Important Dates

 

  • Design Thinking & IBM Ambassador Session: March 19, 2026
  • Hackathon (In Person): March 27–28, 2026
  • Final Submission Deadline: March 28, 2026 at 12:30 PM EST
  • Pitch Competition: March 28, 2026

 

At least one team member must present during the live pitch session.

Eligibility

  • Open to Hampton Roads residents ages 18–40.
  • Teams must consist of 2–5 participants.
  • Each team must include three distinct niches or disciplines represented among members (e.g., technical, research, policy, design, business, communications, community engagement, etc.).

Interdisciplinary collaboration is required and will be reviewed during the event.

Project Submission Requirements

All submissions must be completed on Devpost by the stated deadline. Incomplete submissions may not be judged. Each team must submit the following:

1. Project Description

A written explanation that clearly outlines:

  • The problem addressed
  • Why the issue matters in Hampton Roads
  • Who is impacted
  • How the solution responds to that need
  • Why the solution is feasible within the region

2. Code Repository or Technical Documentation

  • A GitHub repository (or equivalent) containing accessible code

If the project is not fully functional, teams must include:

  • Wireframes
  • Mockups
  • System diagrams
  • Architecture plans
  • Prototype links

Documentation must clearly explain how the solution works.

3. Demo Materials

Provide at least one of the following:

  • Live application link
  • Prototype link
  • Recorded demo walkthrough
  • Screenshots or mockups

Submissions must demonstrate how users interact with the solution.

4. Pitch Presentation (Required)

Submit either:

  • A 3–5 minute recorded video pitch
    or
  • A presentation deck (Google Slides, PowerPoint, or PDF)

The pitch must clearly communicate:

  • The problem
  • The solution
  • How it works
  • Community impact
  • Feasibility within Hampton Roads
  • Future potential

5. Team Information

Provide:

  • Full names of team members
  • City of residence within Hampton Roads
  • Professional background or field of study

6. Reflection Statement (Optional)

Teams may submit a brief reflection (150–300 words) describing:

  • Lessons learned about collaboration
  • How diverse perspectives shaped the solution
  • Insights gained about solving challenges in Hampton Roads

While optional, thoughtful reflections may strengthen overall evaluation.

Prizes

Prize categories will be announced prior to the pitch competition.

Awards may include recognition for:

  • Overall Excellence
  • Strongest Community Impact
  • Best Use of Technology
  • Most Creative Solution

Additional prize details, including potential cash awards or mentorship opportunities, are to be determined.

Judging Criteria

Projects will be evaluated using the following weighted criteria:

  • Community Impact (30%)
    How effectively does the solution address a real issue in Hampton Roads?
  • Scalability (20%)
    Can this idea realistically grow beyond the prototype stage?
  • Technical Execution (20%)
    Quality of code, prototype, or concept development.
  • Creativity & Innovation (15%)
    Originality of approach and thoughtful use of technology.
  • Presentation & Communication (15%)
    Clarity, confidence, organization, and storytelling.

Winner Selection

  • Judges will evaluate all eligible submissions using the criteria above.
  • Selected teams will present live on March 28, 2026.
  • Failure to present will result in disqualification.