execution Participants are free to choose their domain of interest. The hackathon does not enforce a single direction. Instead, it encourages exploration across fields such as: Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning systems Financial technology applications Web and mobile platforms SaaS products and infrastructure tools Cybersecurity solutions Data-driven analytics systems Developer tools and APIs Product strategy prototypes Open innovation concepts The objective is not just to complete a project but to demonstrate how well an idea is understood and implemented. Mandatory Submission Components Each submission must include the following structured elements: 1. Project Title and Description A clear and concise explanation of the project. This should define what the solution is and what problem it solves. 2. Problem Statement Participants must clearly describe the problem being addressed, including why it is relevant and important. 3. Solution Overview A structured explanation of how the proposed solution works and what approach has been used to solve the problem. 4. Working Prototype A functional demonstration of the solution. This may include: Live deployed application GitHub repository API or backend service Interactive prototype 5. Technical Implementation A breakdown of technologies, frameworks, and architecture used in the project. 6. Use Case Explanation Explanation of how the solution can be applied in real-world scenarios and what impact it can create. 7. Team Information Names of participants along with their roles and contributions. Hackathon Sponsors Prizes $5,500+ in prizes + other prizes Winner – 1st Place $2,000 in cash 1 winner Official Winner Certificate (First Position) Digital Winner Badge for professional profiles Exclusive Winner Trophy / Medal (if applicable) Featured spotlight across official hackathon platforms Priority access to future innovation programs Premium swag kit from organizers Second Position Award – Innovation Excellence Package $1,500 in cash 1 winner Official Runner-Up Certificate (Second Position) Digital Achievement Badge Recognition on official leaderboard Curated swag kit from organizers Early access to selected future events Special mention in event documentation Third Position Award – Outstanding Achievement Package $1,000 in cash 1 winner Official Certificate of Excellence (Third Position) Digital Recognition Badge Inclusion in official winners list Standard swag kit from organizers Community recognition mention Eligibility for future opportunities Participation Award 600 winners Every participant who successfully submits a valid project will be recognized for their effort and contribution. This award ensures that learning, experimentation, and participation are formally acknowledged. Award Includes: Participation Certificate (Verified) Digital Participation Badge Proof of involvement in Nexora Innovation Summit Access to post-event community updates Eligibility for future hackathon invitations Theme-Based Awards – Domain Excellence Recognition $100 in cash 10 winners Each theme-based award recognizes outstanding work within a specific domain. These awards are designed to highlight specialized excellence and encourage focused innovation across different fields. Award Includes (for each theme winner): Theme Winner Certificate (Domain-specific) Digital Excellence Badge for the respective domain Official recognition as category winner Feature listing under theme winners section Curated swag kit (select categories) Priority visibility in hackathon showcase Referral Contributor Awards 100 winners Participants who contribute to growing the hackathon community through referrals will receive special recognition. This award is designed to acknowledge participants who help expand engagement and bring more innovators into the ecosystem. Award Includes: Referral Contribution Certificate Digital Community Builder Badge Exclusive Nexora swag items (based on milestone) Recognition in referral leaderboard Priority consideration for ambassador roles Special appreciation mention in reports Devpost Achievements Submitting to this hackathon could earn you: <%= name %> <% if (has_levels) { %> level <%= next_level %> <% } %> Judges Professional Jury Panel To be Declared soon !! Kumar Sivanarayana SDE II , Meta Deepti Kapoor Software Engineer at Goldman Sachs Judging Criteria Problem Solving Presentation

