Meta — Hackathon
Meta VR Start Developer Competition 2026
Accelerate your VR development journey with Meta VR Start and compete for $1M in cash prizes
Prize Pool
$1.0M
Location
Online
Duration
55 days
Date
Sep 24, 2026 - Nov 18, 2026
About the Hackathon
Accelerate your VR development journey with Meta VR Start and compete for $1M in cash prizes
THE META VR START DEVELOPER COMPETITION IS BACK!This year’s eight-week challenge calls on Start program members to build the next generation of Entertainment, Gaming, and Productivity experiences for Meta VR devices – including Meta VR Glasses and Meta Quest. We’re looking for hands-first apps that make interaction more natural and gameplay more intuitive than ever before.Last year, over 2,900 developers joined the competition and delivered more than 650 submissions that pushed the boundaries of immersive technology. This year, we’re raising the bar again.Whether you’re a first-time Start developer with a breakthrough idea or a seasoned creator ready to showcase what’s possible with the latest platform capabilities, this is your moment to help redefine the future of VR.Here’s what’s waiting for you:🤝 Build hands-first.Design experiences powered by hand interactions that feel natural, responsive, and deeply immersive—no controllers required.🛠️ Explore new tech.Take advantage of the latest OS capabilities and device features across Meta VR Glasses and Meta Quest, accelerate your development with AI tooling, including Meta VR CLI.🌍 Join a global community.Boost your skills through mentor programming, collaborate with fellow developers, share insights, and learn from a thriving network of experienced VR developers.🏆Compete for $1M in cash prizeswith top prizes of $100,000.The future of VR is in your handsliterally.We can’t wait to see what you build.GETTING STARTEDIf you’re not already a member of the Start program,apply nowto join the competition.Estimated time: 5 minutesExplorelast year’s winning submissionsandSample Use Casesfor InspirationEstimated time: 30 minutesEntertainmentGamingIQuest Gamer SegmentsProductivity:AnExplorerHands:Hands Physics LabITable TroopersFollow a Quickstart Tutorial (below)Estimated time: 30 minutesUnity:VR 101IVR 102Unreal:How to Make VR Games in UE5Android:From Mobile to VR OverviewImmersive Web SDK:Your First Steps into Immersive Web DevelopmentGetting Started with Hands & EyesCheck out theResources tabfor more technical documentation and visit theMeta Developer Forumfor ongoing support and access to upcoming competition events and workshops.
Event Details
Format
Online
Prize Pool
$1.0M
Currency
USD
Start
Sep 24, 2026
End
Nov 18, 2026
Duration
55 days
Organized by Meta
Online · Active
Timeline
Sep 24, 2026
EVENT STARTS
Hackathon kicks off. Join online and start building.
Nov 18, 2026
EVENT ENDS
Final submissions and judging period begins.