Dates
Project Submissions: October 12, 2026 (6:00 pm PDT) - October 14, 2026 (6:00 am PDT)
Judging Period: October 14, 2026 (6:00 am PDT) - October 14, 2026 (6:00 pm PDT)
Winners Announced: October 14 (6:00 pm PDT)
Eligibility
All participants must be currently enrolled students at an eligible educational institution and must follow the Hack Code of Conduct.
Submission
Each individual/team should submit the following within the submission period:
Project overview: A brief explanation of the problem, your target users, and why it matters.
Code Repository: Provide a public GitHub (or equivalent) link with source code and documentation.
Demo Video (1-3 min): Showcase your project in action, highlighting key features and functionality.
Prizes
Winner: $250 USD Amazon gift card
Runner-Up: $150 USD Amazon gift card
Judging Criteria and Winner Selection
Projects are judged across six key criteria:
Technical Execution (25%): Functionality, reliability, code quality, and effective implementation.
AI Relevance (20%): Meaningful use of AI that enhances the solution.
Usefulness (15%): How effectively the project solves a real problem or meets user needs.
Impact (15%): Potential to create measurable, scalable, and lasting value.
Creativity (15%): Originality, innovation, and differentiation from existing solutions.
Presentation (10%): Clarity of communication, quality of the demo, and ability to convey the project's value.
Judges' decisions are final.