Key facts
- Type
- Competition
- Provider
- LaunchHacks
- Opens
- 12/11/2026
In short
LaunchHacks V is an online hackathon for high school students globally, challenging them to build any CS/STEM-related project for a chance to win cash prizes totaling over $17,000.
LaunchHacks V
By LaunchHacks
CompetitionOpens 12/11/2026Opens in 133 days
$17,575
Total prizes
Dec 11 – 15, 2026
Hackathon Dates
Online
Format
High school students
Who can participate
1004
Participants
Overview
LaunchHacks V is the fifth iteration of an online hackathon designed to inspire creativity, innovation, and initiative through technology and programming. This event provides a platform for tech-savvy high school students to showcase their coding skills and develop cutting-edge applications. Participants will have access to the latest development tools and mentorship to guide them through the process. The challenge encourages participants to develop any CS/STEM-related project, from web applications to mobile games, with endless possibilities. The aim is to push participants' skills to the next level through a weekend of coding, collaboration, and fun. The hackathon is open to students worldwide and emphasizes a beginner-friendly environment, focusing on education and emerging technologies like Machine Learning/AI. It offers an opportunity for young innovators to make an impact and solve problems using technology.
What to build
Any CS/STEM-related project of your choosing. Participants are free to use any frameworks and programming languages.
Prizes
First Place
$200 in cash, sponsor prizes to be added shortly, and exclusive permanent Google domains (of participant choice) given to each winning team member, worth $240 each.
$200
Second Place
$150 in cash, sponsor prizes to be added shortly.
$150
Third Place
$100 in cash, sponsor prizes to be added shortly.
$100
Fourth Place
$75 in cash, sponsor prizes to be added shortly.
$75
Fifth Place
$50 in cash, sponsor prizes to be added shortly.
$50
Total Prize Value
Total cash prizes.
$17,000
Key dates
- Hackathon StartDecember 11, 2026, 5:00 PM PDT
- Hackathon EndDecember 15, 2026, 5:00 PM PDT
Eligibility
Participants must be above the legal age of majority in their country of residence. Only students are eligible. All countries/territories are allowed, excluding standard exceptions. Projects must be created during the hackathon timeline (PST). Cross-submissions are allowed if the project is built within these dates.
How to enter
- Join the hackathon through the provided registration link on Devpost.
- Create a CS/STEM-related project within the hackathon timeline.
- Submit a video encapsulating the project and a working code repository with version history (e.g., GitHub).
Submission requirements
- Create a video that encapsulates the project being built.
- Submit a working code repository.
- Include version history in the code repository (e.g., GitHub) for authentication.
- The project must have been created during the hackathon timeline (PST).
Judging criteria
- Refer to the judging rubric for more information and specific scoring criteria available on the 'rules' Devpost page or through the provided link: https://i.imgur.com/dYfOSGH.png
Sponsors & partners
GoogleIBMHack Club