hackathon
Next Horizon 2026
Saturday, 28 November 2026 — 29 November 2026
by The Institution of Engineers and Scientists
artificial intelligencegenerative aicybersecurityhackathononlinestudentsprofessionals
hackathon
28 Nov — 29 Nov
Online
Prize Pool
$1,500 cash pool + certificates for all finalists
Registration Deadline
15 Nov 2026
Team Size
2 – 4 members
About
Next Horizon 2026 is an online innovation marathon organised by the International Enterprise and Innovation Society, Florida, in partnership with The Institution of Engineers and Scientists. The hackathon brings together students, working professionals, and technology enthusiasts to brainstorm, build, and showcase solutions to real-world challenges. Whether you are a seasoned coder, a design prodigy, or a curious beginner, the event offers a collaborative space to learn new skills, experiment with emerging technologies, and network with like-minded innovators.
Who Should Apply The competition is open to all university students (undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral), working professionals, and technology enthusiasts. There are no age or educational background restrictions, and participants from Engineering, Design, Business, Sciences, and all other fields are welcome. Participation is strictly team-based — lone wolves are not allowed. Inter-college, inter-organisation, and inter-specialisation teams are allowed and highly encouraged, since a diverse team of developers, designers, and business strategists tends to produce the most well-rounded solutions.
Tracks / Themes Participants build innovative solutions in one of the following domains, and are free to identify a specific problem within their chosen theme: Artificial Intelligence and Generative AI; Cybersecurity and Network Security; Smart Cities and Sustainable Development; Healthcare and Digital Well-being; FinTech and Blockchain Applications; Internet of Things and Smart Automation; Education Technology and Digital Learning; Agriculture and Rural Technology; and Open Innovation and Emerging Technologies.
Format & Timeline The hackathon runs over two days, November 28–29, 2026, and is conducted fully online. It follows a two-round structure. In Round 1, teams submit a PDF or PPT detailing the problem statement and chosen theme, the proposed solution and its unique features, the technology stack, and the real-world impact and feasibility. Submissions are evaluated on innovation, clarity, feasibility, and relevance, and shortlisted teams advance to Round 2. In Round 2, teams build a working prototype or MVP and present live (virtually) to an expert jury from academia and industry. Judging criteria include innovation and creativity, impact and relevance, technical implementation, user experience (UX/UI), and the clarity and persuasiveness of the final pitch. All work must be the team's original creation, developed during the hackathon; open-source libraries, frameworks, and public APIs are permitted and encouraged but must be declared in the final submission. Teams retain full ownership of their IP, while granting organisers the right to showcase projects for promotional and non-commercial purposes.
Prizes The total prize pool is $1,500 for winners and runner-ups, and all finalists receive Certificates of Recognition.
Eligibility Open to university students, working professionals, and technology enthusiasts of any age or educational background. Teams must have 2 to 4 members.
How to Apply Registration closes on November 15, 2026. Apply via the official Unstop listing linked above. Questions can be directed to secretary@theioes.org.
Eligibility
Open to university students, working professionals, and technology enthusiasts of any age or educational background. Teams of 2–4 members required.
hackathon
28 Nov — 29 Nov
Online
Prize Pool
$1,500 cash pool + certificates for all finalists
Registration Deadline
15 Nov 2026
Team Size
2 – 4 members
