Amazon Developer Hackathon 2026: Win $138K in Prizes
Build with AWS and compete for $138K in cash prizes.
Amazon Developer Hackathon 2026: Build, Ship, Shape!
What if your next big idea could win you thousands of dollars while helping you explore the latest Amazon and AWS technologies?
The Build, Ship, Shape: Amazon Developer Hackathon 2026 is officially underway, bringing developers from around the world together to create innovative applications using Amazon technologies.
With $138,000 in cash prizes and an additional $52,000 in AWS Credits, this online hackathon offers an exciting opportunity to turn your ideas into working applications, showcase your technical skills, and connect with the Amazon Developer community.
And the best part? It's free to enter!
š What Is the Amazon Developer Hackathon 2026?
Organized by Amazon Developer and hosted on Devpost, this hackathon challenges participants to build or significantly improve applications using Amazon's developer tools, APIs, and services.
For the first time, developers can explore four Amazon product ecosystems in one global competition.
Whether you're passionate about artificial intelligence, cloud computing, smart home technology, or app development, there's a challenge waiting for you.
š» Choose Your Challenge
Participants can explore four primary tracks:
šŗ 1. Fire TV
Build engaging applications for Fire TV using Fire OS or Vega OS. Explore AI-enhanced entertainment, fitness experiences, interactive applications, and more.
š£ļø 2. Alexa+
Create intelligent agent experiences using Agent Skills, Model Context Protocol (MCP), or supported simulation approaches. Build solutions that make everyday interactions smarter.
ā 3. Bee (Wearable AI)
Develop innovative applications using data from Bee wearable technology. Explore productivity, education, and personalized experiences.
š 4. Ring
Build smart applications using Ring APIs, SDKs, and simulators. Explore connected home automation, accessibility, or real-world business applications.
āļø Bonus: AWS Builder Mini Challenge
Here's something especially exciting for the AWS Builder community!
Developers entering a primary track can also participate in the AWS Builder Mini Challenge by integrating qualifying AWS technologies into their projects.
Explore technologies such as:
- Amazon Bedrock
- Amazon Bedrock AgentCore
- Strands Agents SDK
- Amazon SageMaker
- Kiro Crew
The AWS Builder Mini Challenge offers a dedicated prize of $5,000 in cash plus $5,000 in AWS Credits.
It's a fantastic opportunity to demonstrate how AWS can power innovative applications.
š Compete for $190,000 in Total Prize Value
The competition features an impressive prize pool:
| Prize Category | Cash Prize |
|---|---|
| Fire TV ā First Place | $25,000 |
| Alexa+ ā First Place | $25,000 |
| Bee ā First Place | $12,000 |
| Ring ā First Place | $12,000 |
| AWS Builder Mini Challenge | $5,000 |
| Open Source Mini Challenge | $5,000 |
Additional second- and third-place awards are available in eligible primary tracks.
Combined across all categories, the competition offers $138,000 in cash prizes and $52,000 in AWS Credits, representing $190,000 in total prize value.
Selected winners also receive opportunities to meet with the Amazon Developer team and have their projects featured on Amazon Developer channels.
AWS Credits are promotional cloud credits, not cash equivalents.
š Important Dates to Remember
Don't miss your opportunity to participate!
- Submission Opens: August 31, 2026
- Submission Deadline: October 23, 2026, at 12:00 PM PDT
- Judging Period: November 9ā20, 2026
- Winners Announcement: Around December 3, 2026
- Format: Online
- Registration: Free
The hackathon welcomes eligible individuals, teams, and organizations worldwide, subject to the official eligibility rules and geographic restrictions.
š ļø How to Participate
Getting started is straightforward.
Step 1: Register on Devpost
Visit the official hackathon page and select "Join Hackathon." Create a free Devpost account if you don't already have one.
Step 2: Select Your Track
Choose the Amazon technology that interests you most and review the relevant developer documentation.
Step 3: Build Your Project
Create a functional application or significantly improve an existing one. Consider integrating AWS technologies to qualify for the AWS Builder Mini Challenge.
Step 4: Prepare Your Submission
Your submission should include:
- A clear project description.
- A GitHub repository containing your code and setup instructions.
- A public demonstration video of less than three minutes.
- Feedback about the developer tools and services used.
- Details of the primary track and any mini challenges you are entering.
Step 5: Submit Before the Deadline
Complete your submission on Devpost before October 23, 2026, at 12:00 PM PDT.
Make sure to review the official rules before submitting your project.
š” Tips to Make Your Project Stand Out
Want to make an impression on the judges?
Focus on a real problem. Build something that delivers meaningful value rather than simply demonstrating a technology.
Create a working experience. A functional prototype with a clear user journey is more convincing than an ambitious idea without a demo.
Use AWS thoughtfully. Consider how services such as Amazon Bedrock and AgentCore could improve your application's architecture or capabilities.
Keep your demo clear. Explain your problem, demonstrate the solution, and highlight what makes your project different.
Document your work. A well-organized repository and thoughtful product feedback help judges understand your implementation.
š Ready to Build Something Amazing?
The Amazon Developer Hackathon 2026 is more than a competition. It's an opportunity to experiment with new technologies, improve your development skills, and transform creative ideas into real-world applications.
Whether you're an experienced cloud engineer, an AI enthusiast, or a developer looking for your next challenge, this is your chance to build something remarkable.
Your next project could be a winning project!
š Join the Hackathon: https://amazonappdev2026.devpost.com/Ā
š Read the Official Rules: https://amazonappdev2026.devpost.com/rulesĀ
Happy building! š
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