About the challenge

Participants will work in teams of 1-3 to design and build a technology-based solution that addresses a real-world problem. The prompt for ValleyHacks 2026 will be provided during the live in person event! Participants are encouraged to use machine learning to help them as our hackathon is fast-paced and short. However, the teams should have a knowledgeable understanding of their product, as the pitch to judges is essential!!!

Projects should have a nice UI, should be functioning well, follows the idea of the prompt, and the participants should also have a grasp idea of what their product is about. Whether you’re building a web app, mobile app, AI-powered tool, hardware prototype, or data-driven solution, the emphasis is on thoughtful problem selection, technical execution, and clear communication of your idea.

Teams will be evaluated not only on what they build, but on how they think. Judges will look for impact, problem understanding, technical depth appropriate to the team’s experience level, and the potential for real-world solutions. Strong teamwork, iteration, and presentation will be just as important as the final product.

This challenge is designed to encourage exploration, learning, and creativity. Participants are expected to collaborate respectfully, manage their time effectively, and push their ideas as far as possible within the hackathon timeframe. Above all, this is an opportunity to experiment, learn quickly, and build something you’re proud of.

Get started

Register your teams or even submit a judging application if you want to judge here: https://forms.gle/HCLvmqriFv2t8GVFA
WE NEED JUDGES NEAR THE BAY AREA!!!!

• Impact