Ready, Spec, Ship Hackathon | Coding Agents FYI

Presented by John Crickett, Angie Jones and Gregor Ojstersek

Ready, Spec, Ship Hackathon

Sponsored by Kiro

$9,600<br>in total prizes

Aug 23<br>submission deadline

Sept 6<br>winners announced

Timeline<br>Prizes<br>View Challenge<br>Submissions<br>Rules<br>Join Hackathon

spec: define<br>agent: build<br>ship: launch

Timeline

Key Dates

Dates are for the 2026 Ready, Spec, Ship Hackathon schedule.

August 1Launch

August 8Submissions open

August 23Submission deadline

August 24 to September 5Judging

September 6Winners announced

Prizes

$9,600 Prize Pool

Cash prizes plus Kiro Pro Max access for the top three projects.

1st Place

$5,000 cash prize

Plus 12 months of Kiro Pro Max, a $1,200 value.

2nd Place

$1,000 cash prize

Plus 12 months of Kiro Pro Max, a $1,200 value.

3rd Place

Kiro Pro Max

12 months of Kiro Pro Max, a $1,200 value.

Challenge

Build any real-world application using Kiro.

The theme is open. Create something that solves a genuine problem and can be run by the judges.

Web App<br>CLI Tool<br>Programming Language<br>AI Agent<br>API<br>Automation Tool<br>Desktop Tool<br>Mobile Application<br>Game

ThemeSpec to Ship: Build, Test, and Launch with an Agent.

ToolingProjects must be built using Kiro and clearly demonstrate meaningful Kiro use in the README and demo video.

Quality barSubmissions must install or run consistently, match the demo and README, and avoid simulated or hard-coded features presented as working functionality.

ValueProjects should demonstrate real-world value and solve a genuine problem.

OriginalityWork must be original and created during the competition period, with meaningful human direction and responsibility.

SetupJudges must be able to run the project from a complete public repository with clear setup and testing instructions.

Resources

Kiro CLI<br>Kiro IDE<br>Kiro documentation

Credits

All verified entries will get free Kiro credits to use during the hackathon. Claim them through the Coding Challenges Discord server in #hackathon.

How to Submit

Package the project, video, and submission form.

Submissions will be collected through the official Google Form. Submit before August 23, 2026 at 23:59 UTC.

Code and docsPut the project code and documentation in GitHub or a similar public repository that judges can access.

Demo videoUpload the demo video to YouTube or a similar video platform. Unlisted is fine, as long as anyone with the link can view it.

Submission formSubmit the repository link, demo video link, and required project details through the official Google Form.

Submission form

Use the official Google Form to submit your repository, demo video, and project details before submissions close on August 23, 2026 at 23:59 UTC.

Open Submission Form

Rules and Eligibility

Short rules summary

This is a summary only. Read the full hackathon rules before submitting your entry.

SubmissionsSubmit during the Competition Period, from August 8, 2026 at 00:00 UTC through August 23, 2026 at 23:59 UTC. Each submission needs a public repository, the project's .kiro directory, complete README, working demo or test build, demo video, testing instructions, and any required test credentials.

Kiro useEvery project must be built using Kiro. The README and demo video must show meaningful Kiro usage.

JudgingSubmissions go through a pass-or-fail eligibility and viability screen, then qualifying projects are scored using the 100-point rubric.

Evaluation criteriaApplication Quality: 40 pts<br>Kiro Usage: 20 pts<br>Documentation: 20 pts<br>Innovation and Potential: 15 pts<br>Presentation: 5 pts

EligibilityEntrants must meet the age of majority where they live. Individual participants and teams of two or three are allowed, except where prohibited by law or conflict rules.

Original workProjects must be original work created during the Competition Period. Open-source libraries, frameworks, development tools, and generic starter templates are allowed.

SupportPrior financial or preferential support from the Host, Sponsor, or their affiliates must not create an actual or apparent conflict of interest.

AccessJudges must be able to access the repository, demo video, working application or test build, and setup instructions without making a payment.

Complete rules

Read the full Rules and Guidelines before entering. They control eligibility, submission requirements, judging, prizes, and legal terms.

View Full Rules

Join Hackathon

How To Join The Hackathon

Join the Coding Challenges Discord, then head to the #hackathon channel. All verified entries will get free Kiro credits to use during the hackathon, which can be claimed via the Discord server.

Join Discord