⚖️ Rules & Participation Guidelines 🚀 1. Registration & Eligibility

All participants must register for The Next Frontier 2026 through Devpost.

  • Participants may work individually or in teams of up to six members.

  • Participants under 18 must have permission from a parent or legal guardian.

  • All experience levels are welcome.

🌌 2. NASA Space Apps Participation

We encourage eligible participants to explore the official NASA International Space Apps Challenge as an additional opportunity to share their innovations.

Visit the Official NASA Space Apps Website

Please note:

  • The Next Frontier and NASA Space Apps are separate events.

  • Registration for The Next Frontier does not register you for NASA Space Apps.

  • NASA maintains its own eligibility requirements, challenges, deadlines, and submission procedures.

  • Participants seeking NASA awards must independently register and submit through NASA's official platform.

The Next Frontier is independently organized by AI Collective Hampton Roads and is not affiliated with or officially endorsed by NASA Space Apps.

💡 3. Originality & Intellectual Property

Projects must reflect the participants' own contributions.

Open-source software, public datasets, existing frameworks, and AI-assisted tools are permitted when used in accordance with applicable licenses and terms.

Participants must:

  • Credit third-party resources and datasets.

  • Respect copyright and intellectual property rights.

  • Distinguish pre-existing work from contributions made during the event.

  • Avoid misrepresenting others' work as their own.

Participants retain ownership of their original work.

🤖 4. Responsible AI & Scientific Integrity

AI-assisted development is welcome, but participants are responsible for the accuracy and integrity of their submissions.

  • Disclose meaningful uses of AI.

  • Verify scientific claims and research findings.

  • Clearly identify simulated or synthetic data when used.

  • Do not fabricate results, falsify datasets, or present misleading demonstrations.

🔒 5. Safety, Privacy & Ethics

All projects must comply with applicable laws and platform policies.

The following are prohibited:

  • Unauthorized disclosure of private or sensitive information.

  • Malicious software or tools designed to cause harm.

  • Harassment, discriminatory content, or promotion of violence.

  • Unauthorized use of copyrighted or protected materials.

Projects involving medical, environmental, or other scientific claims should communicate relevant limitations and uncertainties.

🤝 6. Community Conduct

Treat fellow participants, mentors, organizers, and community members with respect.

Harassment, discrimination, intimidation, and deliberate disruption are not permitted.

Organizers may remove participants or disqualify submissions for serious violations.

🎤 7. Public Showcasing & Project Ownership

Projects submitted through Devpost may be publicly visible according to the platform's settings.

AI Collective Hampton Roads may contact participants about opportunities to present their work at future events or community showcases.

Additional promotional use of project materials will be coordinated with their creators.

Selection for future presentations is not guaranteed.

📋 8. Organizer Decisions

AI Collective Hampton Roads reserves the right to:

  • Review submissions for compliance with event rules.

  • Resolve participation or submission disputes.

  • Make reasonable adjustments to event procedures when necessary.

Material changes will be communicated to participants.

Be curious. Create responsibly. Collaborate respectfully. 🚀