1. AI Environmental Sustainability (Sponsored Track) About the Challenge Build an AI-powered solution that tackles a real environmental sustainability problem, such as energy optimization, emissions reduction, waste management, or climate resilience. This track focuses on using AI to create practical, scalable solutions that contribute to a cleaner and more sustainable future. Get Started Identify a specific environmental problem Use AI/ML meaningfully to address it Leverage real or realistic data sources Focus on scalability and real-world deployment Define how impact will be measured What to Build Create a functional prototype that demonstrates how your AI solution solves a real sustainability challenge. What to Submit Project demo (live or video) Brief explanation of the problem and solution Technical overview and data sources used 2. Participatory Surveillance Risk Challenge (Sponsored Track) About the Challenge Design a system that enhances self-reported health data by combining it with external data sources to generate AI-driven risk profiles for individuals or communities. The goal is to help detect and prevent potential outbreaks early through intelligent insights. Get Started Understand how self-reported data can be enriched Combine multiple data sources (travel, weather, public health, etc.) Use AI/ML to generate meaningful risk insights Focus on usability and engagement for real-world adoption What to Build A prototype that generates individual or community risk assessments using AI and multiple data inputs. What to Submit Demo of your prototype Overview of your data sources and approach Explanation of how your system would be used in Arizona 3. Undergrad Ed Hack (Sponsored Track) About the Challenge Identify a real challenge in the undergraduate experience and build a creative, tech-enabled solution using a “vibe coding” approach. Focus on solving everyday frustrations in student life through rapid experimentation, intuition, and user-centered design. Get Started Identify a real campus problem Understand the underlying “vibe” or frustration Build a solution guided by experimentation and user empathy Iterate and improve your idea throughout the hackathon What to Build A working prototype (app, platform, or system) that improves the student experience. What to Submit Problem explanation Demo of your prototype Key learnings and future improvements 4. Southern Arizona Social Innovation Track (Non-Profit) About the Challenge Work with local nonprofits and community partners to develop solutions addressing real challenges in Southern Arizona, including workforce development, healthcare access, education, and poverty. This track emphasizes real-world impact and community-centered innovation. Get Started Choose a challenge area (workforce, healthcare, etc.) Understand real barriers faced by communities Design practical, low-cost, and scalable solutions Focus on impact, accessibility, and equity What to Build A prototype, service model, or system that addresses a real community problem. What to Submit Solution prototype or concept Implementation plan Explanation of real-world impact 5. Southern Arizona Social Innovation Track (Non-Profit – Second Challenge) About the Challenge Develop solutions to improve access to care, workforce participation, or economic mobility for underserved communities. Focus on building inclusive, scalable, and impactful solutions that address real societal challenges. Get Started Identify a real-world community challenge Design solutions that are accessible and practical Consider constraints like cost, infrastructure, and trust Focus on long-term sustainability and usability Requirements What to Build Build a working prototype, app, platform, model, dashboard, service design, or technical solution that addresses the track you selected. Your project should clearly explain the problem, show how your solution works, and demonstrate potential real-world impact. What to Submit • Project name and description • Team member names • Selected track • Working demo or demo video • GitHub repository or project link • Technologies used • Brief explanation of your problem, solution, and future improvements Important: Each team may submit to only ONE sponsored track. All projects must be built during the hackathon. Hackathon Sponsors Prizes 10 non-cash prizes [MLH] Best Use of Gemma 4 1 winner Google Swag Kits Leverage Gemma 4 through the Google Gemini APIs with your choice of Google's latest open weight models. Choose from four different models, including "Effective" and "Mixture-of-Experts (MoE)" models. Gemma 4 is released under the Apache 2.0 license, which is a big deal for developers. It means you can use it for commercial projects, modify the code, and distribute it without having to pay royalties to Google or share your own proprietary data. Gemma 4 is the ultimate open-source toolkit for building advanced AI features that run fast and privately! [MLH] Best Use of ElevenLabs 1 winner Wireless Earbuds Deploy natural, human-sounding audio with ElevenLabs. Create realistic, dynamic, and emotionally expressive voices for any project, from interactive AI companions to narrated stories and voice-enabled apps. ElevenLabs will empower you to build rich, immersive experiences without the need for actors or complex audio production, using simply the power of AI. Integrate fully autonomous audio experiences into your hack with ElevenLabs and give your project a voice, along with giving your team the chance to win some wireless earbuds! [MLH] Best Use of Solana 1 winner Ledger Nano S Plus The world of development is evolving fast and Solana is leading the charge with a network built to handle all of your infrastructure needs. Forget high fees and slow confirmations, it’s time to build applications that are fast, efficient, and scalable. Harness Solana's core advantages like blazing fast execution and near-zero transaction costs to make your hackathon ideas become real world projects. With Solana, the possibilities are endless. Create a game, social app, or consumer product that relies on instant, high-frequency transactions. Design a sophisticated trading, lending, or decentralized exchange (DEX). Build a prototype for supply chain, identity, or payments that can handle massive, real-world volume. Show us how you can innovate with Solana for a chance to win some cool prizes for you and each member of your team! [MLH] Best Use of Auth0 AI Agents 1 winner Wireless Headphones As AI agents become more autonomous, security is more critical than ever. We’re looking for the most innovative implementation of Auth0 for AI Agents. Show us how you use Auth0’s robust APIs to manage identities, secure agent-to-user interactions, and protect your application’s integrity. Why Auth0? Zero Friction: 7,000 free monthly active users. Zero Risk: No credit card needed to sign up. Total Security: Industry-leading MFA and social integrations. [MLH] Best Use of Backboard 1 winner Tile Essentials Pack Every AI model API is stateless by default. That means your app forgets everything the second a session ends. State management should be the first step of any AI build, regardless of what LLM you are using, and Backboard gives you that for free. But Backboard is not just state management. It is a single, unified API built on the world's #1 AI memory that gives you everything you need in one place: long-term memory, RAG, embeddings, tool calls, model routing across 17,000+ LLMs, and persistent context that stays alive across every page refresh, session, and user. No stitching together five different services. One API. One integration. Built on the best memory in AI. Here’s just a small list of things Backboard can make possible for your AI app! AI-powered Travel Guide: Remembers allergies and preferences from past trips. Personalized Fitness Coach: Adjusts workouts based on progress and injury history. Smart Home Controller: Learns routines over time to anticipate lighting and climate preferences! Use Backboard to build a seamless, persistent user experience without the usual infrastructure headache! Each winning team member will receive a Tiles Essentials Pack because, just like AI, we all need an occasional reminder of where things are! [MLH] Best Domain Name from GoDaddy Registry 1 winner Digital Gift Card GoDaddy Registry is giving you everything you need to be the best hacker no matter where you are. Register your domain name with GoDaddy Registry for a chance to win some amazing prizes! [Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona] Most Innovative Use of AI for the Public Good 1 winner Awarded to the team that most effectively uses artificial intelligence or data-driven tools to address the challenge. Judges will consider: • Does the solution use AI in a meaningful, non-superficial way? • Does it improve decision-making, accessibility, or support for participants? • Is the use of AI appropriate given the context and constraints? • Are ethical considerations (bias, privacy, transparency) addressed? [Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona] Best Preservation of Individual Autonomy 1 winner Awarded to the team whose solution most effectively supports participants while respecting their independence, dignity, and decision-making power. Sociological research has shown that individuals are less likely to participate in programs that make them feel that they are giving up a piece of their autonomy in exchange for help. Judges will consider: • Does the solution empower participants rather than control or restrict them? • Does it avoid paternalistic or overly intrusive interventions? • Are privacy and consent clearly incorporated into the design? • Does the solution build trust with participants? [Banner – University Family Care] Most Innovative Use of AI for the Public Good 1 winner Awarded to the team that most effectively uses artificial intelligence or data-driven tools to improve healthcare access or outcomes. Judges will consider: • Is AI used in a meaningful and appropriate way (not just as a feature)? • Does it improve access, decision-making, or care coordination? • Are ethical considerations (privacy, bias, transparency) addressed? • Is the solution realistic in a rural healthcare context? [Banner – University Family Care] Best Understanding of Community Healthcare Needs 1 winner Awarded to the team that demonstrates the strongest understanding of the lived experiences, barriers, and needs of rural patients. Judges will consider: • Does the solution reflect a clear understanding of rural healthcare challenges? • Is the solution patient-centered and accessible? • Does it account for real-world constraints (transportation, cost, trust, infrastructure)? • Does it improve continuity of care in a meaningful way? Devpost Achievements Submitting to this hackathon could earn you: <%= name %> <% if (has_levels) { %> level <%= next_level %> <% } %> Judges Karakay Deniz GitHub Mukund Jahnavi American Express SW Marley Nuclearn.ai Bailey Hakari Nuclearn.ai Sondra Nuclearn.ai Smolinski Mark Steven Executive Director, Ending Pandemics Academy Divi Nomita Director, Programs and Operations Judging Criteria Problem Understanding How clearly does the team define and understand the problem they are trying to solve? Is the problem meaningful and well-scoped? Creativity & Innovation Is the solution unique, creative, or innovative? Does it offer a fresh perspective or approach? Technical Implementation How well is the solution built? Does the prototype demonstrate functionality and technical depth? Impact & Real-World Applicability Can the solution realistically be deployed or scaled? Does it create meaningful impact? Presentation & Demo How clearly and effectively does the team present their project? Is the demo understandable and engaging?

