📌About the Event

The Rice University Urban Sustainability Hackathon is a global innovation challenge organised by Rice University that focuses on developing technology-driven solutions for improving urban sustainability. The hackathon challenges college students to build data-driven concepts, tools, and strategies that help cities optimise resources and improve sustainability outcomes, especially in the context of hosting large-scale events like the FIFA World Cup 2026.

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ℹ️ Event Details

• Mode of Conduct: Online virtual hackathon.
• Theme: Urban sustainability, resource optimisation, smart cities, and data-driven solutions.
• Challenge Focus: Participants work on solutions addressing how US cities can improve sustainability performance while hosting major sporting and public events.
• Participation Format: Team-based competition.
• Team Size: Teams must consist of 2–6 members.

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📅 Important Dates

• Hackathon Announcement: 2026.
• Submission Period: June 23, 2026 – September 17, 2026.
• Hackathon Deadline: September 30, 2026.

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🎯 Eligibility & Rules

• Eligibilty:
• Open to college students only.
• Participants must be 18 years or older.
• Teams should have 2–6 members.
• Companies and professional organisations are not eligible to participate.
• Participation is restricted to eligible student participants as mentioned in the official rules

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🏆 Benefits for the Participants

• Total Prize Pool: $17,500 in cash prizes.
• Grand Prize: $10,000 cash award.
• Second Prize: $5,000 cash award.
• Additional Rewards: Other recognitions and prizes may be awarded to outstanding submissions.
• Learning Opportunities:
• Gain experience solving real-world sustainability challenges.
• Showcase projects to a global audience.
• Build skills in technology, data analysis, and sustainable innovation.