Timeline
Five Steps
01
Now → April 22, 2026
Register
Free. Fill out the form in under 5 minutes. Choose your pathway at registration. Teams of 1–4 members, ages 13+.
02
April 22 – May 31, 2026
Build & Ship
Build and deploy your software. Judges use it live — no mockups, no prototypes. Any stack, any language.
03
Due May 31, 2026 · 11:59 PM ET
Submit
Submit two things: (1) a publicly accessible URL to your deployed product, and (2) a 5-minute pitch video uploaded to YouTube, Vimeo, or Google Drive showing a live demo and your business case. Submit at https://forms.gle/3nzk9rGzZ9Yyt5dR8.
04
June 2026
Judging
Scored on product quality, execution, pitch, and real-world impact. Judging is pathway-specific. Full rubric →
05
By July 1, 2026
Results & Opportunities
Winners announced by July 1. Top teams in each pathway are contacted directly with their specific opportunity (see below). All finalists receive recognition.
Opportunities by Pathway
What Winners Get
| Pathway | Opportunity |
|---|---|
| Cybersecurity & Defense ✦ SAFE Security | Top performers evaluated for internship opportunities at SAFE Security — an AI-powered cyber risk platform backed by $170M+ in funding. They focus on security and defense solutions but exceptional work across domains may be considered. Real work, real mentorship. |
| Financial Technology Healthcare Industrial & Ops Edutech ✦ Crackd SAT |
Top performers are reviewed for internship and career opportunities with companies hiring in each domain, including our Edutech partner Crackd SAT. Strong work here puts you in front of real decision-makers. |
| Open Track | Top builders referred to relevant companies, accelerators, or mentors based on what they create. Judged entirely on real-world impact. |
Rules & Requirements
The Exact Rules
Eligibility
Ages 13+, anywhere in the world. No enrollment or affiliation required.
Team Size
1 to 4 members. Solo teams are allowed. Members can be from different schools, cities, or countries.
Team Changes
Teams are locked at registration. No additions, removals, or swaps after signup.
Cost
Free to enter. No fees, ever.
Pathways
Each team chooses one pathway at registration. You cannot submit to multiple pathways. You may change your pathway before April 22 by contacting us.
What You Build
Working, publicly deployed software. Judges access your live URL. Must be built during April 22 – May 31. Planning and ideation before April 22 is fine — you just can't submit a product that was already complete. Open-source libraries, APIs, and frameworks are allowed. You may build on a previous idea and enter other competitions simultaneously.
AI Use
Optional. Use any tools you want. Judges evaluate the product, not how you built it.
Pitch Video
5 minutes max. Cover these 6 things in any order: the problem, the market, a live product demo, your solution, your team, and your vision. Upload to YouTube or Vimeo (unlisted is fine) and submit the link. Judges stop at 5:00.
Video tipsStart with the problem — 30 seconds. Show the product working live — at least 90 seconds. State who it's for and why now. End with your ask. Record screen + face for the demo portion. Unlisted YouTube link is preferred.
IP Ownership
You own what you build. No IP is transferred to the competition or sponsors.
URL Issues
If your live URL is inaccessible during judging, judges will evaluate your pitch video instead. You have 24 hours from notification to restore access.
Disqualification
Submissions will be disqualified for: plagiarism, misrepresentation of work, non-working products, or violations of any partner's terms of service.
Prizes
No cash prizes. Opportunities are internship consideration, career referrals, and public recognition.
Get Involved
Help Us Go Further
This is built to be real — real products, real opportunities. Here's what we need:
Pathway Sponsors
Confirming partners for FinTech, Healthcare, Industrial & Ops, and Edutech. Want to hire great young builders? Reach out.
Judges
Domain experts to review submissions in June. Under 3 hours total. Founders, engineers, operators, investors welcome. Apply to judge.
Mentors
Office hours or async feedback during the build phase. Even one 30-minute call helps. Get involved.
School Ambassadors
Running an AI club or CS program? Spread the word — we'll send flyers and talking points. Get the kit.
Register Free →
Registration closes April 22, 2026 · Free to enter · More questions? Read the FAQ →