ABOUT THE CHALLENGE
An idea is easy to describe. We want to see it work.
Proof of Possible 2026 is a free, global, fully online hackathon where developers, designers, researchers, students, founders, and first-time builders transform AI, software, and emerging technology into working products that solve real problems.
There is no required API and no narrow prompt. You can build a web or mobile application, AI system, developer tool, data product, game, security tool, browser extension, accessibility product, automation, immersive experience, or another testable technology solution.
What matters is that your project has a clear reason to exist. Generic chatbots, copied tutorials, static mockups, and undeveloped pitches will not be competitive. If your project uses generative AI, it should power a meaningful capability—not simply be added as a label or chat box.
POSSIBLE PROJECT DIRECTIONS
Human First
Build technology that improves health, accessibility, education, safety, sustainability, civic life, or everyday well-being.
Work Rewritten
Redesign a frustrating workflow or help people create, collaborate, analyze, decide, and work more effectively.
Intelligent Systems
Explore agents, machine learning, multimodal AI, computer vision, voice technology, data systems, recommendation systems, or trustworthy automation.
Wildcard
Build the idea that does not fit anywhere else. Experimental software, creative tools, games, cybersecurity projects, and unexpected combinations belong here.
GET STARTED
Register through Devpost and join our online community at [COMMUNITY LINK]. You may participate individually or with a team of up to four people.
Start with one specific person and one genuine problem. Then build the smallest functional product capable of proving that your solution could work.
There are no cash prizes. Instead, participants compete for public recognition, digital certificates, written judge feedback, project spotlights, and invitations to present during the virtual winner showcase.
Don’t pitch the future. Build evidence.
Requirements
WHAT TO BUILD
Build a new and testable technology product that addresses a real need and meaningfully uses artificial intelligence, software, or another emerging technology.
Your project must include a functioning prototype or demonstration that judges can evaluate remotely. The core judged work must be completed during the official hackathon period.
You may use open-source libraries, APIs, datasets, design systems, starter templates, generative-AI tools, and previously created general-purpose components. Every outside resource must be disclosed. Minor changes to an existing project are not eligible.
AI-assisted development is allowed, but your team remains responsible for the project’s originality, accuracy, licensing, privacy, security, and behavior.
WHAT TO SUBMIT
Your Devpost submission must include:
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A project name and short tagline
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A description of the problem, intended users, and solution
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A working demo link or clear testing instructions
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A source-code repository with a readable README
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A public demonstration video no longer than three minutes
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A complete list of technologies used
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An explanation of what was created during the hackathon
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Disclosure of AI tools, pre-existing code, APIs, datasets, templates, and third-party assets
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The names and specific contributions of every team member
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Known limitations, risks, privacy concerns, and future improvements
Your video should show the problem, the product working, its most important technical feature, and what your team built during the event.
All links must remain accessible through the end of judging. If your demo requires an account, provide safe testing credentials or clear access instructions. Never publish passwords, private API keys, confidential information, or personal user data.
Prizes
First Place
The highest-scoring project will receive the Proof of Possible 2026 First Place title. Every listed team member will receive a personalized digital winner certificate. The team will also receive a featured project spotlight, written feedback from the judging panel, and an invitation to present at the virtual winner showcase.
Second Place
The second-highest-scoring project will receive the Proof of Possible 2026 Second Place title. Every listed team member will receive a personalized digital winner certificate, a project spotlight, written feedback from the judging panel, and recognition during the virtual winner showcase.
Third Place
The third-highest-scoring project will receive the Proof of Possible 2026 Third Place title. Every listed team member will receive a personalized digital winner certificate, a project spotlight, written feedback from the judging panel, and recognition during the virtual winner showcase.
Devpost Achievements
Submitting to this hackathon could earn you:
Judges
Ibrahim Reduan
Carlos Sanchez
Bethany Searl
Vihaan Shah
Sophia Wang
Judging Criteria
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Real-World Value (25%)
How clearly does the project identify a genuine problem and a specific intended user? Does the solution provide meaningful, practical, or measurable value? -
Technical Execution (25%)
How well does the project function? Judges will consider technical difficulty, architecture, reliability, completeness, and whether the chosen technology is used meaningfully. -
Originality (20%)
Does the project introduce a fresh idea, insight, feature, interaction, or technical approach? Generic AI wrappers, copied tutorials, and lightly modified existing projects will score poorly. -
Usability and Design (15%)
Is the product intuitive, coherent, accessible, and appropriate for its intended users? Judges will consider the overall user experience, interface, and ease of use. -
Responsible Delivery (15%)
Does the team communicate its work honestly and address relevant limitations, privacy concerns, safety risks, attribution, and responsible use of AI or other technologies?
Questions? Email the hackathon manager
Invite others to compete
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