Build, Ship, Shape – Amazon Developer Hackathon 2026
By Amazon
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Quick Answer
A global online hackathon challenging developers to build innovative applications for Amazon devices like Fire TV, Alexa+, Bee AI, or Ring, competing for significant cash prizes and AWS credits.
- Funding amount
- ₹3.68 Lakhs – ₹23 Lakhs
- Funding type
- Competition
- Provider
- Amazon
- Application deadline
- 12d — 24 Oct 2026
- Eligible stage
- Product
- Location
- International
About this competition
The Build, Ship, Shape Hackathon 2026 is a premier global event hosted by Amazon Developer, inviting innovators and developers worldwide to create groundbreaking applications for Amazon's diverse device ecosystem. This hackathon aims to foster creativity and technical excellence in developing solutions for Fire TV, Alexa+, Bee wearable AI, and Ring devices. Participants will have the opportunity to push the boundaries of what's possible with Amazon's developer tools and platforms, contributing to the next generation of smart technology experiences.
This online-only event is designed to support both individual developers and teams, providing a platform to showcase their skills, gain recognition, and receive valuable feedback from industry experts. Beyond the competition, the hackathon serves as a community-building initiative, connecting developers with Amazon's resources and a global network of peers. It’s an ideal opportunity for startups, burgeoning development teams, and seasoned coders to launch new projects, enhance existing ones, and potentially gain visibility within the Amazon ecosystem.
Eligibility
See if you're eligible
Full eligibility criteria — entity type, stage, sector, founder profile and registration requirements — plus your fit for this program. Sign up to view.
Organizers
Amazon Amazon, founded in 1994 by Jeff Bezos, is the world's largest e-commerce and cloud computing company. Through Amazon Web Services (AWS), Amazon Marketplace, and multiple startup-focused initiatives, Amazon provides significant support to the global startup ecosystem —…
Learn morePrizes & Awards
- Amount
- ₹3.68 Lakhs – ₹23 Lakhs
What You Get
Participants in the Build, Ship, Shape Hackathon can win substantial cash prizes, with individual track winners receiving up to US$25,000 (approximately ₹23 lakh) for 1st place in the Fire TV and Alexa+ tracks. Second place winners receive up to US$15,000 (approximately ₹13.8 lakh), and third place up to US$4,000 (approximately ₹3.68 lakh). Other track prizes range from US$8,000 to US$12,000. Mini-challenge winners receive US$5,000 (approximately ₹4.6 lakh). In total, over US$138,000 (approximately ₹1.26 crore) in cash prizes will be awarded. Additionally, winners will receive valuable AWS credits, ranging from US$1,000 to US$15,000, and gain unique access to meet with the Amazon Developer team. Winning projects will also be featured on Amazon Developer channels, providing significant visibility and recognition within the global developer community.
- Disbursement
- Lump Sum
- Duration
- 2 months
- Bootstrap friendly
- Yes
Timelines & Process
Selection Process
Applications will undergo a rigorous judging process by a panel of experts. The projects will be evaluated based on four equally weighted criteria: Technical Implementation, Design, Potential Impact, and Quality of the Idea. Judges will assess the innovation, feasibility, user experience, and overall execution of each submission. Projects that clearly demonstrate a strong working prototype, thoughtful design, and a significant potential for impact within the Amazon ecosystem will be highly regarded. The judging period will take place from 9–20 November 2026, with winners announced on or around 3 December 2026.
Application Process
- 1
Register
Register on the Devpost platform to join the hackathon and access resources.
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How to apply
Four steps from draft to disbursement — one action each.
- 1
Submit on the official portal
Use the official application link and verify all details before final submission.
- 2
Follow up
Reach out 5–7 days after submitting to confirm receipt and ask about the review timeline.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the total prize pool for the hackathon?
The total cash prize pool for the Build, Ship, Shape Hackathon is over US$138,000 (approximately ₹1.26 crore), in addition to AWS credits.
Who is eligible to participate in the hackathon?
The hackathon is open to individuals who have reached the age of majority in their place of residence, as well as teams and organizations (including corporations, nonprofits, LLCs, and partnerships) from most countries worldwide, including India. There are specific exclusions for sanctioned territories and employees/affiliates of Amazon/Devpost.
What are the primary tracks for development?
There are four primary tracks: Fire TV (for apps on Fire OS or Vega OS), Alexa+ (for Agent Skills or MCP server projects), Bee wearable AI (for projects using Bee device or Apple Watch data), and Ring (for apps/features using Ring APIs/SDKs).
What are the judging criteria?
Projects will be judged based on four equally weighted criteria: Technical Implementation, Design, Potential Impact, and Quality of the Idea.
What is required for submission?
Submissions must include a working project, a detailed text description, a public (or private, shared) GitHub repository, a demo video under 3 minutes, product feedback for tools used, and selection of relevant tracks and mini-challenges. Optional friction log entries can earn bonus points.
Is any equity taken from participants?
No, this hackathon awards cash prizes and AWS credits; no equity is taken from participants or their projects.
Sources
Data on this page is compiled from official program and provider references.
