Social Impact BuildFest 2026 - CU Boulder

What is BuildFest?BuildFest is a weekend-long social impact build sprint where students use emerging technology to prototype solutions to real community challenges. It is designed to be welcoming, interdisciplinary, and hands-on.The Theme: BelongingThis year’s theme isBelonging. We are inviting teams to explore what it means to feel seen, accepted, and connected, and to design experiences that support more inclusive, empathetic communities.Who Should ParticipateBuildFest is open to students from all backgrounds and majors. No coding experience is required. We care more about curiosity, collaboration, and thoughtful ideas than technical polish.How the Weekend WorksFriday is for onboarding, ideation, and team formation. Saturday is for building your prototype with mentor support. Sunday is for presenting your work, receiving feedback, and celebrating what you made.Weekend ScheduleFriday3:30 PM: Check-in opens4:00 PM: Welcome4:30 PM: Scenery tech intro6:30 PM: Design workshop7:15 PM: Team formation/Introductions8:00 PM: Dinner8:30 PM: Creative brief development11:30 PM: Creative briefs dueSaturday9:00 AM: Morning arrival + coffee10:00 AM: Scenery team check-insDaytime: Build time with mentor support4:30 PM: Pitch workshopSunday9:30 AM: Final materials due10:00 AM: Presentations begin1:30 PM: Awards2:30 PM: Event close