SummerBuild 2026

The challenge

SummerBuild 2026 is DevHub@iLab’s flagship guided hackathon for NTU students. Over 4 weeks, participants will work in teams to design, build, and pitch a portfolio-ready software project. The main goal is to build something useful, learn by doing, and walk away with a project you are proud to show.

Participants may build projects across any meaningful software domain, including web applications, mobile applications, AI-powered tools, computer vision systems, smart city solutions, productivity platforms, data dashboards, or other real-world software ideas.

AI usage is encouraged but not compulsory.

Required tech & constraints

• NTU students only
• Above legal age of majority in country of residence
• Students only
• Team required: 3 to 5 members
• Only specific countries/territories included

Submission requirements

Your final Devpost submission should include:

1. Public GitHub repository link Include your source code, README, setup instructions, and any relevant documentation.
2. System architecture diagram Show how the major parts of your system connect, such as frontend, backend, database, APIs, AI models, cloud services, or external integrations.
3. Demo video A short video showing your product in action. Focus on the problem, key features, user flow, and what your team built.
4. Project writeup Explain what your product does, who it is for, what problem it solves, and how your team used relevant technologies to implement the features.

Final submissions are due on 18 June 2026, 12:00 PM.

Judging Criteria

• Problem & Target Audience (15%) Problem clarity, user understanding, pain point relevance
• Practical Impact (20%) Real-world usefulness and user benefit
• Technical Innovation (20%) Fresh idea or creative approach
• Product Experience (UI/UX) (15%) User flow, interface clarity, design fit for target users
• Prototype Execution (15%) Working core flow and smooth demo
• Presentation Pitch (15%) Clear pitch, convincing narrative, strong Q and A

Prizes

• Champion (1 winner): To be announced
• 1st Runner-up (1 winner): To be announced
• 2nd Runner-up (1 winner): To be announced
• Best AI Integration: $100 in cash (1 winner)
• Most Innovative Solution: $100 in cash (1 winner)
• Best Freshman Team: $100 in cash (1 winner)
• People's Choice: $100 in cash (1 winner)
• Best Use of Reka AI (1 winner): To be announced
• Best Smart Cities Solution (1 winner): To be announced
• Best UI/UX: $100 in cash (1 winner)

Bonus / optional points

AI usage is encouraged, especially for teams aiming for AI-related or special partner awards.