Build, Ship, Shape: Amazon Developer Hackathon

The challenge

Build or significantly update working applications using Amazon Developer tools into one of the following primary tracks:

• Fire TV: Launch a demo-ready app on Fire OS or Vega OS. Use React Native, web technologies, or Android (Kotlin/Java), any framework is fine, as long as it runs on Fire OS or Vega OS. Priority categories: AI-enhanced viewing, sports, fitness, family entertainment, multi-modal UX, and computer vision.
• Alexa+: Build a self-hosted MCP server (spec 2025-11-25 or later, Streamable HTTP) or an Agent Skill. Alternatively, simulate an Alexa+ experience in a web app using your preferred agentic tool.
• Bee (Wearable AI): Build a project that connects to real data recorded and processed through a Bee device or an Apple Watch running Bee software, using Bee's CLI, MCP, or Agent Skills. Your demo needs to show your project actually using that data to do something useful for a person. Priority use cases: education, developer experience, and personal productivity.
• Ring: Build a new app or extend an existing one using Ring APIs, SDKs, simulators, or devices. A physical Ring device is not required. Priority categories: access control, business systems, IoT home automation, accessibility, and caretaking.

Mini Challenges (additional opportunities alongside your primary track):

• AWS Builder: Use AWS services (Bedrock, AgentCore, Strands SDK, Kiro Crew, SageMaker, etc.) in your project with documented integrations. Building with Kiro Crew qualifies on its own.
• Open Source: Ship a new, additional open-source project (include an open-source license) or a contribution (a branch, a fork, or a pull request) to a public repository during the hackathon window.

Required tech & constraints

• Fire TV Track: Use React Native, web technologies, or Android (Kotlin/Java). Any framework is fine, as long as it runs on Fire OS or Vega OS.
• Alexa+ Track: Build a self-hosted MCP server (spec 2025-11-25 or later, Streamable HTTP) or an Agent Skill. Alternatively, simulate an Alexa+ experience in a web app using your preferred agentic tool.
• Bee Track: Connect to real data recorded and processed through a Bee device or an Apple Watch running Bee software, using Bee's CLI, MCP, or Agent Skills.
• Ring Track: Use Ring APIs, SDKs, simulators, or devices. A physical Ring device is not required.
• AWS Builder Mini Challenge: Use AWS services (Bedrock, AgentCore, Strands SDK, Kiro Crew, SageMaker, etc.).
• Open Source Mini Challenge: Include an open-source license file or make a contribution to a public repository.
• Team Size: Not specified, but 9297 participants indicate group participation is common.
• Eligibility: Above legal age of majority in country of residence. All countries/territories, excluding standard exceptions.

Submission requirements

• A text description of your project: explain what it does and how it works.
• A GitHub code repository: must contain all source code, assets, and instructions needed to run your project. Must be public and open source OR private and shared with testing@devpost.com and the Amazon team (specific GitHub usernames provided). For Alexa+, Bee, and Ring, the repo must call the track's required technology in code. Fire TV is an exception. GitHub invitations expire after 7 days; add collaborators when submitting.
• A demo video under 3 minutes: YouTube or Vimeo, public and in English. Do not include third-party trademarks or copyrighted music/footage unless you have permission.
• Product feedback on every tool, API, or SDK used: what you used it for, what worked well, what needs work, how onboarding felt, and whether you'd build with it again. For AWS services, describe which ones and how.
• Which track(s) and mini challenge(s) you're entering.
• If your project existed before the hackathon: a clear explanation of what you built or changed during the submission window.
• Optional: Feature requests and friction log entries (for a potential judging bonus).

Judging Criteria

• Tech Implementation: How well is the project built, and how effectively does it use the required tech? Does it effectively leverage the required APIs, SDKs, or device capabilities for the specified track or mini-challenge?
• Design: Does the project deliver a complete, coherent product experience? Is the interaction model intuitive and well-considered for the target device or platform?
• Potential Impact: Does the project make a credible, specific case for solving customer needs? Could it realistically serve an audience beyond the hackathon?
• Quality of the Idea: Is this a creative, imaginative use of the required tools? Does the team demonstrate a genuine understanding of the developer ecosystem and the end-user needs within their chosen track?

Prizes

• Fire TV Track:
  • 1st Place: $25,000 cash + $15,000 AWS Credits + Meeting with Amazon Developer team + Featured on Amazon Developer channels
  • 2nd Place: $15,000 cash + $5,000 AWS Credits + Featured on Amazon Developer channels
  • 3rd Place: $4,000 cash + $1,000 AWS Credits + Featured on Amazon Developer channels
• Alexa+ Track:
  • 1st Place: $25,000 cash + $15,000 AWS Credits + Meeting with Amazon Developer team + Featured on Amazon Developer channels
  • 2nd Place: $15,000 cash + $5,000 AWS Credits + Featured on Amazon Developer channels
  • 3rd Place: $4,000 cash + $1,000 AWS Credits + Featured on Amazon Developer channels
• Bee Track:
  • 1st Place: $12,000 cash + Meeting with Amazon Developer team + Featured on Amazon Developer channels
  • 2nd Place: $8,000 cash + Featured on Amazon Developer channels
• Ring Track:
  • 1st Place: $12,000 cash + Meeting with Amazon Developer team + Featured on Amazon Developer channels
  • 2nd Place: $8,000 cash + Featured on Amazon Developer channels
• AWS Builder Mini Challenge Winner: $5,000 cash + $5,000 AWS Credits + Meeting with Amazon Developer team + Featured on Amazon Developer channels
• Open Source Mini Challenge Winner: $5,000 cash + $5,000 AWS Credits + Meeting with Amazon Developer team + Featured on Amazon Developer channels

Total prize pool value: $138,000 in cash and AWS credits.