Civic by Design Hackathon

AIGA / Designpreneurs Hackathon

Applications closed · October 30, 2026

Amount

$30,000+ in prizes: $15,000 cash, $10,000 in credits and gifts, $5,000 in sponsor goodies

Location

New York, NY (Parsons School of Design)

Cost

Free

Class level

Any level

A 24-hour hackathon at Parsons where teams design solutions to real New York City civic problems. Fifty-one applicants are selected; no engineering background is required.

Why it matters

Cash prizes, a Parsons venue and a room full of designers, founders and sponsors. Open to everyone, and the free online workshops are open to all even if you are not selected.

Who can apply

U.S. citizensGreen-card holdersDACA / TPSUndocumented studentsInternational students (F-1 and other visas)Refugees and asylees

The official page does not state a citizenship or immigration rule. Confirm with the organizer before you invest time.

Described as open to everyone; the FAQ on international participants is blank. Prize payment rules may require a U.S. tax form — ask the organizers.

Eligibility

Open to all currently enrolled students, 18 or older, with no geographic restriction for the online Figma Challenge. Students need a verified Figma for Education account. The top 51 applicants are invited to the in-person hackathon (announced October 30) and must be able to travel to New York City for November 20–21.

What you need

• Figma Challenge submission by October 30
• Available in person November 20–21 at Parsons (New York)
• No engineering background required

How to apply

Apply on the official site and complete the Figma Challenge. Selected hackers attend a final workshop November 9, then the 24-hour build starting November 20 at Parsons School of Design; finals and awards November 21.

Extended: the online Figma Challenge submission now closes October 30. Hackathon kickoff November 20 and final pitches November 21 at Parsons School of Design, New York.