Problem Statement Design an offline-first web application that enables civilians in a fully network-blackout environment to share, relay, and access critical information using peer-to-peer local communication (Bluetooth/Wi-Fi Direct) and QR-based communal data drops. The system must function without any internet infrastructure and demonstrate information propagation across multiple devices and physical locations. The system should prioritize usability, low resource consumption, and privacy protections. Requirements Submission Requirements Participants must design and implement an offline-first web application that: Functions with zero internet connectivity Supports peer-to-peer communication through digital or physical mechanisms Enables information exchange across multiple devices Demonstrates multi-hop propagation (Device A → B → C) Operates within the constraints of standard consumer smartphones Hackathon Sponsors Prizes ₹ 35,000 in prizes Winners ₹ 20,000 in cash 1 winner Runners Up ₹ 15,000 in cash 1 winner Devpost Achievements Submitting to this hackathon could earn you: <%= name %> <% if (has_levels) { %> level <%= next_level %> <% } %> Judges Bhanukiran Perabathini Professor - Mahindra University Kumar Vikash UI/UX Researcher Judging Criteria Functionality Reliability Design Decisions Successful demonstration under constraints

TigerVerse is a 44-hour immersive hackathon hosted by the University of Missouri’s Virtual Reality Club (MUVR), bringing together developers, designers, and innovators to build cutting-edge experiences in extended reality (XR). Set in the heart of Columbia, Missouri, TigerVerse challenges participants to explore the future of virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR). Whether you're building your first XR project or pushing the limits of immersive technology, TigerVerse provides the platform, mentorship, and community to make it happen. Requirements Build an innovative project that involves Extended Reality (XR) (VR, AR, or MR)! By 4:00 pm on Sunday, April 26th 2026 at Pencils down, you must have submitted: Your code on Github and put this link in your team page on in the field currently marked "Github". Your 30s-1min (Tik-Tok/Vertical Style) Sizzle Reel on your Devpost Your Devpost page and all descriptions must be created and finished. Optional: A longer/more in-depth demo video to document your project for your personal portfolio. Hackathon Sponsors Prizes $1,500+ in prizes + other prizes XR in Education Track 1st Place - Sponsored by Spectacles $1,500 in cash 1 winner XR in Education Track 2nd Place - Sponsored by Spectacles 1 winner Spectacles Branded Soundview Speakers for each group member XR in Education Track 3rd Place - Sponsored by Spectacles 1 winner Spectacles Branded Power Banks Social Good (VU Foundation) 1 winner 4x Meta Quest 3s Hardware Hack 1 winner 4x Raspberry Pi 5s Best Overall 1st Place 1 winner 4x Meta Quest Pro Second Best Overall 2nd Place 1 winner 4x Meta Quest 2 Devpost Achievements Submitting to this hackathon could earn you: <%= name %> <% if (has_levels) { %> level <%= next_level %> <% } %> Judges A Panel of Hand Selected Judges Judging Criteria Track Dependent

