With Bold Idea, students learn computer science by creating hands-on computing projects and building relationships with technology mentors. Bold Idea's inaugural hackathon is an opportunity for students to showcase the application of coding design- thinking, teamwork and problem-solving skills to solve and create functional prototypes that address the 17 Sustainability and Development Goals. Participants will pitch their innovative solutions to a panel of judges - gaining experience that empowers all Bold Idea hackathon participants to see themselves as future technologists capable of solving complex global challenges.
Hackathon Challenge 2026 - What to Expect
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Create a digital product (game, app, website, animation, data tool, etc.) that supports one or more of the 17 sustainability goals and helps people make more sustainable choices in their daily lives.
Deliver final presentation on June 27th, 2026.
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Connection is a core part of the process. Find your team and register yourself. You’ll learn just as much from the group as from the content itself.
Participants are allowed 2-3 members per team. Participants that register individually can also secure teammates during coaching sessions or office hours.
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Support by experienced technology professionals across the DFW Metroplex who know how to motivate innovation, design thinking and encourage participation to keep things moving with purpose.
Participant team will receive 6 hours of coaching and office hours available over the course of 3 weeks as support.
Office Hours: Mondays and Wednesdays staring June 8th, 2026.
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Access to our Bold Idea team, events and career exploration that fosters interest in Computer Science education—so you can show up as you are and fully engage in the process.
Participants will receive a welcome packet upon registration including judging criteria and other important submission dates.
Program Manager contact: Glynis@boldidea.org
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After registration, you will receive you packet include optional check-ins, technology support and next steps to resources to help you keep the momentum going.
Registration closes: June 20th, 2026 (subject to change)
Presentation Day: June 27, 2026 at 10am-1pm
Still have questions? Take a look at the FAQ or reach out anytime. If you’re feeling ready, go ahead and register your student.
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Getting started is simple. Register as an individual or a team of 2-3 members using our registration link —we’ll share next steps via a “Welcome Packet” email and answer any questions along the way.
Program Manager contact: Glynis@boldidea.org
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The Hackathon registration deadline is June 20th, 2026.
Due to the close proximity of this deadline to the final presentation day, Bold idea reserves the right to deny entry after reviewing registration applications.
Recommendations: Register as soon as possible to secure coaching and expert support starting June 8th through June 24th.
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You can reach us anytime via our contact page or email. We aim to respond quickly—usually within one business day. Contact the program manager, Glynis Rodgers at glynis@boldidea.org.
Yes, Bold Idea will provide mentor coaches to teams and individuals after registration. Participants will have mandatory 6 hours of coaching on Mondays and Wednesday starting June 8th and a additional work time built in for the month of June 2026.
If individual participants wish to secure teammates, mentor coaches will support the facilitation of pairings that result in positive collaboration of projects.
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See some example problem statements and more linked here.
Final projects for this Hackathon will be evaluated as is, especially if prototypes are still in MVP iterative stage.
Bold Idea values ‘curiosity’ and for participants to ‘learn by doing’ and welcome all interested participants as well as those that believe they do not have the skills to partake in this event to register.
Your Questions, Answered