GatewayHacks 2026 | Software & AI

Overview

GatewayHacks 2026 is the flagship virtual hackathon presented by the Gateway nonprofit organization. The event challenges participants to build software, applications, and AI solutions that contribute to a better future by opening doors and breaking down barriers. This fully virtual hackathon runs for four weeks, providing ample time for participants to develop their projects. The core mission of GatewayHacks 2026 is to inspire the next generation of developers, designers, and innovators to address significant global challenges. Participants are tasked with creating prototypes that generate tangible social good, aligning with one of several specified Social Good Cause Tracks. The hackathon encourages both seasoned machine learning engineers and high school students new to coding to participate. Participants are encouraged to build solutions with any technology, but specific tools offered by partner-driven dynamic tracks are highlighted for additional award opportunities. The hackathon emphasizes creating solutions that solve real, documented problems faced by communities, nonprofits, or educational institutions. Over $591,585 in cash and other prizes are available for top projects and track-specific achievements. Key submission requirements include a Devpost project page with a title, description, and visual, along with a video pitch explaining the idea. Optional additions include links to code repositories or live websites. The judging criteria focus on social impact, technical execution, innovation, and design/user experience, ensuring a comprehensive evaluation of each submission.

What to build

Participants are tasked with building a working software, hardware, or AI prototype that aligns with one of the core Social Good Cause Tracks. The goal is to solve a real, documented problem faced by a community, nonprofit, or educational institution. Participants can use any technology but are encouraged to leverage tools from Partner-Driven Dynamic Tracks for additional awards. Projects must select one of four primary tracks: * Best No-Code AI App built with Momen Track: Use momen.app to build apps and agents without code. * Track 1: Accessibility & Health: Empower individuals with disabilities, improve mental health access, or democratize healthcare information. * Track 2: Equity in Education: Create tools that bridge the digital divide, personalize learning, or connect students with mentors and resources. * Track 3: Environmental Sustainability: Build solutions focused on climate action, conservation, green technology, and building a circular economy. * Track 4: Open Impact & Community: A wildcard track for solutions focused on community building, civic engagement, financial empowerment, or any broad social impact not covered by the other tracks.

Prizes

Key dates

• DeadlineOct 2, 2026 @ 12:00am EDT

Eligibility

Ages 13+ only. Students only. Companies/professional organizations are excluded from participation. Open to all countries/territories, excluding standard exceptions.

How to enter

1. Register by clicking "Join Hackathon" on the Devpost page.
2. Join the official Gateway Discord Server to find teammates, chat with mentors, and get real-time updates.
3. Form a team of up to 4 members, or hack solo.
4. Build a prototype over 4 weeks and submit the project on Devpost.

Submission requirements

• A Devpost Project Page: Must include a title, a short description of the problem solved, and at least one visual (screenshot, photograph, or sketch).
• A Video Pitch (Max 5 mins): Provide a link (YouTube, etc.) explaining the idea. This can show a working prototype, a no-code app, or a presentation of the design.
• Optional: A link to a public code repository (GitHub) or a live website, if available.

Judging criteria

• Social Impact (40%): Does this project solve a real-world problem effectively?
• Technical Execution (30%): Does the prototype, no-code app, or design function as intended and clearly demonstrate the idea?
• Innovation (20%): Is this a creative, unique, or highly original approach to solving the problem?
• Design & UX (10%): Is the tool intuitive, visually appealing, and accessible to the end-user?