Key facts
- Type
- Competition
- Provider
- NeuralSprint
- Deadline
- 8/24/2026
In short
NeuralSprint is an online hackathon for students of all experience levels to build anything involving AI or technology, with a headline prize of $150 in cash.
NeuralSprint
By NeuralSprint
CompetitionAccepting applications nowApply by 8/24/202622 days left
$150+
Total prizes
Online
Format
Students Only
Who can participate
Aug 24, 2026
Submission Deadline
Overview
NeuralSprint is an online hackathon designed for individuals curious about AI and technology, regardless of their prior experience. It encourages participants to take an idea, build it out, and complete a real project. The event emphasizes a welcoming environment with no prerequisites or experience requirements. The core challenge is open-ended: participants can build anything they want, provided it incorporates some element of AI or technology. This could range from a simple problem-solving tool, a helpful application, or an experimental project. The goal is to foster creation, whether the project is large or small, polished or a prototype. Participants can work individually or in teams, with mentorship support available to help overcome challenges. The hackathon aims to equip individuals with a tangible project they have personally created, encouraging exploration and hands-on learning in the field of artificial intelligence and general technology development.
What to build
Participants should build anything that involves some element of AI or technology. This can be a simple tool, an application, or an experimental project, regardless of its size or polish.
Prizes
Best Overall Project
1 winner, in cash
$150
Best Beginner Project
1 winner, for an impressive first build from someone new to this
N/A
Most Innovative Project
1 winner, for the boldest, most original idea
N/A
Most Practical Project
1 winner, for a project with clear real-world value
N/A
Top 15 Finalists
1 winner, for the top 15 finalists
N/A
Key dates
- Submissions BeginJune 18, 2026 at 10:00PM EDT
- Submissions EndAugust 24, 2026 at 2:45AM EDT
- Judging BeginsAugust 24, 2026 at 12:00PM EDT
- Judging EndsAugust 30, 2026 at 8:00PM EDT
- Winners AnnouncedSeptember 01, 2026 at 12:00PM EDT
Eligibility
Participants must be above the legal age of majority in their country of residence and be students. Companies or professional organizations are excluded from participation. All countries and territories are eligible, excluding standard exceptions.
How to enter
- Register for the hackathon.
- Develop a project that involves AI or technology, individually or in a team.
- Submit your project via the Devpost platform before the deadline.
Submission requirements
- Project Name: A simple and memorable name for your project.
- Tell Us About It: A description covering the problem solved, how it works, main features, tools/languages/APIs used, and target audience.
- Show Your Work: At least one screenshot, video, or file demonstrating the project in action.
- Project Link (Optional but Encouraged): A link to a GitHub repository or a live demo.
- Your Team: List all team members and their contributions; if solo, list your own name.
Judging criteria
- Execution & Build Quality (30%): How well the project works and how well it is built.
- Best Beginner Project: For an impressive first build from someone new to this.
- Most Innovative Project: For the boldest, most original idea.
- Most Practical Project: For a project with clear real-world value.
Frequently asked questions
Answers below are best-effort estimates from the most recent application cycle. Values marked ~ or (est.) may shift year-to-year — confirm specifics on the official scholarship page.
So what do I build?
+
Anything you want — as long as it involves some element of AI or technology. A simple tool that solves a problem. An app that makes someone's day easier. A weird experiment you've always wanted to try. Big or small, polished or scrappy — it counts.
Do I need a team?
+
Nope. Solo is totally fine. But if you want to team up with others, that's great too. Some of the best projects come from two people with completely different skills working together.
What if I get stuck?
+
That's what mentors are for. You won't be left figuring it out alone — there's support built into the whole experience.