Octoverse Student Hackathon is an annual, student-focused innovation event designed to bring together learners, builders, and aspiring developers from diverse academic backgrounds. The hackathon creates an open and collaborative space where students can explore ideas, experiment with technologies, and work together to build meaningful solutions. The primary goal of Octoverse is to encourage students to step beyond theoretical learning and apply their knowledge to real-world challenges. Participants will work across multiple domains such as software development, artificial intelligence, data science, business applications, and emerging technologies. The platform enables students to turn their ideas into working prototypes while learning through hands-on experience. The hackathon is structured to support both beginners and experienced participants. Whether you are building your first project or refining advanced technical skills, Octoverse provides an environment where you can learn, collaborate, and grow. Students can participate individually or in teams, exchange ideas, and create solutions that reflect creativity, technical understanding, and practical relevance. Throughout the event, participants are encouraged to explore new tools, frameworks, and approaches. The focus is not only on building complete solutions but also on understanding problems deeply, thinking critically, and applying innovative approaches to solve them. Octoverse Student Hackathon is designed to guide participants through every stage—from ideation to execution and final presentation. The environment remains inclusive and accessible, allowing students from different disciplines to contribute and collaborate effectively. Beyond building projects, the hackathon also serves as a platform for peer learning and networking. Participants get the opportunity to interact with other students, share knowledge, and gain exposure to different perspectives. This collaborative setting helps build confidence and fosters a mindset of continuous improvement. At the end of the hackathon, participants present their projects, showcasing the problem they addressed, their approach, and the outcomes achieved. This not only highlights their work but also helps develop communication and presentation skills that are essential for academic and professional growth. Overall, Octoverse Student Hackathon is designed to provide a balanced experience of learning, building, and collaboration. It aims to empower students to innovate, experiment, and gain practical exposure while working on ideas that have real-world relevance. Requirements Participants are required to submit a project that aligns with one or more of the hackathon themes. The submission should clearly demonstrate the concept, development process, and outcome of the project. Each submission must include a detailed project description explaining the problem statement, the approach taken, and the solution developed. Participants should clearly outline the purpose of their project and how it addresses a specific challenge or use case. A working prototype or functional implementation is expected as part of the submission. While fully developed products are not mandatory, participants should aim to present a working model that showcases the core idea and functionality of their solution. Participants are encouraged to include a link to their source code repository, such as GitHub or any other version control platform. The repository should be well-organized and include necessary documentation to help reviewers understand the structure and functionality of the project. In addition to the technical components, participants should provide supporting materials such as a presentation, documentation, or visual assets that help explain the project in a clear and structured manner. These materials should highlight key features, use cases, and potential impact. A demo or explainer video is also recommended as part of the submission. The video should provide a walkthrough of the project, demonstrating how it works and explaining its key functionalities. This helps reviewers better understand the project and its practical application. All submissions must be original work developed during the hackathon period. Participants should ensure that their work reflects their own efforts and contributions. Any external resources or libraries used should be properly acknowledged. Submissions will be reviewed based on criteria such as innovation, functionality, usability, and overall execution. Participants are encouraged to focus on clarity, practicality, and creativity while preparing their submissions. Hackathon Sponsors Prizes $3,850+ in prizes + other prizes First Place – Octoverse Champion $1,200 in cash 1 winner Official Winner Certificate Featured placement on platform and media channels Premium Swag Kit Recognition as Overall Champion Second Place – Runner-Up $900 in cash 1 winner Runner-Up Certificate Featured project listing Swag Kit Third Place – Merit Award $750 in cash 1 winner Merit Certificate Recognition by organizers Swag Kit Theme-Based Awards $100 in cash 10 winners In addition to overall prizes, top-performing projects in each category will be recognized: Best Software Development Project Best AI / Data-Driven Solution Best Finance / FinTech Innovation Best Business Management / Consultancy Solution Best Entrepreneurship / Startup Idea Best Electrical / Hardware Innovation Each Theme Winner Receives: Theme Winner Certificate Special Jury Recognition Featured Listing on Platform Swag Kit Participation & Additional Rewards 600 winners Participation Certificates SWAG BOXES Eligibility for future hackathons and opportunities Access to community updates and resources Referral-Based Rewards 100 winners Top referrers will receive exclusive swag boxes Bonus recognition for community contribution Devpost Achievements Submitting to this hackathon could earn you: <%= name %> <% if (has_levels) { %> level <%= next_level %> <% } %> Judges Professional Jury Panel To be Declared soon !! Nehal Sanjay Software Engineer at Goldman Sachs Danil Lee Senior Software Developer at Citibank Judging Criteria CREATIVITY INNOVATION DESCRIPTION FUNCTIONALITY

About the challenge Participants should develop a solution that addresses a real-world problem aligned with the hackathon theme. Projects should demonstrate: * A clear problem and proposed solution * A functional prototype (web app, mobile app, software tool, etc.) * Consideration for scalability, usability, and real-world impact * Integration of relevant technologies (APIs, AI, data analysis, etc. if applicable) Requirements What to Submit Each team must submit the following: Project Title & Description A clear explanation of the problem, your solution, and its impact GitHub Repository Link Must include all source code and a README explaining how to run the project Demo Video (1-2 min) Show your project in action and explain key features Project Files (ZIP Upload) A compressed file containing all necessary code and assets Hackathon Sponsors Prizes $25 in prizes Amazon Gift Card $25 in cash 1 winner Devpost Achievements Submitting to this hackathon could earn you: <%= name %> <% if (has_levels) { %> level <%= next_level %> <% } %> Judges Nelson SHPE Kriti Judging Criteria Rubric Judging Criteria (100 Points Total) * Creativity & Technical Execution (40 points) * Impact (30 points) * Commercial Viability (30 points)

