💡 About the Challenge

The Urban League of Hampton Roads Young Professionals (ULHRYP) invites innovators ages 18–40 across Hampton Roads to participate in a community-centered innovation challenge. This public hackathon is designed to bring together emerging leaders, creatives, technologists, and problem-solvers to build solutions that directly impact our region.

We believe Hampton Roads is full of untapped talent. This challenge creates space for collaboration, skill-building, and meaningful community innovation beyond the classroom or workplace.

The Challenge:

Develop a solution that addresses a real issue impacting Hampton Roads.

Projects should focus on strengthening or improving life in:

• Virginia Beach
• Norfolk
• Chesapeake
• Hampton
• Newport News
• Portsmouth
• Suffolk

Themes may include:

• Environmental sustainability
• Education access
• Public health
• Economic mobility
• Equity & inclusion
• Community engagement
• Campus or workforce challenges
• Housing or neighborhood development

Projects may take the form of:

• A web or mobile application
• A technical prototype
• A digital platform
• A service model with a technical component
• A technology concept backed by strong research

What matters most is community impact, research depth, and feasibility within Hampton Roads.

🏆 Judging Criteria

Projects will be evaluated on:

• Community Relevance – Does the solution address a clearly defined need in Hampton Roads?
• Research & Insight – Is the problem supported by thoughtful research or local data?
• Feasibility – Could this realistically be implemented in the region?
• Creativity & Innovation – Does the idea approach the issue in a fresh way?
• Presentation & Clarity – Is the solution clearly communicated and compelling?

🎯 Our Goal

This challenge is about empowering young professionals to collaborate across disciplines and build practical solutions that strengthen Hampton Roads.

Participants will gain:

• Portfolio-ready projects
• Real-world problem-solving experience
• Exposure to regional leaders and community partners
• Opportunities to connect with the Urban League network

While membership is not required to participate, attendees will have the opportunity to learn more about ULHRYP and ways to stay engaged in future initiatives.

🚀 Getting Started

1. Form Your Team -Teams may consist of 2–5 participants between the ages of 18–40.
2.  Identify a Local Challenge - Select a real issue impacting your campus, workplace, neighborhood, or the broader Hampton Roads region. Ground your idea in local research, lived experience, or community insight.
3. Build Your Solution - Decide how you will bring your idea to life — through a digital tool, technical prototype, or structured innovation concept. Focus on practical impact and scalability within Hampton Roads.
4. Use Available Resources -
   Participants will have access to:

• • A welcome session outlining available tools
  • Mentors and community leaders
  • Starter guides and development resources

Ask questions early, collaborate intentionally, and think boldly about what’s possible for our region.

About Assembly

Assembly (www.assemblynfk.com) is an iconic building campus for creators and innovators in Downtown Norfolk, Virginia. An adaptive reuse of three historic department store buildings, the campus hosts leading companies, aspiring startups, freelancers, and remote workers — all sharing energy, inspiration, and resources to help them go further, faster. Phase 1 opened in 2021 with 50,000 square feet of offices, coworking, retail, and unique amenities such as a rooftop deck, event space, podcast studio, bike share, and more. Assembly hosts regular industry and community-building events such as workshops, networking, socials, and more. Phase 2 will restore the historic Sears and Roebuck buildings, adding an additional 53,000 sf to the campus.

• Community Impact (30%)
  Projects should address a real social issue or need in Hampton Roads, with clear benefits for students or the wider community. Judges will look for measurable impact, inclusivity, and potential to strengthen community ties.
• Scalability (20%)
  Solutions will be evaluated on their potential to grow beyond the prototype stage. Judges will consider feasibility, practicality, and whether the team has presented a realistic roadmap for wider adoption across campuses or neighborhoods.
• Technical Execution (20%)
  Judges will review the quality of code, prototypes, or designs. This includes functionality, documentation, and problem-solving. For non-code solutions, design logic and clarity of execution will be weighed in assessing technical strength.
• Creativity & Innovation (15%)
  Projects will be judged on originality and ingenuity. Judges will look for unique approaches, fresh ideas, and unexpected uses of technology that stand out from other submissions while still addressing community-focused problems.
• Presentation & Communication (15%)
  Teams will be evaluated on how clearly and persuasively they present their solution. Judges will consider clarity of problem framing, storytelling, visuals, and whether the demo or pitch materials effectively communicate the project’s value.