UCI Design-a-thon 2026

An online design-a-thon organized by the University of California, Irvine, offering a $5,048 prize pool for global participants.

The UCI Design-a-thon 2026 is an online design competition hosted by the University of California, Irvine. This event invites participants from around the globe to engage in a creative challenge, focusing on innovative design solutions. It provides a platform for individuals and teams to develop and showcase their design skills, fostering a spirit of innovation and practical problem-solving.

Who Should Apply This design-a-thon is open to a broad audience, including students, aspiring designers, developers, and innovators worldwide. With a 'Beginner Friendly' tag, it encourages participation from those new to design challenges as well as experienced professionals looking to hone their skills.

Format & Timeline The competition is entirely virtual, allowing for flexible participation and remote collaboration. It runs from March 31 to April 26, 2026, offering an extended period for participants to conceptualize, design, and submit their projects. All submissions will be made through the Devpost platform.

Prizes A total prize pool of $5,048 is available, recognizing outstanding design solutions and innovative approaches. Specific prize breakdowns are not detailed, but awards will be distributed among top-performing entries.

Eligibility The UCI Design-a-thon is open to global participants without specific geographic restrictions. There are no explicit team size requirements, making it suitable for both individual participants and collaborative teams.

How to Apply Interested participants can register and submit their projects via the official Devpost page. The registration and submission deadline is April 26, 2026.