HackPulse Hackathon 2026 – A Global Student Innovation Platform HackPulse Hackathon 2026 is a global, student-focused innovation initiative designed to bring together individuals who are driven by curiosity, creativity, and the desire to build meaningful solutions. It is structured as an open platform where students from diverse academic backgrounds can collaborate, experiment, and develop ideas that address real-world challenges. At its core, HackPulse is not confined to a single discipline or narrowly defined category. Instead, it is intentionally designed as a multi-domain environment where participants are encouraged to explore across fields, combine ideas, and approach problems from multiple perspectives. The hackathon recognizes that modern challenges rarely exist in isolation, and meaningful solutions often emerge at the intersection of different domains. HackPulse Hackathon 2026 is exclusively designed for students. This focus ensures that participants operate within a peer-driven ecosystem where learning, experimentation, and growth are prioritized alongside competition. The platform is structured to support students at different stages of their journey, whether they are beginners taking their first step into building projects or experienced participants looking to refine their skills and expand their impact. Scope of Innovation One of the defining characteristics of HackPulse Hackathon 2026 is its broad scope. The hackathon does not impose strict limitations on what participants can build. Instead, it provides a framework within which participants can explore multiple domains and create solutions that align with their interests and skills. Participants can choose to work individually or form teams. Team-based participation is encouraged, as it allows individuals with different skill sets to collaborate and create more comprehensive solutions. However, individual participation is equally supported for those who prefer to work independently. The solutions developed during the hackathon can range from technical prototypes and applications to conceptual systems and product strategies. The emphasis is on clarity of thought, quality of execution, and relevance of the problem being addressed. HackPulse Themes To provide direction while maintaining flexibility, HackPulse Hackathon 2026 introduces ten major themes. These themes are carefully selected to reflect current technological advancements, industry trends, and global priorities. 1. Artificial Intelligence (AI) Focuses on intelligent systems that can simulate human decision-making, automate processes, and enhance user experiences. 2. Machine Learning (ML) Centers on data-driven models that learn from patterns and improve performance over time. 3. Financial Technology (FinTech) Encourages solutions related to digital payments, financial inclusion, risk analysis, and modern banking systems. 4. Web Development Covers the development of scalable, efficient, and user-friendly web applications and platforms. 5. SaaS / Platform Infrastructure Focuses on building software platforms and tools that can serve businesses and users at scale. 6. Cybersecurity Addresses challenges related to data protection, privacy, secure systems, and threat detection. 7. Data Science & Analytics Encourages the use of data to generate insights, improve decision-making, and solve complex problems. 8. Product Management & Strategy Focuses on building products with strong user understanding, market fit, and strategic direction. 9. Climate Tech & Sustainability Encourages solutions that address environmental challenges and promote sustainable practices. 10. Open Innovation (Wildcard Category) Provides complete freedom for participants to explore ideas that do not fit into predefined categories. These themes are intentionally flexible. Participants are encouraged to combine multiple themes and develop interdisciplinary solutions that reflect real-world complexity. What Makes HackPulse Hackathon 2026 Distinct HackPulse is not positioned as a conventional hackathon. It is designed as a structured innovation platform that emphasizes quality, inclusivity, and impact. Inclusive Participation HackPulse welcomes students from all academic disciplines, not just computer science or engineering. This inclusivity ensures a diverse range of ideas and perspectives. Multi-Domain Flexibility Participants are not restricted to a single theme. This flexibility allows for the creation of hybrid solutions that integrate multiple technologies and approaches. Focus on Real-World Impact Projects are evaluated based on their relevance and potential impact. The hackathon encourages participants to address problems that have practical significance. Structured Evaluation Process The judging process is designed to be transparent and consistent. Clear evaluation criteria ensure that all submissions are assessed fairly. Recognition and Documentation Participants receive formal recognition for their work. Certificates and documentation provide value beyond the duration of the hackathon. Visibility and Exposure HackPulse provides participants with the opportunity to showcase their work to a broader audience, including peers and industry professionals. Learning and Development HackPulse Hackathon 2026 is not solely focused on competition. It is equally committed to learning and development. Participants gain exposure to practical problem-solving, collaborative work environments, and structured evaluation processes. The hackathon encourages participants to think critically, communicate effectively, and approach challenges with a solution-oriented mindset. These skills are essential for both academic and professional growth. Participants also benefit from interacting with peers who share similar interests and goals. This interaction fosters a sense of community and provides opportunities for collaboration beyond the hackathon. Execution and Expectations Participants are expected to approach the hackathon with seriousness and commitment. While experimentation is encouraged, the goal is to produce meaningful outcomes that demonstrate effort and understanding. Projects should reflect a clear problem statement, a logical approach, and a working solution or prototype. Participants are encouraged to document their work effectively and present their ideas with clarity. The hackathon provides a structured timeline to guide participants through different stages of development. Adhering to this timeline ensures a smooth and organized experience for all participants. Requirements Submission Guidelines – Build with Freedom HackPulse Hackathon 2026 is designed as an open innovation platform, which means you are not restricted by rigid formats or predefined paths. You are free to explore your creativity, experiment with ideas, and build solutions that truly reflect your thinking and approach. While creativity is encouraged, a basic structure is required to ensure clarity and fairness during evaluation. What You Can Build There are no strict limitations on what you should create. You are encouraged to build something that: Solves a real-world problem Improves an existing system or experience Introduces a unique or unconventional idea Combines multiple domains or technologies Your project can align with one or more hackathon themes—or even take an entirely new direction under open innovation. You are free to build in any format, including but not limited to: Web or mobile applications AI/ML-based systems Data-driven platforms or dashboards SaaS or scalable tools APIs, developer tools, or infrastructure solutions Research-driven prototypes Product concepts with technical or strategic validation The emphasis is not on the type of project, but on how clearly you think, build, and present your idea. What You Need to Submit To help us understand and evaluate your work effectively, please include the following: Project Title and Description Clearly explain the problem you are addressing and your approach to solving it. Working Prototype or Demonstration This can be a live link, deployed product, or any functional representation of your solution. Project Repository Provide access to your codebase (GitHub or equivalent). Use Case Explanation Describe how your solution can be applied in real-world scenarios and its potential impact. Team Details Include the names of team members and their contributions. Hackathon Sponsors Prizes $3,000+ in prizes + other prizes 1st Place – Champion of HackPulse 2026 $1,500 in cash 1 winner Cash Prize / Equivalent Rewards Pool Official Winner Certificate (Premium) Featured Spotlight across all official platforms Priority access to future hackathons and partner events Opportunity for mentorship / incubation support Exclusive Winner Badge (Digital Recognition) Letter of Excellence for professional use Direct networking opportunity with jury & industry experts 2nd Place – Runner-Up $1,000 in cash 1 winner Cash Prize / Equivalent Rewards Pool Official Runner-Up Certificate Featured mention on official platforms Exclusive recognition badge Access to partner opportunities and communities Letter of Achievement 3rd Place – Second Runner-Up $500 in cash 1 winner Cash Prize / Equivalent Rewards Pool Official Certificate of Achievement Recognition across community channels Special mention in final results Digital badge for portfolio and LinkedIn Participant Benefits (For All) 500 winners Every participant at HackPulse Hackathon 2026 receives: Certificate of Participation Official Documentation of Contribution Project Showcase Opportunity Access to Community & Networking Channels Learning Resources & Mentorship Exposure Opportunity to collaborate with global participants Referral Bonus 500 winners Referral Milestones & Rewards 5+ Referrals Official Referral Contributor Certificate Early recognition in participant highlights 10+ Referrals Confirmed Hackathon Swag Kit (stickers, badges, digital goodies) Featured mention on community channels Priority access to select updates and announcements 20+ Referrals Premium Goodies Pack (enhanced swag bundle) Certificate of Excellence – Community Contributor Priority consideration for future ambassador or volunteer roles 50+ Referrals Top Referral Award – HackPulse 2026 Exclusive premium goodies from organizers Special recognition across official platforms Direct acknowledgment in final event report Fast-track access to future programs & consideration Devpost Achievements Submitting to this hackathon could earn you: <%= name %> <% if (has_levels) { %> level <%= next_level %> <% } %> Judges Abhishek Singh Software Development Engineer , Instagram USA Bhavna Jain Manager II , ByteDance Judging Criteria Problem Solving Ability to clearly identify a relevant problem and develop an effective, practical solution with logical reasoning. Presentation Clarity, structure, and effectiveness in communicating the idea, approach, and impact of the project.

