LaunchPad Hacks

Build something worth launching.
Your next big idea starts with a small first version. LaunchPad Hacks is an online student hackathon hosted by Hack4TodayOrg for curious builders, first-time hackers, and experienced makers ready to try something new.
Create a useful prototype, explore a new technology, or solve a problem you care about. Websites, mobile apps, games, AI tools, hardware projects, and low-code builds are welcome. Choose your mission and make it real.
Your mission
Find a real problem. Build a working solution. Show us what you learned. A focused prototype that does one thing well can be a great submission.
Build from anywhere
Participate online, solo or with a team. All experience levels are welcome. Participants must be students above the legal age of majority in their country of residence and meet the eligibility requirements on this site.
Launch schedule
Hacking begins: October 16, 2026.
Submission deadline: November 20, 2026 at 5:00 PM Eastern Time.
Online judging: November 21–25, 2026.
Ready for liftoff?
Register, choose a manageable idea, and start building. Submit your project on Devpost before the deadline with a clear explanation and a demo judges can access.

Requirements
What to build
Build a working technology prototype that addresses a problem or opportunity you care about. Any technology stack is welcome, including low-code and no-code tools. Clearly identify the work completed during October 16–November 20, 2026.
What to submit
A completed Devpost project page with a name, short pitch, and team members.
A description of the problem, intended users, solution, technologies, challenges, and what you learned.
A working demo link, downloadable build, or recorded walkthrough showing the core functionality. Include setup steps. Never include private credentials or personal data.
Screenshots of the main experience. A short demo video of about 2–3 minutes is encouraged but optional.
A source-code or project-file link where possible. Credit third-party libraries, datasets, assets, AI assistance, and pre-existing work.
Keep required links accessible to judges throughout November 21–25. Explain limitations honestly. Submit one final entry per project before November 20 at 5:00 PM Eastern Time.

Judging Criteria
Innovation & Originality
How original is the idea or approach? Does the project offer a fresh solution, thoughtful improvement, or creative use of technology? Judges score each criterion equally on a 1–5 scale.
Usefulness & Impact
How clearly does the project address a real problem or opportunity? Consider its value to the intended users, evidence of user needs, and potential positive impact. Score 1–5; equal weight with the other criteria.
Implementation & Functionality
How well does the working prototype deliver its core promise? Consider functionality, thoughtful technical choices, reliability, and what the team built during the event. Complexity alone does not earn a higher score. Score 1–5; equal weight.
Design & Presentation
Is the project understandable and easy to use? Consider accessibility, the clarity of the user experience, and how clearly the submission explains the problem, solution, demo, and limitations. Score 1–5; equal weight.