Overview
The IEEE ClimateChain Global Hackathon 2026 is an online hackathon hosted on Devpost. It invites innovators, developers, researchers, and climate enthusiasts from around the world to build solutions that combine blockchain technology and artificial intelligence to address real-world climate challenges. The event is organized by the IEEE Blockchain Türkiye Group and aims to support the goals of UN COP 31 by linking climate data transparency, carbon markets, and sustainable resource management.
The central idea is that climate action depends on trust, transparency, and efficiency. Governments, corporations, and communities are looking for technologies that make climate efforts more accountable, and participants are asked to design and prototype systems that meet those needs. The page describes the goal as accelerating trustworthy, decentralized, and scalable climate solutions that align with international sustainability frameworks and global climate goals.
Dates and Format
The event is listed as online and open to the public. The submission deadline is October 25, 2026 at 5:00 pm (UTC+03). The schedule also shows a phase running from October 25 at 10:00 am EDT until the deadline. Participants must register on Devpost before the deadline, and they may form a team or take part individually.
Tracks
Teams must choose one of four tracks:
- Carbon Markets and Emissions Transparency: improving trust, transparency, and efficiency in carbon markets. Example builds include blockchain-based carbon credit verification, real-time emissions tracking, smart contracts that prevent double counting, and transparent carbon trading platforms.
- Renewable Energy and Energy Trading: enabling decentralized and efficient energy systems. Example builds include peer-to-peer energy trading, renewable certificate tracking, microgrid coordination, and tokenized incentives for clean energy.
- Sustainable Supply Chains: increasing transparency and accountability in supply chains. Example builds include product lifecycle tracking, digital product passports, recycling traceability, and circular economy incentive platforms.
- Climate Data and Environmental Monitoring: enabling reliable and accessible climate data. Example builds include climate data verification platforms, IoT environmental monitoring, climate data marketplaces, and tools for research and insights.
Agenda and Sessions
A learning and training session is scheduled as follows:
- Session 2: AI and Cyber Security Issues for Climate Change, on September 8, 2026 from 20:00 to 21:00 (UTC+03:00). The session explains how AI can analyze climate data, improve prediction and decision-making, and enable climate solutions. It also covers cybersecurity, data privacy, and trust challenges in connected, AI-driven climate technologies. Participants are promised practical guidance for designing secure, responsible, and resilient solutions for their projects. Registration is through the IEEE event platform linked on the page.
Participants are encouraged to register for updates and to join sessions and mentorship for guidance.
Prizes
The total prize pool is listed as $3,000 in cash plus other prizes:
- 1st Prize: $1,500 (1 winner)
- 2nd Prize: $1,000 (1 winner)
- 3rd Prize: $500 (1 winner)
- IEEE Certificates of Merit for the top 3 teams
- IEEE Certificates of Participation for all eligible participants (10 winners listed)
- IEEE Senior Member nomination for eligible winners who are IEEE members (5 winners listed)
Judging Criteria
Submissions are judged on:
- Climate Impact: how effectively the solution addresses a real climate or environmental challenge.
- Innovation and Creativity: whether the idea is fresh and takes a unique approach within the chosen track.
- Technical Execution: whether the project works as intended and uses blockchain, smart contracts, AI, data platforms, or environmental data integration effectively.
- Practical Usefulness: how practical and scalable the solution is for organizations, communities, policymakers, or businesses.
- Presentation and Communication: whether the demo clearly explains the problem, the solution, and the real-world impact.
Organizers and Judges
The hackathon is organized by the IEEE Blockchain Türkiye Group in collaboration with the IEEE Blockchain Technical Group, IEEE Orange County EMBS, IEEE Orange County Section, IEEE Orange County Chapter, IEEE Türkiye Section, The Istanbul Chamber of Commerce, and the AI Ecosystem Association of Türkiye. The organizing committee includes Dr. Güven Fidan (Hackathon Team Leader) and Pradyumna Kodgi (Team Co-Leader), along with several IEEE Blockchain leaders. The judging panel is listed as finalized, and the organizers state they are not seeking additional judges.
Who Should Attend
The page is aimed at innovators, developers, researchers, and climate enthusiasts. Eligibility requires being above the legal age of majority in your country of residence. The page also lists student-only participation, excludes companies and professional organizations, and excludes certain countries and territories. The full rules should be reviewed before registering.
What to Submit
- Track Alignment: the chosen track and how the project addresses its challenge.
- Project Description: the problem, the solution, target users, scalability, and ease of adoption.
- Demo Video: a 3 to 5 minute showcase of key features.
- Code Repository: a public GitHub or equivalent link with source code and documentation.
- Prototype or Demo: a working prototype, mockup, or proof of concept.
Submissions must be made before the official deadline to be eligible for judging.
FAQ
Can I participate alone? Yes. The page states that participants may form a team or participate individually. Where can I find the full rules? The page links to a full rules section, which should be checked for eligibility details. How can I ask questions? The page directs participants to email the hackathon manager.