Synapse Innovation Hack is a student-focused global innovation hackathon designed to bring together curious minds, builders, and problem-solvers from across disciplines to collaborate and create impactful solutions. The hackathon is built around the idea that innovation is strongest when different perspectives, skills, and backgrounds come together to solve meaningful real-world challenges. Unlike traditional hackathons that often focus narrowly on specific technologies or domains, Synapse Innovation Hack encourages open exploration across multiple fields such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, software development, fintech, cybersecurity, data science, product design, and emerging technologies. The goal is not only to build projects but to develop solutions that demonstrate clarity of thought, technical execution, and real-world relevance. The name “Synapse” represents connection—just as synapses in the brain connect neurons to enable intelligence, this hackathon connects ideas, people, and technologies to enable innovation. Participants are encouraged to think beyond boundaries, combine disciplines, and build systems that reflect how real-world products and technologies are actually developed. This hackathon is exclusively designed for students, ensuring a focused learning environment where participants can explore, experiment, and grow without external professional pressure. Whether a participant is a beginner building their first project or an advanced developer working on scalable systems, Synapse Innovation Hack provides an equal platform for creativity and execution. Participants may work individually or in teams, allowing flexibility in collaboration. Team-based participation is encouraged as it simulates real-world development environments where cross-functional collaboration is essential. The hackathon emphasizes learning by doing, where participants are expected to not only conceptualize ideas but also bring them to life through working prototypes or functional systems. Throughout the event, participants are encouraged to explore modern tools, frameworks, APIs, and technologies. However, the focus remains on problem-solving and innovation rather than tool complexity. A simple solution that effectively solves a real problem is valued more than a complex system without clarity or impact. Synapse Innovation Hack also aims to help students develop important skills beyond coding, including system thinking, product design, communication, and presentation. These skills are critical for careers in technology, entrepreneurship, research, and product development. At its core, Synapse Innovation Hack is not just a competition—it is a structured innovation experience designed to help students think like builders, act like problem-solvers, and present like professionals. Requirements To ensure fairness, clarity, and structured evaluation, all participants must follow the submission guidelines outlined below. The submission is designed to capture both the technical and conceptual depth of the project. Participants are expected to build a working solution that addresses a real-world problem or significantly improves an existing system. The solution should reflect logical thinking, structured development, and practical implementation. Submissions may fall into any of the following categories: Web applications Mobile applications AI/ML-based systems Data analytics platforms SaaS or backend infrastructure tools APIs or developer utilities Cybersecurity solutions Product design prototypes Research-driven technical implementations The hackathon encourages open innovation, so participants are free to combine multiple domains and technologies within their projects. Each submission must include the following components: 1. Project Title and Description A clear and concise explanation of the project, including what it does and why it matters. 2. Problem Statement A well-defined description of the problem being addressed, including its relevance and impact. 3. Solution Overview An explanation of the approach taken to solve the problem, including the logic behind the solution. 4. Working Prototype A functional demonstration of the solution such as a live link, deployed application, or GitHub repository. 5. Technical Details Overview of technologies, frameworks, APIs, and architecture used in the project. 6. Use Case and Impact Explanation of how the solution applies to real-world scenarios and what impact it can create. 7. Team Information Names of team members along with their individual contributions. Optional but highly recommended components include demo videos, presentation slides, UI/UX designs, and future scalability plans. These elements significantly improve clarity and evaluation quality. Hackathon Sponsors Prizes $2,000 in prizes Winner – 1st Place $2,000 in cash 1 winner TBD opt-in award or sponsor prize Devpost Achievements Submitting to this hackathon could earn you: <%= name %> <% if (has_levels) { %> level <%= next_level %> <% } %> Judges Professional Jury Panel To be Declared soon !! Subham Sah Software Engineer at Goldman Sachs Judging Criteria FUNCTIONALITY Problem Solving

About the Challenge CodeStorm is a high-energy hackathon designed to bring together innovators, developers, and problem-solvers to build impactful solutions. Participants will collaborate, experiment, and create real-world projects across diverse domains using cutting-edge technologies. Get Started Form your team, choose a problem statement, and start building. Use available resources, attend mentor sessions, and push your creativity to turn ideas into working prototypes within the given time. Requirements What to Build Create an innovative, real-world solution that solves a meaningful problem. You’re free to choose any domain AI/ML, Web, Mobile, Blockchain, or Open Innovation and build a functional prototype. What to Submit Submit a working prototype along with your source code (GitHub), a short project description, and a demo video explaining your solution, features, and impact. Hackathon Sponsors Prizes 1 non-cash prize Swags and Goodies 1 winner Swags and Goodies Disctribution Devpost Achievements Submitting to this hackathon could earn you: <%= name %> <% if (has_levels) { %> level <%= next_level %> <% } %> Judges suraj kumar Product Engineer, DMV Core Tech Judging Criteria Innovation & Creativity How original and imaginative is the idea? Does it solve a problem in a new or unique way? Technical Complexity How challenging was the implementation? Are you using technology effectively and demonstrating technical skills? Impact & Usefulness Does the project have real-world potential? How meaningful or helpful is it to users?

