CSH Social Impact Ideathon 2026 is a twelve-day virtual ideathon hosted by CyberSyntax Hub, a student-run STEM research organization.
On August 31-September 11, 2026, high school and college students will develop innovative ideas that use science and technology to address meaningful real-world challenges.
Participants may explore one of six tracks:
- AI
- Finance + Tech
- Bio + Tech
- Cybersecurity
- Physics + Tech
- Astronomy + Tech
Unlike a traditional hackathon, you are not required to code or create a working prototype. The focus is on identifying a problem, developing a thoughtful solution, explaining how technology can make the idea possible, and presenting the concept clearly.
Participants can work individually or in teams of up to 3 people and will submit their idea through Devpost. Submissions will be reviewed by the CyberSyntax Hub Leadership Team based on impact, originality, feasibility, use of technology, and quality of presentation.
Whether you already have a project idea or are starting from scratch, the goal is simple: turn curiosity into an idea that could make an impact.
Requirements
Each submission should present one original social-impact idea connected to at least one of the six ideathon tracks.
Your Devpost submission should include:
- Project / idea name
- Track
- Problem statement: What real-world problem are you addressing?
- Proposed solution: What is your idea and how would it work?
- Technology component: How does technology, science, or engineering contribute to the solution?
- Target users or beneficiaries: Who would benefit?
- Potential impact: What could improve if the idea were implemented?
- Feasibility / implementation plan: How could this idea realistically be developed?
- Challenges or limitations: What obstacles would need to be addressed?
- Pitch materials: a presentation, pitch deck, visual, or other supporting material
A working prototype, application, or code repository is not required.
Participants should only submit work developed for this ideathon during the official submission period.
Prizes
AI Track Winner
A digital certificate will be awarded to the strongest submission in the AI track based on impact, originality, feasibility, use of science and technology, and clarity of presentation. A track award may be withheld if there are insufficient eligible submissions.
Finance + Tech Track Winner
A digital certificate will be awarded to the strongest submission in the Finance + Tech track based on impact, originality, feasibility, use of science and technology, and clarity of presentation. A track award may be withheld if there are insufficient eligible submissions.
Bio + Tech Track Winner
A digital certificate will be awarded to the strongest submission in the Bio + Tech track based on impact, originality, feasibility, use of science and technology, and clarity of presentation. A track award may be withheld if there are insufficient eligible submissions.
Cybersecurity Track Winner
A digital certificate will be awarded to the strongest submission in the Cybersecurity track based on impact, originality, feasibility, use of science and technology, and clarity of presentation. A track award may be withheld if there are insufficient eligible submissions.
Physics + Tech Track Winner
A digital certificate will be awarded to the strongest submission in the Physics + Tech track based on impact, originality, feasibility, use of science and technology, and clarity of presentation. A track award may be withheld if there are insufficient eligible submissions.
Astronomy + Tech Track Winner
A digital certificate will be awarded to the strongest submission in the Astronomy + Tech track based on impact, originality, feasibility, use of science and technology, and clarity of presentation. A track award may be withheld if there are insufficient eligible submissions.
People’s Choice Award
A digital certificate will be awarded to the eligible submission receiving the most public votes during the official People’s Choice voting period.
Devpost Achievements
Submitting to this hackathon could earn you:
Judges
Devansh Malhotra
Founder, CEO & Bio+Tech Judge
Nischal Konduru
CFO & Finance+Tech Judge
Georgi Chikolov
Chief Science Officer & AI Judge
Sri Surya Aashrith Toleti
Chief of Biomedical Studies & Bio+Tech Judge
Benjamin You
Physics + Tech Judge & Lead Researcher
Rajesh Kumar
AI Judge & Lead Researcher
Andrew Silvanus
External Industry Bio+Tech Judge
RatnaKumar Bonagiri
External Industry AI Judge
Ankur Bhatnagar
External Industry AI & Cybersecurity Judge
Aatish Kumar
External Industry Cybersecurity Judge
Vishwanath Srinivasan
External Industry Judge
Judging Criteria
-
Impact
How meaningful is the problem being addressed, and how significant could the solution’s positive impact be? -
Originality
How creative, distinctive, or innovative is the idea? -
Feasibility
How realistic is the proposed solution, considering implementation, resources, and possible limitations? -
Use of Science & Technology
How effectively does the idea use science, technology, or engineering to address the problem? -
Clarity & Presentation
How clearly is the problem, solution, impact, and implementation plan communicated?
Questions? Email the hackathon manager
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