Teams must start their project after 11:00 AM EST on 9/19/2026 and submit their project before the hard deadline of 11:00 AM EST on 9/20/2026
Note that if your project utilizes code created outside of this window (with the exception of open source code / libraries that are available publicly online) will be disqualified and not considered for prizes.
You may not submit another group or individual's work and may not misrepresent code as your own. You must disclose the tools you use on your ReadMe.
Note that our team reserves the right to disqualify projects for any form of cheating.
Teams can only submit one project under any of the main tracks and multiple prizes
Beginners track must have at least half the team be their first hackathon, with the combined average hackathons of the team less than or equal to 1. For teams of 3, there must be at least 2 first-time hackers.
Teams can use libraries, frameworks, or open-source code in their projects. Working on a project before the event and open-sourcing it for the sole purpose of using the code during the event is against the spirit of the rules and is not allowed.
The use of AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT, Claude, Copilot, etc.) must be credited
Teams can be disqualified from the competition at the organizers' discretion. Reasons might include but are not limited to breaking the Competition Rules, breaking the Code of Conduct, or other unsporting behavior.
Prizes
Prizes are subject to change given availability or logistical difficulties.
Judging Criteria and Winner Selection
Judging will be expo style, commencing on Sunday 11:30 AM EST
Sponsor prize tracks have their own sponsor-determined criteria for judging; sponsor representatives will complete judging
