About the challenge :

FRONTIER//26 is a global online AI innovation challenge by LovHack, taking place from 4–11 December 2026.

Participants can choose between two tracks: SPARK, an ideathon focused on research, problem-solving and developing innovative proposals, and SHIP, a buildathon focused on creating functional prototypes and practical solutions.

Open to aspiring innovators worldwide, FRONTIER//26 is an opportunity to turn curiosity into ideas and ideas into something tangible.

Think beyond. Build what matters.

 

Get started :

  1. Register: Sign up for FRONTIER//26 through Devpost.

  2. Choose your track: Select SPARK (Ideathon) or SHIP (Buildathon).

  3. Explore a problem: Identify a challenge worth solving and develop your approach.

  4. Create: Build your proposal or prototype according to your chosen track.

  5. Submit: Prepare and submit your project through Devpost before the deadline.

  6. Showcase: Present your work and share your ideas with the FRONTIER//26 community.

Follow the event updates for detailed guidelines, submission requirements and announcements.

Questions? Contact [email protected].

 

 

 

Requirements

WHAT TO BUILD

FRONTIER//26 offers two distinct tracks. Participants must choose the track that best aligns with their project and approach to innovation.

SPARK — THE IDEATHON

Develop an original idea or proposal that addresses a real-world problem. Focus on identifying the challenge, researching existing approaches, proposing an innovative solution, and explaining its feasibility and potential impact.

A working prototype is not required. Participants should focus on the quality, originality, research, and presentation of their ideas.

SHIP — THE BUILDATHON

Develop a functional prototype or working technology solution that addresses a real-world problem. Participants may use artificial intelligence, software, APIs, or other technologies to bring their ideas to life.

Your project should demonstrate its core functionality, explain how it works, and show the practical value of your solution.

A working prototype or demonstrable implementation is required.

WHAT TO SUBMIT

All participants or teams must provide the following information and supporting materials through the official FRONTIER//26 Devpost submission page.

GENERAL PROJECT INFORMATION

  • Project Title and Short Description — The name of your project and a brief overview.

  • Selected Track — Clearly identify SPARK or SHIP.

  • Problem Statement and Proposed Solution — Explain the challenge and how your project addresses it.

  • Key Features and Intended Impact — Describe the project's main features and potential value.

  • Team Information — Names of participating team members and their respective roles.

  • Tools and Technologies — List the programming languages, frameworks, AI models, APIs, and other resources used.

SPARK — IDEATHON SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Participants must submit:

  • A detailed explanation of the problem being addressed.

  • The proposed solution and an explanation of how it works.

  • Relevant research, supporting evidence, or references.

  • An explanation of the idea's originality, feasibility, and potential impact.

  • A PDF, presentation, or visual proposal showcasing the idea.

SHIP — BUILDATHON SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Participants must submit:

  • A clear problem statement and solution overview.

  • A description of the prototype's main features and functionality.

  • A working demo link or accessible prototype.

  • A demo video or screenshots demonstrating the project.

  • A GitHub or equivalent source-code repository link, where available.

  • An explanation of the technologies and tools used.

IMPORTANT SUBMISSION GUIDELINES

  • Ensure that all links and supporting materials are accessible.

  • Submit original work created by your participating individual or team.

  • Acknowledge external resources, datasets, APIs, and AI tools used.

  • Complete your submission through Devpost before the official deadline.

THE FRONTIER//26 CHALLENGE

SPARK is where ideas take shape. SHIP is where ideas become reality.

Think Beyond. Build What Matters.

Prizes

2 non-cash prizes
SPARK — International Ideathon Champions
3 winners

1st Place — International Ideathon Champion ---

2nd Place — International Ideathon Runner-Up---

3rd Place — International Ideathon Finalist---

All three winning teams will receive an official Letter of Recognition (LoR)[INDIVIDUAL LOR FOR TEAM SECURING 1st POSITION] from the FRONTIER//26 Student Head / Lead Organiser, acknowledging their achievement and contribution to the international ideathon.

SHIP — International AI Buildathon Champions
3 winners

1st Place — International AI Buildathon Champion ---

2nd Place — International AI Buildathon Runner-Up ---

3rd Place — International AI Buildathon Finalist ---

All three winning teams will receive an official Letter of Recognition (LoR)[INDIVIDUAL LOR FOR TEAM SECURING 1st POSITION] from the FRONTIER//26 Student Head / Lead Organiser, acknowledging their achievement, technical execution and contribution to the international buildathon.

Judges

Karthik Uppala

Karthik Uppala
Founder at LovHack

Judging Criteria

  • SPARK - Problem Identification & Understanding (20%)
    How clearly does the project identify and explain a meaningful real-world problem? Judges will evaluate the depth of problem understanding, relevance, and identification of the people or communities affected.
  • SPARK - Innovation & Originality (25%)
    How creative, original, and innovative is the proposed solution? Judges will assess the uniqueness of the idea, creative thinking, and how effectively it explores a new or improved approach to the problem.
  • SPARK - Feasibility & Practicality (20%)
    How realistic and achievable is the proposed solution? Judges will consider whether the idea can reasonably be implemented, the resources required, and the clarity of its proposed implementation approach.
  • SPARK - Potential Impact (20%)
    What positive difference could the proposed solution make? Judges will evaluate its potential benefits, relevance to the problem, scalability, and long-term value.
  • SPARK - Research & Presentation Quality (15%)
    How effectively is the idea researched, structured, and communicated? Judges will assess supporting evidence, clarity of explanation, organisation, and the overall quality of the proposal.
  • SHIP - Problem Identification & Relevance (15%)
    How effectively does the project address a meaningful real-world problem? Judges will evaluate the relevance of the challenge, clarity of the problem statement, and understanding of the intended users.
  • SHIP - Innovation & Originality (20%)
    How creative and distinctive is the proposed solution? Judges will assess originality, innovative use of technology, and how effectively the project stands out from existing approaches.
  • SHIP - Technical Implementation & Functionality (25%)
    How effectively has the idea been transformed into a working prototype? Judges will evaluate core functionality, technical execution, reliability, and how well the demonstrated features perform their intended purpose.
  • SHIP - Practical Application & Impact (20%)
    How useful and valuable is the solution in addressing the identified problem? Judges will consider its practical applications, potential benefits to users, feasibility of further development, and potential for wider impact.
  • SHIP - Presentation & Demonstration (20%)
    How clearly and effectively is the project presented? Judges will assess the project explanation, demonstration quality, clarity of documentation, and the team's ability to communicate how the solution works.

Questions? Email the hackathon manager

Invite others to compete