The Merge 2026 Hackathonis a public, student-led hackathon organized by First Tech Challenge team The Merge, designed to bring together students, beginners, and young innovators to build technology solutions with real-world impact.Built on the values of collaboration, learning, and inclusion, this hackathon is open to participants of all experience levels. Whether you are writing your first line of code, designing your first interface, or building your first prototype, The Merge 2026 Hackathon is a space where curiosity is encouraged and learning comes first.Over the course of the event, participants will work in small teams or solo to explore ideas, learn new skills, and transform problems into meaningful solutions. Mentors will be available throughout the hackathon to guide teams, offer feedback, and support learning—without building the solutions for them.More than a competition, this hackathon is an opportunity to connect with a community of students who believe that technology can be used for good.About the ChallengeBuild for ImpactParticipants are challenged to design and develop a technology-based solution that addresses areal-world problemand createspositive impact.Teams are free to choose the problem they want to solve, as long as it fits within the broader idea of impact.Possible focus areas include, but are not limited to:Education and learningAccessibility and assistive technologySustainability and environmental challengesCommunity and social goodSmart cities and everyday lifeRobotics and software integrationThere are no restrictions on the type of solution. Projects may include software applications, hardware concepts, robotics ideas, data-driven tools, or mixed approaches. Solutions do not need to be fully finished—clear thinking, creativity, and learning matter more than perfection.