NTU InnovateX Hackathon 2026

NTU InnovateX Hackathon 2026

NTU InnovateX Hackathon 2026 brings together students, developers, founders, researchers, and industry professionals to turn innovative ideas into practical Web3 solutions with real-world potential. Across two focused tracks, Payments and Financial Infrastructure and Web3 Applications, AI Agents and Real-World Use Cases, participants will explore emerging technologies, develop working prototypes, and address meaningful challenges facing users, businesses, and digital ecosystems.

Requirements

What to Build

Build a practical Web3 prototype under one of the two official tracks: - Track 1: Payments and Financial Infrastructure: Payment flows, merchant tools, settlement, treasury, remittance, or other solutions that improve how value moves and financial operations are managed. - Track 2: Web3 Applications, AI Agents and Real-World Use Cases: AI-powered Web3 applications, agentic workflows, intelligent on-chain tools, or user-facing products that address real-world needs.

Projects should solve a clear problem and demonstrate strong product and technical thinking.

Team Types

There is no fixed limit on team size. Participants may enter individually or form a team of any size. - Student Group: All team members must be current students. Proof of student status may be required. Eligible teams will be considered for dedicated student awards. - Public Group: Open to all other eligible teams, including mixed student and non-student teams.

Format and Dates

Stage 1: Online Submission Submit through Devpost by 14 August 2026 at 11:59 PM SGT. Submissions require project details, overview, supporting materials (slide deck, screenshot, mockup, etc.), and team details. A completed product is not required at Stage 1. Submissions will be screened on 15–16 August 2026, and shortlisted teams will be notified on or around 16 August 2026.

Stage 2: On-Site Final Finalist teams will attend the on-site round at Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, from 21–23 August 2026. They must present a functional prototype or working demo, updated project materials, and a live presentation to the judges. At least one team representative must attend in person.

Prizes

Awards include 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Place, a Best Student Team Award (reserved for eligible Student Group teams), and a Builder Recognition Award.

Judging Criteria

• Technical Quality (30%): Quality of implementation, technical depth, reliability, and completeness of the working prototype.
• Innovation (20%): Originality of the idea, creativity of the approach, and strength of the product concept.
• Real-World Impact (25%): Relevance of the problem being addressed, practical usefulness of the solution, and potential for real-world adoption.
• Demo and Presentation (15%): Clarity of the demo, usability of the prototype, and how effectively the team explains the project and its value.
• Track Relevance (10%): How well the project fits the selected hackathon track and addresses the intended challenge area.