The Rice University Urban Sustainability Hackathon
Rice University hosts a team hackathon asking US college students to optimize sustainability for large events using FIFA World Cup 2026 across 11 US host cities. Tracks cover mobility, energy-food-water, public health, and growth districts with data visualization prototypes competing for $17,500 cash.
参赛资格 / Eligibility
Ages 18 and older only. College students only in the United States. Teams required with 2 to 6 members using the same team name for all members. Companies and professional organizations are excluded from participation. US only participation stated. Not specified beyond student status, age, team size, and location.
交付物 / Deliverables
Pitch a solution idea that helps US cities optimize sustainability performance for large events and FIFA World Cup 2026. Develop an interactive data visualization for the chosen track with maps, charts, and scenario comparisons showing tradeoffs, priority areas, and measurable impact over time. Register all team members with common team name and submit via Devpost by deadline.
评审 / Judging
Judged on seven criteria: Impact on sustainability, resilience, health, mobility, resources, economy or quality of life; Data Analytics for sound methods, spatial accuracy and evidence; Innovation for novel approach or tool; Feasibility and Implementation by cities or operators; Legacy beyond 2026; Visualization clarity and usefulness for decision-makers; Presentation and pitch effectiveness.
限制 / Constraints
Date fields above come directly from the platform; they take precedence over timing mentioned in the AI brief. Main participation is online with optional 2-day in-person kickoff workshop June 23-24, 2026 at the ION in Houston. Kickoff attendance is not mandatory and recording is available. Focus must be US cities and 11 US host cities for FIFA 2026. Work should follow UNLEASH Innovation Methodology and use data-driven analysis. Timeframe from June to September 2026.
投入 / Effort
Estimate: Our estimate is medium to high effort over about 12 weeks. Expect team coordination, urban and sustainability data research across host cities, analytical modeling, interactive visualization development, and pitch preparation. Optional two full workshop days plus substantial remote build time.
奖金 / Prizes
$17,500 total cash prize pool. Grand Prize $10,000 for one winner. Second Prize $5,000 for one winner. Third Prize $2,500 for one winner. No other cash or non-cash awards specified. Participants may also receive UNLEASH network opportunities.
Devpost