Key facts
- Type
- Competition
- Provider
- RenderJuice
- Deadline
- 10/31/2026
In short
Create a 5-30 second Blender animation about Speed for the RenderJuice Blender Animation & Programmatic Rendering Contest. Compete for $1,500 cash and $3,500 in RenderJuice credits across nine award categories. Submissions are due by October 31, 2026.
RenderJuice Blender Animation & Programmatic Rendering Contest
By RenderJuice
CompetitionAccepting applications nowApply by 10/31/20265 days left
Create a 5-30 second Blender animation on the theme of Speed.
Animation Theme and Length
$1,500 cash and $3,500 RenderJuice credits in prizes.
Total Prizes
Nine award categories, including programmatic and community choice.
Award Categories
Submissions open October 15, 2026, and close October 31, 2026.
Submission Window
Overview
The RenderJuice Blender Animation & Programmatic Rendering Contest invites participants to create a 5–30 second Blender animation centered on the theme of "Speed." Participants can animate by hand or utilize Blender Python, Geometry Nodes, simulations, and automation for their entries. The competition offers a total of $1,500 in cash prizes and $3,500 in RenderJuice credits. The contest features nine award categories, including major awards for overall quality and specialty awards for specific aspects like procedural animation, use of simulations, motion design, and humor. The theme of Speed is broad, encompassing concepts such as racing, rapid transformation, machines, particles, creatures, time pressure, and abstract motion. Participants can submit their projects individually or as teams, with each person appearing on only one entry. The use of AI-generated or third-party assets is permitted, provided participants hold the necessary rights and disclose their use. Programmatic entries are encouraged and can compete for a dedicated award, emphasizing automation and procedural systems. Official entry requires creating a free RenderJuice account, joining the RenderJuice Discord, clicking 'Join contest' in the #start-here channel, and submitting the animation, a description, and a work-in-progress image to #contest-submissions. Submissions are open from October 15, 2026, to October 31, 2026.
What to build
One new 5–30 second animation about Speed. Blender must be the primary creation tool. Individuals and teams may enter. You may use AI-generated or third-party assets when you hold the necessary rights and disclose their use. Procedural and programmatic entries may use Blender Python, the RenderJuice API, Geometry Nodes, simulations, or another automated workflow. Explain what your system controls.
Prizes
First Place
$500 cash plus $750 in RenderJuice credits ($1,250 total value). Credits are valid for six months from the claim date.
$500 cash
Second Place
$250 cash plus $550 in RenderJuice credits ($800 total value). Credits are valid for six months from the claim date.
$250 cash
Third Place
$150 cash plus $400 in RenderJuice credits ($550 total value). Credits are valid for six months from the claim date.
$150 cash
Best RenderJuice Promo
$100 cash plus $300 in RenderJuice credits ($400 total value) for the best use of RenderJuice in the idea or story.
$100 cash
Best Procedural & Programmatic Animation
$100 cash plus $300 in RenderJuice credits ($400 total value) for the strongest animation made with procedural tools, code, or automation.
$100 cash
Community Choice
$100 cash plus $300 in RenderJuice credits ($400 total value). Discord visitors vote with fire reactions through November 3, 2026 at 23:59 UTC.
$100 cash
Best Simulation & FX
$100 cash plus $300 in RenderJuice credits ($400 total value) for the best use of Blender physics, simulation, or effects.
$100 cash
Best Motion Design
$100 cash plus $300 in RenderJuice credits ($400 total value) for the best use of movement, timing, and graphic design.
$100 cash
Funniest Animation
$100 cash plus $300 in RenderJuice credits ($400 total value) for the best joke or funny ending.
$100 cash
Key dates
- Submissions open2026-10-15T00:00:00Z
- Submission deadline2026-10-31T23:59:00Z
- Community Choice voting closes2026-11-03T23:59:00Z
- Overall deadline2026-11-01T00:00:00Z
Eligibility
Ages 18+ only. All countries/territories, excluding standard exceptions.
How to enter
- Read the full details for the RenderJuice Programmatic Rendering Contest.
- Create a free RenderJuice account.
- Join the RenderJuice Discord, open #start-here, and click 'Join contest'. The form is private. Your email will not appear in Discord.
- Post your animation or public link, a short description, and one Blender work-in-progress image in #contest-submissions.
- You may mirror the same project on Devpost.
Submission requirements
- One new 5–30 second animation about Speed.
- Blender must be the primary creation tool.
- Individuals and teams may enter. Each person may appear on one entry.
- You may use AI-generated or third-party assets when you hold the necessary rights and disclose their use.
- Procedural and programmatic entries may use Blender Python, the RenderJuice API, Geometry Nodes, simulations, or another automated workflow. Explain what your system controls.
- A public video or video link showing the complete animation.
- A short description of your interpretation of Speed.
- At least one Blender work-in-progress image.
- Your name or team name.
- An AI and third-party asset disclosure.
- Workflow notes if you want consideration for Best Procedural & Programmatic Animation.
- Official participation requires a free RenderJuice account, membership in the RenderJuice Discord, clicking 'Join contest' in #start-here, and one Official Entry in #contest-submissions before the deadline.
Judging criteria
- Major Awards scorecard (100 points): Idea (30 points); Animation (25 points); Visuals (25 points); Use of Speed (20 points).
- Specialty Awards are judged on the category requirement, idea, overall quality, and use of Speed.
Sponsors & partners
RenderJuice