Social Impact BuildFest 2026 - UMD

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.What You’ll BuildTeams will create early-stage immersive prototypes grounded in real community needs. BuildFest projects are judged less on technical complexity and more on design thinking, social impact, and creative use of the technology.Weekend ScheduleFriday3:30 PM: Check-in opens4:00 PM: Welcome4:30 PM: Scenery tech intro6:30 PM: Design workshop7:15 PM: Team formation8:00 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