Welcome to A Brighter Future! This year's hackathon is all about optimism and inventing for the future we want to see. The main theme, "A Brighter Future," features three tracks: 1. Renovate the Future: Reduce waste by making something old new again, change the functionality of an existing invention or give it a new functionality. 2. Fashion the Future: The world is your canvas, create something that is visually appealing, or involves the creation of art. From wearables to music production to painting to drawing make something that improves your life and just maybe looks nice. + DigiKey Smart Fashion Using QWIIC 3. Educate the Future: Develop educational technology, learning platforms, and tools that transform how we teach and learn. IDEAHacks is UCLA’s premier hardware hackathon, hosted annually by IEEE at UCLA. As the largest hardware hackathon on the West Coast, IDEAHacks brings together over 150 students from various schools for an amazing weekend of innovation and collaboration. Our goal is to empower and encourage students of all backgrounds and experiences by providing them with a space and opportunity to design something exciting and memorable! Rules For DigiKey Smart Home Design DigiKey Challenge: Theme à Smart Home applications Requirements à Projects must be built with the Microchip boards provided. (i) Hardware may include Modulinos/QWIIC accessories. (ii) Other sensors may be used. (iii) Vibe coding is required. (iv) Usage of Scheme-It to document project is required. Vibe Coding à Teams are strongly encouraged to use LLM’s to vibe code in order to speed up design/implementation process. Document any problems or obstacles with AI generated code for extra credit. Good documentation of positive and negative vibe coding experience is highly desired. Documentation à Project block diagram must be posted to DigiKey’s Scheme-It block diagram and wiring tool (https://www.digikey.com/en/schemeit/home). Use Scheme-It’s text boxes to clearly summarize project functionalities and features. Project Photos à Projects must have pictures taken at the lit photo booth at the event. Teams are strongly encouraged to post pictures of their projects on your own LinkedIn or Facebook pages, tagging DigiKey with the “@DigiKey” (ampersand DigiKey) tag. Be fun and creative in your post. Judging Criteria: Three teams will be selected among all participating teams going for the DigiKey Challenge Project requirements mentioned above will be used during the judging process Project must be functional at conclusion of hackathon Meeting each project requirement raises the hackathon team’s chance of placing among the top three Documentation using Scheme-It required. Extra consideration given to teams with neatly organized block diagrams, schematics, and descriptive text boxes Nice looking and well organized projects will be given extra consideration Requirements What to Build Come up with an innovative project that creates an improvement for your world of tomorrow whether that be for the whole world, a community, or just yourself! What to Submit Projects must contain at least two hardware components. To document what you built, submit some images/videos of your project as well as a description of what your project does. Feel free to be creative! A more interesting pitch will generate more interest from judges! Make sure to include a concise description at the top of your project as your "elevator pitch." This should make it so judges can clearly understand what your project does in 20 seconds or less. Don't forget to submit this form after creating your Devpost! Hackathon Sponsors Prizes 6 non-cash prizes 1st Place Prize 1 winner 3D Printer 2nd Place Prize 1 winner Gaming Monitor 3rd Place Prize 1 winner LEGO Gameboy Set Fashion the Future 1 winner Sewing Machine Renovate the Future 1 winner Soldering Kit Educate the Future 1 winner Component Tester Devpost Achievements Submitting to this hackathon could earn you: <%= name %> <% if (has_levels) { %> level <%= next_level %> <% } %> Judges Dr. William Goodin Dr. Mike Briggs Professor Ian Roberts Professor Nader Sehatbakhsh Dr. Bart Sokolow Monica Voinea Andrew Li Helen Ying Joselito Lao Duymong Nguyen Judging Criteria Judging Rubric https://tinyurl.com/ideahacks2026judgingrubric

You'll have 24 hours to explore new technologies, meet talented students, and network with innovative tech companies. We will have a programming competition, workshops, different activities, and more. The best part is that CatHacks is completely free! Check-in starts at 5 PM EST on April 4th. Eligibility: Teams should be made up exclusively of students (or recent graduates within one year of having graduated). Professionals are allowed to participate, but will not be eligible for prizes. RequirementsIn order to demo your project, it must be submitted to this Devpost prior to judging. Make sure to outline and document your project as it will help our judges with the judging process. Be prepared to give a short demo of your project to the judges, either directly or with a video depending on the project.Hackathon SponsorsPrizes4 non-cash prizes Most Wanted (First Overall) 1 winner Redragon K556 RGB LED Backlit Wired Mechanical Gaming Keyboard Rootin Tootin Straight Shootin (Second Overall) 1 winner JBL Go 3 Portable Bluetooth Wireless Speaker Code Wrangler (Third Overall) 1 winner Solar Power Bank 49800mAh Portable Solar Phone Charger with LED Flashlight Best Buckaroo (Best First Time Hack) 1 winner $30 Amazon Gift Card Devpost AchievementsSubmitting to this hackathon could earn you: Judges Tyler Burkett Kevin Eby Dean Crockett Judging CriteriaLearning Did the team stretch themselves? Did they try to learn something new? What projects have they worked on before? If a team that always does VR projects decides to switch up and try doing a mobile app instead, that exploration should be rewarded. Completion Does the hack work? Did the team achieve everything they wanted? Design Did the team put thought into the user experience? How well-designed is the interface? For a website, this might be about how beautiful the CSS or graphics are. For a hardware project, it might be more about how good the human-computer interaction is. Technology How technically impressive was the hack? Was the technical problem the team tackled difficult? Did it use a particularly clever technique or did it use many different components? Did the technology involved make you go "Wow"?

