1. Team Size

  • You can work solo or in a team of up to 4 members.

  • You may not join more than one team.

2. Eligibility

  • Open to students, hobbyists, developers, and creators of all levels.

  • No hardware? No problem. Simulations and concept designs are allowed.

3. Allowed Projects

You must build a robotics-focused startup idea.
This may include:

  • Physical robots

  • Drones / VTOLs / UGVs / UAVs

  • Prosthetics or assistive robotics

  • Sensors + automation systems

  • Disaster-response robotics

  • Home robotics

  • Mechatronics concepts

  • CAD simulations or software frameworks

  • AI/ML integrations with robotics

  • ANY robotics solution with a real customer/problem

4. Development Rules

  • All work must be created during the hackathon period.

  • Pre-existing code is allowed only if openly declared and not the main substance.

  • Open-source libraries are allowed.

  • AI tools (ChatGPT, Copilot, etc.) are allowed.

5. Hardware Rules

  • You do not need actual hardware to participate.

  • Simulated robots (ROS/Gazebo, Unity, Webots, CAD animations) are accepted.

  • Physical prototypes are encouraged but optional.

6. Submission Requirements

You must submit:

  • 1–3 minute demo video

  • Project write-up + technical explanation

  • Pitch deck

  • Code and/or CAD files (upload or GitHub)

  • Team member details

7. Judging Criteria

Projects will be judged on:

  • Innovation (uniqueness + creativity)

  • Technical Depth (robotics logic, design, execution)

  • Feasibility (realistic + buildable)

  • Impact (who benefits)

  • Startup potential (business model, target users, value)

8. Safety & Ethics

  • No dangerous weapons, harmful devices, or malicious robotics.

  • No drones flown in restricted areas.

  • All simulations that mimic dangerous hardware must be clearly marked.

9. Fair Play

  • Plagiarism or stolen ideas = immediate disqualification.

  • Respect mentors, teammates, and all participants.

  • FoundersForge staff decisions are final.

10. Deadlines

  • All submissions must be uploaded before the Devpost deadline.

  • Late submissions cannot be accepted.

Judging Criteria and Winner Selection