Catalyst is a virtual, UI/UX designathon that aims to challenge participants to explore how design, innovation, and community interact. Across 3 days, teams will collaborate to solve a design challenge and build a prototype of an app or a website that addresses modern-day problems - no coding required. Catalyst is open to all students across the country, regardless of experience level, so beginners are more than welcome!
Requirements
All submissions are due at 12pm EST on Sun, March 22nd at catalyst-2026.devpost.com.
- We are only able to accept competition submissions from undergraduate students based in the United States.
- Submissions without a .edu email address will be automatically disqualified.
ALL TEAMS
- Max 3-minute video demo explaining the prototype. Include a link to your prototype with your DevPost submission.
- DevPost write up:
- Answer these 2 questions with your submission:
- a. What is the problem your solution addresses? (150 word limit)
- b. Why did you pick this solution, and how does it address the problem? (150 word limit)
- Answer these 2 questions with your submission:
BEGINNER TEAMS
- Low/medium-fidelity prototype (visual design not included) of 1 flow (~3-5 screens or more). Include a link to your prototype with your DevPost submission.
- 1 high fidelity screen to demonstrate the visual design (Incorporate this screen anywhere into your prototype)
EXPERIENCED TEAMS
High-fidelity prototype (visual design included) of 2-3 flows (~6-15 screens or more). Include a link to your prototype with your DevPost submission.
Prizes
Track 1: Waiting Rooms, First Place
$100 Blick gift card (per team) + $171 value 3 months free Icons8 access (per team member)
Track 2: Almost There, First Place
$100 Blick gift card (per team) + $171 value 3 months free Icons8 access (per team member)
Track 3: After The Fact, First Place
$100 Blick gift card (per team) + $171 3 months free Icons8 access (per team member)
Track 1: Waiting Rooms, Honorable Mention
$15 Blick gift card + $171 3 months free Icons8 access (per team member)
Track 2: Almost There, Honorable Mention
$15 Blick gift card + $171 3 months free Icons8 access (per team member)
Track 3: After The Fact, Honorable Mention
$15 Blick gift card + $171 3 months free Icons8 access (per team member)
Devpost Achievements
Submitting to this hackathon could earn you:
Judges
Michael Dimaano
AF Group
Luke Miller
National Geographic Society
Judging Criteria
-
User Research
Does the solution address an audience & their needs? -
Ideation
Does the solution present an original and innovative idea? -
Prototype
Is the project easy to use and the information easy to navigate? -
Visual Design
Are the visual components used in a thoughtful and consistent way?
Questions? Email the hackathon manager
Tell your friends
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.