QNX, the embedded software division of BlackBerry, has launched its first QNX Global Hackathon: a free, six-week online competition with US$50,000 in cash prizes. Developers, teams and organisations build software that runs on or supports QNX 8.0, the real-time operating system used in cars, robots, medical devices and industrial machines.
Deadline: 15 December 2026, 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time (8:00 p.m. WAT, 9:00 p.m. CAT/SAST, 10:00 p.m. EAT). African developers can take part. See the country exclusions below.
Key Details
- Sponsor: BlackBerry Ltd (QNX)
- Run on: Devpost
- Format: virtual, from anywhere
- Cost: free; QNX SDP 8.0 is free for non-commercial use
- Total prizes: US$50,000 cash
- Submission deadline: 15 December 2026, 2:00 p.m. ET
- Judging and public voting: 15–29 January 2027
- Winners announced: around 4 February 2027
Benefits: Prizes
- Grand Prize (1): US$10,000, a feature on the Code the Future podcast and a coffee chat with QNX CEO John Wall
- Category winners (5): US$4,000 each, plus a coffee chat with a QNX senior executive
- Category runners-up (5): US$2,000 each
- Honourable mentions (3): US$1,000 each
- Bonus prizes: US$3,500 each for Best Codelab/Tutorial and Best Use of QNX-specific Technologies
- Community Choice: a feature on QNX’s blog and social media, plus QNX merchandise
Beyond the cash, embedded and real-time systems skills are in high demand in the automotive, robotics and medical-device industries, so a QNX project is a strong portfolio piece.
Competition Categories
- Robotics and Medical: real-time apps where timing, safety and reliability matter
- Automotive and Mobility: software for vehicles and mobility
- Low-level Software: board support and device drivers using the QNX Driver Development Kit
- Developer Tooling and Host Tools: tools to build, test or analyse QNX software on Windows, macOS or Linux
- Open-Source Contribution and Ports: port open-source projects to QNX or contribute to its ecosystem
Eligibility
- individuals aged 18 or older (or the age of majority where you live)
- teams of eligible individuals
- legally established organisations, including companies and non-profits
Not eligible: residents or organisations in Brazil, Russia, Crimea, Cuba, Iran, North Korea and any other country under comprehensive US (OFAC) sanctions, or where local law bans taking part. Sponsor and Devpost staff and their families are also excluded. Check the official rules if you’re unsure.
Project Requirements
- a working software project that runs on or targets QNX 8.0 (an app, driver, library or component), or a host tool that supports QNX 8.0 development
- new between 2 November and 15 December 2026, or significantly updated in that period
- a public code repository with an open-source licence
- a project description plus build and run instructions
- a public YouTube demo video under 3 minutes
- an explanation of how the project uses QNX 8.0 (on supported hardware or the QEMU emulator)
How to Apply
- Go to the QNX Global Hackathon page on Devpost and sign up or log in (free).
- Register for the hackathon.
- Get free access to QNX SDP 8.0 through the QNX developer portal (QNX Everywhere).
- Build your project and choose one category.
- Prepare your public repository, description, instructions and demo video.
- Submit on Devpost before 15 December 2026, 2:00 p.m. ET. Read the official rules first.
Tips for African Developers
- No hardware? Use QEMU emulation; you don’t need to buy a board.
- The Open-Source Ports and Developer Tooling categories may suit software developers without embedded experience.
- Write a tutorial as you build: it can enter the US$3,500 Best Codelab/Tutorial bonus too.
- Rally your community for the public vote in January for the Community Choice prize.
- Check that you can receive international payments; winners may need to complete a W-8BEN tax form.
