BeMyApp, in partnership with Xylem, has launched the Xylem Global Student Innovation Challenge, an 8-week hackathon open to high school and university students globally. Running from September 21, 2026, to November 20, 2026, the challenge invites participant teams to choose one of three problem statements focused on Water Quantity, Water Quality, or Water Access. Once your team has selected a problem statement, you will develop and submit one solution addressing that challenge. The top 3 High School teams and top 3 University teams will win prizes within a $20,000 prize pool, along with 6 teams receiving consolation prizes.
| Event | Xylem Global Student Innovation Challenge 2026 |
|---|---|
| Organizer | BeMyApp in partnership with Xylem |
| Format | Virtual, open globally |
| Registration opens | September 10, 2026 |
| Challenge begins | September 28, 2026 |
| Submission deadline | November 20, 2026 |
| Winners announced | December 18, 2026 |
| Who can enter | High school students and college students |
| Challenge theme | Teams will choose one of three problem statements focused on Water Quantity, Water Quality, or Water Access. |
| Prizes | $20,000 prize pool. See "What's at Stake" below. |
| Event page | Visit the Xylem Global Student Innovation Challenge website |
Xylem Global Student Innovation Challenge 2026 challenges participants to create a solution to 1 of 3 problem statements focused on Water Quantity, Water Quality, or Water Access.
Water Quantity: Water is essential to communities, economies, and industries around the world, but growing demand is putting increasing pressure on limited freshwater resources. Build innovative solutions that help improve water efficiency, reuse, replenishment, and responsible water management.
Water Quality: Water quality is essential to human health, economic development, and environmental sustainability, but pollution and emerging contaminants continue to threaten freshwater resources around the world. Build innovative solutions that help prevent, detect, monitor, remove, or reduce pollutants that impact water quality and human health.
Water Access: Access to safe, reliable, and affordable water remains a challenge for billions of people worldwide. Build innovative solutions that improve equitable and resilient access to water by addressing physical, economic, environmental, or infrastructure barriers.
| Place | Prize |
|---|---|
| Grand Prize | $4,500 |
| 2nd Prize | $2,000 |
| 3rd Prize | $1,500 |
| Diploma of Excellence | $1,000 |
| Community Choice | $500 |
| Community Choice | $500 |
| Place | Prize |
|---|---|
| Grand Prize | $4,500 |
| 2nd Prize | $2,000 |
| 3rd Prize | $1,500 |
| Diploma of Excellence | $1,000 |
| Community Choice | $500 |
| Community Choice | $500 |
Submissions will be evaluated on:
BeMyApp has designed and run developer events and DevRel programs for 200+ companies, including Siemens, IBM and more, across 35+ countries since 2010. For Xylem, BeMyApp is managing the event design, platform, registration, judging coordination, and logistics so Xylem's team can stay focused on evaluating the best solutions.
Registration is currently open to all students. Xylem Global Innovation Challenge kicks off September 28. All project submissions are due November 20. Good luck!
Questions? Contact us.
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