🚀 The Next Frontier 2026

Where Science, Technology, and Creativity Collide.

The Next Frontier is a community-driven space innovation hackathon hosted by AI Collective Hampton Roads in collaboration with ECPI University.

We're bringing together students, scientists, developers, designers, and curious minds of all experience levels to explore real-world challenges on Earth and beyond.

☄️ Your Mission

Explore. Innovate. Create.

Use scientific data, artificial intelligence, emerging technologies, and your imagination to develop creative solutions to scientific and technological challenges.

Explore topics including:

  • 🌍 Earth Science & Environmental Innovation

  • 🚀 Human Space Exploration

  • 🌕 The Moon, Mars & Beyond

  • 🤖 Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning

  • 📊 Data Science & Visualization

  • 🎨 Creative Technology & Scientific Storytelling

Build an app, dashboard, game, simulation, research prototype, or something entirely unexpected.

No previous hackathon experience is necessary. Beginners are welcome, and finished products are not required.

📅 Event Schedule 🚀 Friday, November 13 | 6–8 PM EST

The Launchpad: Pitch Before You Build

📍 ECPI University — Virginia Beach, VA

An interactive workshop covering idea development, scientific resources, problem-solving, and effective pitching.

🎟️ Register for The Launchpad

🪐 Saturday, November 14 | 11 AM–2 PM EST

Mission Control: Pitch, Explore & Collaborate

📍 ECPI University — Virginia Beach, VA

Our official hackathon kickoff! Share early-stage ideas, receive feedback, meet potential teammates, and refine your project direction.

No polished pitch required.

🎟️ Register for Mission Control

🛠️ November 14–15

Build & Collaborate

Research your challenge, experiment with tools, develop prototypes, and bring your ideas to life.

🌌 Sunday, November 15 | 5 PM EST

The Final Stretch

💻 Online via Discord

Reconnect with participants, share progress, ask questions, and prepare for the final stage of the hackathon.

🌟 Ready to Explore?

Register for The Next Frontier on Devpost to join the hackathon.

For event updates, preparation materials, and additional information, visit our official website:

🌐 The Next Frontier Website

The Next Frontier is an independently organized event and is not an official NASA Space Apps Challenge. Participation does not constitute entry into NASA's competition.

Be curious. Think creatively. Build boldly. 🚀

AI Collective Hampton Roads × ECPI University

Requirements

📤 What to Submit 🌟 Show Hampton Roads What You Created!

Share your project with the Hampton Roads innovation community!

Submit your work on Devpost for an opportunity to be featured at future AI Collective Hampton Roads events and community showcases.

Whether you've developed a working application, an early prototype, or a proof of concept, we want to see what you've explored and created.

Projects at all stages of development are welcome.

📋 Submission Requirements 1. Project Title

Give your project a clear, memorable name.

2. Project Description

Recommended length: 200–500 words.

Tell us:

  • What problem are you addressing?

  • What solution are you proposing?

  • Who could benefit from your project?

  • How does your project work?

  • What did you accomplish?

  • What would you like to develop next?

3. Project Demonstration

Include at least one of the following:

  • Demonstration video (2–3 minutes recommended)

  • Live application or prototype link

  • Screenshots

  • Interactive demonstration

  • Project presentation

4. Technology & Data Sources

Identify the tools, technologies, scientific resources, and datasets used in your project.

Credit original data sources and disclose AI-assisted development.

5. Team Information

List your team members and briefly describe their contributions. Individual participants should identify themselves as solo creators.

6. Project Links

Include relevant links when available, such as:

  • GitHub repositories

  • Live applications

  • Technical documentation

  • Demo videos

✨ Optional Materials

Strengthen your submission with additional materials such as research references, design mockups, architecture diagrams, data visualizations, or future development plans.

🎤 Future Presentation Opportunities

AI Collective Hampton Roads may invite selected participants to present their projects at future events and community showcases.

Projects may be considered based on creativity, scientific relevance, potential impact, and clarity of presentation.

A finished product is not required for consideration, and selection is not guaranteed.

📅 Submission Deadline

Sunday, November 15, 2026, at 11:59 PM EST

Submit your project through The Next Frontier Devpost before the deadline.

🚀 Submit your discovery. Share your work. Inspire what's next.

Hackathon Sponsors

Prizes

1 non-cash prize
TBD
1 winner

Prizes will be determined by NASA Space Apps

Devpost Achievements

Submitting to this hackathon could earn you:

Judges

NASA SPace Apps Challenge

NASA SPace Apps Challenge
No local judging

Judging Criteria

  • Scientific Relevance 25%
    Does the project address a meaningful problem using credible scientific research, evidence, or data?
  • Creativity & Innovation 25%
    Does the project introduce an original idea, inventive approach, or interesting application of technology?
  • Technical Execution 20%
    How effectively was the project developed? Is the prototype functional, or is the proposed concept technically feasible?
  • Potential Impact 20%
    Could the solution benefit scientific research, education, communities, businesses, or future space exploration?
  • Presentation & Communication 10%
    Can the team clearly explain the problem, demonstrate its solution, and communicate its significance?

Questions? Email the hackathon manager

Invite others to compete

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