Assistive Innovation Challenge 2026

Overview

The Assistive Innovation Challenge 2026 is an online hackathon dedicated to fostering the development of software solutions that enhance accessibility, autonomy, and independence for individuals with disabilities. Participants are encouraged to design and build assistive technology projects that tackle real-world challenges across various domains, including communication, mobility, learning, health, daily routines, safety, productivity, and independent living. The scope of projects can range from simple applications to advanced prototypes, all united by the common goal of empowering people with disabilities to navigate the world with greater confidence and access. This challenge is open to a diverse group of participants, from beginners to experienced developers, and allows for both individual and team submissions. The emphasis is on thoughtful and responsible use of technology to create meaningful impact. The hackathon provides a platform for learning, raising awareness, and promoting the principles of inclusive design from the initial stages of technology development. The core mission extends beyond just building functional software; it's about cultivating a mindset where technology is inherently designed for inclusivity. By participating, individuals contribute to a movement that aims to integrate accessibility into the foundational layers of innovation, benefiting a wider community. This challenge serves as an opportunity for student innovators to apply their skills to a socially impactful cause, creating solutions that can genuinely improve lives.

What to build

Participants should build a software-based assistive technology project that helps improve accessibility, independence, autonomy, or quality of life for people with disabilities. Projects may include, but are not limited to, communication tools, accessibility-focused web or mobile apps, AI-powered assistive tools, health, safety, or daily routine support tools, learning or productivity tools for disabled users, navigation, mobility, or independence-focused software, and tools that make existing digital experiences more accessible. Projects must be original, thoughtful, and focused on real user needs, clearly explaining their purpose, the problem addressed, and potential benefits.

Prizes

Key dates

• Submission DeadlineAug 1, 2026 @ 5:00pm EDT

Eligibility

Participants must be above the legal age of majority in their country of residence and be students. Companies and professional organizations are excluded from participation. The challenge is open to all countries and territories, with standard exceptions. Participants may compete individually or in teams (recommended size 1-4 people). Projects must relate to assistive technology, accessibility, disability support, health, independence, or inclusive design and should be original work created during the hackathon period, though open-source libraries, APIs, frameworks, and existing tools are permitted.

How to enter

1. Register for the hackathon on Devpost.
2. Build a software-based assistive technology project individually or in a team (recommended 1-4 people).
3. Ensure the project relates to assistive technology, accessibility, disability support, health, independence, or inclusive design.
4. Submit the project through Devpost by the deadline, including a working prototype, demo video, and code repository.

Submission requirements

• A working prototype of the software-based assistive technology project.
• A demo video clearly demonstrating core features and explaining the idea.
• A code repository (e.g., GitHub) for the project.
• A clear description explaining who the project is for, what problem it addresses, and how it could help.
• Original work created during the hackathon period (open-source libraries, APIs, frameworks, and existing tools are allowed).
• Projects must be designed with respect for people with disabilities, avoiding stereotypes, harmful assumptions, or misrepresentation.

Judging criteria

• Impact: How clearly the project addresses a real accessibility, disability, health, or independence-related need and its potential to improve autonomy, daily life, or quality of life.
• Accessibility & Inclusive Design: How thoughtfully the project considers the needs of disabled users, demonstrating respectful design, accessibility best practices, and user understanding.
• Functionality: How well the prototype works, clearly demonstrating core features and providing enough functionality to effectively explain the idea.
• Creativity & Innovation: The originality or thoughtfulness of the solution, approaching an accessibility or assistive technology challenge in a creative, useful, or unique way.
• Technical Implementation: How effectively the project uses software, tools, APIs, or technical design, showing thoughtful engineering and appropriate technology use.
• Presentation & Clarity: How clearly the project is explained, including a clear description, understandable demo, organized code or materials, and a strong explanation of purpose and impact.

Sponsors & partners

Resources

• Full Rules
• Hackathon Manager Email