This hackathon is the official replacement of the original "Creator Colosseum Startup Competition: Student Founders. Real Startups," which was taken down by Devpost due to a falsely suspected claim of a Community Guidelines violation. We can assure you that this hackathon, in no shape or form, violates Devpost guidelines. To those who registered or submitted to the original hackathon, the rules and submission format is exactly the same. The Creator Colosseum Startup Competition is a global, online startup competition for students ages 13–18, organized by Creator Colosseum, a student-founded initiative focused on making entrepreneurship accessible at an early stage. The goal of this competition is to help student founders take real ideas seriously. Participants submit realistic startup concepts that matter to them and their communities, receive professional evaluation, and gain exposure to what it actually takes to move an idea forward. The Creator Colosseum Startup Competition gives you the opportunity to receive meaningful feedback, real-world validation, and mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs. Whether your idea includes code, design, or a business model still being refined, this competition meets you where you are and helps you grow. The competition is entirely virtual, free to enter, and designed to reward clarity, originality, and execution rather than polish alone. Requirements What to Build Participants should develop a realistic startup concept that addresses a clear problem and proposes a thoughtful, practical solution with real-world potential. Your startup may be: A software-based product A platform, app, or tool A service or business model A technical or non-technical concept The idea does not need to be fully built. Early-stage ideas are encouraged, as long as they show clear thinking, originality, and feasibility. What to Submit An expectation for our submissions are quality, well-thought out ideas. Creator Colosseum values hard work as a key indicator of a future business leader, and the effort put into your project will be assessed. Each submission must include: A written description of your startup idea A clear explanation of the problem you are solving and why it matters A detailed explanation of your solution and how it works A basic execution or business plan describing how the idea could realistically be developed Identification of your target users or market Format this in question: answer format, answering all components mentioned above. These answers can be submitted in an attached document in the "Upload a File" request in the "Additional Info" section. If your startup includes a technical or coding component: A link to a public GitHub repository demonstrating any code used for the project Optional Components [RECOMMENDED]: A short pitch video explaining your idea, the problem, the solution, and how the solution can be implemented. 5 minutes is the recommended amount of time for the pitch A slides deck is not required, but please have it in the frame of the video if one is used. Designs, mockups, or prototypes Any additional materials that help communicate your vision Submissions will be evaluated based on originality, clarity, feasibility, and real-world impact rather than polish or completeness. Hackathon Sponsors Prizes $575+ in prizes + other prizes First Place $300 in cash 1 winner Professional Mentoring Sessions from a diverse set of fields (marketing, business management, finance, AI, tech, etc.) Second Place $200 in cash 1 winner Professional Mentoring Sessions from a diverse set of fields (marketing, business management, finance, AI, tech, etc.) Third Place $75 in cash 1 winner Professional Mentoring Sessions from a diverse set of fields (marketing, business management, finance, AI, tech, etc.) Top 10 Rankings - Mentoring 1 winner Professional Mentoring Sessions from a diverse set of fields (marketing, business management, finance, AI, tech, etc.) Devpost Achievements Submitting to this hackathon could earn you: <%= name %> <% if (has_levels) { %> level <%= next_level %> <% } %> Judges Mahesh Soni Nassau Financial Group | IEEE Srinath Gopinath US Bank Sneha Malshetti ISC2 Silicon Valley - Board Member Jasper Shi Founder & CEO @ ByteyAI Amy Jain Venture @ Pear VC | TechCrunch Featured Founder Luzhuo Chen CTO and Co-founder of Bytey Judging Criteria Feasibility & Execution | 25% Does the submission demonstrate a clear, realistic plan for execution? If technical elements are included, is the implementation thoughtful and functional? Does the idea show strong understanding of how the startup could actually work in the real world? Potential Impact | 25% How meaningful is the problem being addressed? Could this startup create real value for users or a community? Is the target audience clearly defined, and does the solution effectively meet their needs? Communication & Clarity | 10% Is the idea clearly explained? Are the submission materials, pitch, or demo easy to understand? Does the team effectively communicate their vision, execution plan, and future potential? Effort and Work Ethic | 40% Is effort put into the project shown through the submission? Does the submission have thought put into it and can the work be measured?

Build with Gemini Engineer the future of AI with Gemini! Build the next generation of AI with Gemini and MLH! Access Google’s most capable AI models, explore developer resources, and win prizes for your hackathon projects. Requirements Build mind-blowing AI apps that can understand language, analyze data, and ignite your creativity with the Gemini API. Hackathon Sponsors Prizes 1 non-cash prize Swags 1 winner The Prize comprises of Swags for the best idea Devpost Achievements Submitting to this hackathon could earn you: <%= name %> <% if (has_levels) { %> level <%= next_level %> <% } %> Judges Toheeb Olanrewaju Olagoke University of Herfordshire Samuel Ikoko Tuinperi University of Herfordshire Judging Criteria 80% Completion Rate Build mind-blowing AI apps that can understand language, analyze data, and ignite your creativity with the Gemini API.

About the challenge sdfs Get started Requirements What to Build sdf What to Submit Hackathon Sponsors Prizes $1,500 in prizes 1st Place $1,500 in cash 1 winner this is a test prize Devpost Achievements Submitting to this hackathon could earn you: <%= name %> <% if (has_levels) { %> level <%= next_level %> <% } %> Judges Anthony Judging Criteria Good project test

You're about to be part of something big: a 2-day hackathon where you'll build AI solutions on Databricks, collaborate with brilliant minds, and compete for prizes. Requirements A public GitHub repo with an architecture diagram showing how Databricks components connect. Must remain public for at least 30 days. README must include: what it does (1-2 sentences), architecture diagram, how to run (exact commands), and demo steps (what to click / what prompt to run). A project write-up: up to 500 characters describing what you built and why. Which Databricks technologies and open-source models you have used. A demo video: up to 2 minutes showing the solution in action. A link to a deployed prototype. Judges will attempt to reproduce your demo from the GitHub repo. If it doesn't run, it doesn't score. Optional / Bonus BhashaBench evaluation scores MLflow experiment logs Quantitative accuracy metrics Hackathon Sponsors Prizes ₹ 250,000 in prizes 1st Place ₹ 125,000 in cash 1 winner + special Databricks swag 2nd Place ₹ 75,000 in cash 1 winner + special Databricks swag 3rd Place ₹ 50,000 in cash 1 winner + special Databricks swag Devpost Achievements Submitting to this hackathon could earn you: <%= name %> <% if (has_levels) { %> level <%= next_level %> <% } %> Judges Databricks Team Judging Criteria Databricks Usage Accuracy & Effectiveness Innovation Presentation & Demo

visit this website to register : https://hackstreet2k26live-one.vercel.app/ OR Google form to submit portfolio:https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfXVeo7qS8Dww890Ovixmft2sw3ZcOujyi8DXjgFPbfMcXzFg/viewform?usp=publish-editor Follow this link to join the WhatsApp group: https://chat.whatsapp.com/FWzMespDdaNBhdPytkPJR3?mode=gi_t Requirements Portfolio submission first round Hackathon Sponsors Prizes ₹ 5,000+ in prizes + other prizes winner ₹ 3,000 in cash 1 winner Winners will get the cash prize and digital certificate Runner up ₹ 2,000 in cash 1 winner Runner up will get the cash prize and digital certificate All participants 30 winners All participants will get digital certificate. Devpost Achievements Submitting to this hackathon could earn you: <%= name %> <% if (has_levels) { %> level <%= next_level %> <% } %> Judges Ayan Hussain Hackstreet Ali Hasan Hackstreet Judging Criteria Judging Criteria UI/UX design-40% functionality-30% Creativity-20% completion-10%