2nd NextGen Hackathon 2026 is an online innovation marathon organized by the ACM Fremont Chapter, USA in association with the Soft Computing Research Society. This two-day hackathon invites students, professionals, and tech enthusiasts to brainstorm, build, and showcase cutting-edge solutions to real-world challenges.
Who Should Apply
Open to all university students (undergraduate, postgraduate, doctoral), working professionals, and technology enthusiasts. No age or educational background restrictions — participants from Engineering, Design, Business, Sciences, and all other fields are welcome.
Tracks / Themes
Participants can choose from the following domains:
- AI for Social Good
- GreenTech & Climate Action
- Web 3.0 & Decentralized Applications
- Future of Mobility
- Cybersecurity for the future and more
Format & Timeline
The hackathon is entirely online, including registration, idea submission, mentoring, and final presentations. It consists of two rounds:
- Round 1 – Idea Submission: Teams submit a concept proposal (PDF/PPT) covering problem statement, proposed solution, target users, technology stack, and development plan. Evaluation criteria: novelty, clarity, feasibility, and potential impact.
- Round 2 – Prototype Development & Final Pitch: Shortlisted teams present a live virtual demo and pitch to the judging panel, followed by Q&A.
Judging criteria include innovation & creativity, impact & relevance, technical implementation, user experience (UX/UI), and presentation clarity.
Prizes
- Winner: $1,000
- First Runner-Up: $500
- Second Runner-Up: $250
- All finalists receive Certificates of Recognition.
Eligibility
Teams of 2–4 members. Inter-college/inter-organization teams are allowed and encouraged. Lone wolves are not permitted — participation is strictly team-based.
About the Organiser
The ACM Fremont Chapter, USA is a professional chapter of the Association for Computing Machinery, focused on fostering innovation and technical excellence. The Soft Computing Research Society is an India-based research organization that promotes soft computing and related fields through conferences, workshops, and competitions.
How to Apply
Submit your idea through the official hackathon website: https://nextgen2026.thescrs.org/. Registration deadline is 12 August 2026.
