Overview
A global research and innovation hackathon for undergraduate and graduate students to develop practical, science-based solutions to water challenges aligned with UN Water priorities, culminating during the 2026 UN Water Conference in Abu Dhabi.
Complete hackathon details
The hackathon launched on 27 August 2026 and runs through a structured process of research, solution development, technical mentoring, validation and impact assessment. Teams may work on water security and desalination, reuse and circularity, smart and AI-enabled water systems, water quality and health, the energy-water nexus, or integrated water governance. Registration closes on 7 September 2026. Finalists will showcase solutions during the 2026 UN Water Conference in Abu Dhabi in December. The organizers state that a prize pool will recognize scientific excellence, societal impact and practical relevance, including an overall Khalifa University–UN Water Innovation Award, six theme awards and strategic recognition awards; exact cash values were not stated on the verified pages.
Eligibility requirements
Open to undergraduate and graduate students from recognized higher-education institutions worldwide. The registration form requires at least four team members and at least one faculty advisor or industry mentor across the advisor/mentor sections.
Tips for this hackathon
Practical Job and Scholarship guidance. These tips do not replace official rules or create new eligibility requirements.
- Read the rules, eligibility, judging criteria, required technologies and intellectual-property terms before forming your submission plan.
- Build a complementary team early and assign product, engineering, design, research and presentation responsibilities clearly.
- Optimize for the published judging rubric: demonstrate a real problem, working solution, measurable impact and a concise live demo.
- Prepare the repository, pitch deck, demo video and submission links before the final hours so upload or platform problems do not invalidate the entry.
- Check whether travel, finalist presentations, team-size limits or mandatory attendance apply before committing.
Verification notes
Verified against Khalifa University's 27 August 2026 launch announcement and the live official registration form. Registration deadline is stated as 7 September 2026 without a deadline time/timezone, so deadline remains null rather than inferring one.
Job and Scholarship is the discovery and verification layer. Confirm eligibility, dates, salary/funding and application instructions on the original source before submitting anything.
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