Global Builders Hackathon: Code for Impact

Overview

The Global Builders Hackathon: Code for Impact is a 48-hour virtual innovation sprint scheduled from August 8–10, 2026. This free global event invites developers, designers, students, and dreamers from around the world to collaborate online and create technology that addresses real-world problems within their communities. It aims to provide a platform for participants at all skill levels, from beginners to experienced developers, to engage in meaningful creation. The core challenge involves choosing one of five impact tracks—Green Earth, Health for All, Learn & Grow, Connected Communities, or Open Innovation—and developing a working software prototype. Participants will have the opportunity to build portfolio-ready projects that tackle issues in health, education, sustainability, or community well-being. The hackathon emphasizes practical application and problem-solving through technology. Beyond building, participants can benefit from real-time learning through hands-on technical workshops and one-on-one mentorship from industry experts. The event also offers valuable in-kind prizes, including cloud credits, premium software subscriptions, exclusive career coaching, and global recognition for outstanding projects. It fosters connections within a worldwide network of builders that extends beyond the event duration. The hackathon is organized by a passionate volunteer team committed to making opportunities accessible to all. Operating with no budget, the organizers rely on donated time and resources from sponsors, mentors, and judges to support participants. The goal is to empower individuals to make a tangible impact with their creations.

What to build

Participants must create a working software prototype that addresses a real-world problem within one of the five specified hackathon tracks: Green Earth, Health for All, Learn & Grow, Connected Communities, or Open Innovation. The prototype can be a web app, mobile app, browser extension, chatbot, game, or any other digital tool. It must be primarily built during the hackathon period, though the use of open-source libraries and public APIs is permitted and encouraged.

Prizes

Key dates

• Opening Ceremony & Keynote2026-08-08 16:00 UTC
• Hacking officially begins2026-08-08 17:00 UTC
• “Find Your Team” networking session2026-08-08 18:00 UTC
• Workshop: Building Your First API in 30 Minutes2026-08-09 10:00 UTC
• Mentor Office Hours2026-08-09 14:00 UTC
• Mid-Hack Check-in & Community Trivia2026-08-09 20:00 UTC
• Workshop: How to Pitch Your Project in 2 Minutes2026-08-10 09:00 UTC
• Submissions close2026-08-10 12:00 UTC
• Judging deliberation (private)2026-08-10 15:00 UTC
• Closing Ceremony & Winners Announced2026-08-10 18:00 UTC

Eligibility

Participants must be above the legal age of majority in their country of residence. Only students are eligible to participate; companies and professional organizations are excluded. The hackathon is open to participants from all countries and territories, with standard exceptions.

How to enter

1. Register on Devpost.
2. Join the Discord server (link available in Resources tab).
3. Build a working software prototype during the hackathon period.
4. Submit your project on Devpost by the deadline.

Submission requirements

• Project Name & Short Description: A clear title and a 2-3 sentence summary explaining its function and the problem it solves.
• Track Selection: Choose one category: Green Earth, Health for All, Learn & Grow, Connected Communities, or Open Innovation.
• Public GitHub Repository: Link to your repository containing all code, a README file, and installation instructions. The README must explain how to run your project and include a demo link (if hosted) or screenshots.
• Demo Video (Required): A maximum 2-minute video demonstrating your working prototype. Upload to YouTube (unlisted is fine) or Loom and provide the link. The video must show the problem, walk through working features, and explain the tech stack; no slides-only videos are allowed.
• Optional: Figma/Design File: If UI was designed, include a Figma link or image gallery.
• Optional: Team Member Details: List all team members and their roles. Teams can be solo or up to 5 people. All team members must register on Devpost and be listed in the submission.

Judging criteria

• Real-World Impact (25%): Does the project solve a clear real-world problem for a defined user or community? Judges will consider practical value in areas such as education, health, sustainability, accessibility, civic engagement, or community support.
• Technical Execution (25%): Does the prototype work, and are the core features implemented clearly? Judges will consider code quality, architecture, APIs, databases, cloud, AI, and other technical choices made within the hackathon timeframe.
• Innovation & Creativity (20%): Does the project use an original or thoughtful approach? Judges will consider creativity, usefulness, and how well the team combines technologies, workflows, or ideas to solve the problem.
• User Experience (15%): Is the project easy to understand and use? Judges will consider the demo flow, interface, interaction design, accessibility, and whether the user journey makes sense for the intended audience.
• Presentation & Future Potential (15%): Does the team clearly explain the problem, solution, technology, and impact? Judges will consider the quality of the pitch, demo, roadmap, and whether the project can realistically grow after the hackathon.

Resources

• Full Rules
• Discord Server
• Hackathon Manager Email