Sponsorship & Collaboration with Industry Leaders
Design Holds Untapped Power For Entrepreneurs
Design Holds Untapped Power For Entrepreneurs
Mission
Designpreneurs Hackathon is shaping the next generation of AI-powered founders and designers. We bring together top-tier builders, creatives, and strategists to collaborate, prototype, and validate impactful ideas — fast. At the intersection of design and entrepreneurship, we cultivate hackers to be design driven, business minded.
Innovation
Innovation isn’t just about ideas — it’s about who builds them, how fast, and with what.
We’ve built a bridge between emerging founders and the giants of AI/XR — giving you access to top class mentorship, frameworks, and tools that turn bold ideas into tangible breakthroughs. From prototyping to product-market fit testing, participants move fast and build smarter.
Community
Great ideas don’t grow in isolation. You're an entrepreneur who wants to validate your idea, build a prototype, secure funding, or meet your next hire. You are a designer who wants to grow your AI design skills, build a portfolio, or find a new job. Our community is designed for you.
Our Impact Since Nov 2023 Launch
Our Impact Since Nov 2023 Launch
7
7
Hackathons with top corporates & institutions
200+
200+
Designer & entrepreneur hackers from AI, XR
$6M
$6M
Early stage startups investments through our hackathon
54
54
Job placements
800+
800+
Hackers waitlist for future events
Startup Hackathon
A 72-hour product-market fit design hackathon, sponsored by Monday.com and hosted in collaboration with NYU Stern x Berkley Center for Entrepreneurship. Founders and designers team up to validate ideas, build fast, and prove product-market fit.
AI Design Hackathon
48-hour hackathon in partnership with Parsons School of Design's MPS CD program, AI solutions for climate, social and system.
XR & 3D Hackathon
24-hour hackathon sponsored by School of Visaul Art's interaction design program — AR, VR and 3D solutions in sustainability.
Startup PMF Hackathon
72 hours startup design NYC hackathon with NYU Stern x Berkley Center for Entrepreneurship accelerator program
Recent Events
XR Startup Panel
A panel talk of XR founders and design leaders from Meta, IDEO, Spatial.io, Transfr, and Plai(acquired). They shared how today’s XR products are designed, built, and launched – especially meeting product-market fit.
Private CPG Ideathon
Internal corporate workshop for one of the world’s largest CPG companies, focused on achieving product-market fit through design thinking.
AI Design Career Forum
Featuring AI designers, hiring managers, and recruiters from Google, Adobe, Ramp, and Verizon sharing tactical advice for breaking into AI and interaction design.
Designpreneur Hackathon helped take WLab’s platform from just an idea to something real.
We got to work with some of the best design master’s students right away, and honestly, the lessons we took away will stick with us for life. Sally’s one of the kindest and most talented people you’ll meet—highly recommend any hackathon, event, or project she’s part of.
Timothy Wang
Founder, WLab(acquired) & Ponder AI
The Designpreneurs Hackathon was the birth of Jivika. In just one weekend (yes, just a weekend!), I watched Jivika go from an idea to a fully launched product.
That’s what happens when you’re part of a well-oiled machine like this hackathon — things move fast, and with purpose. What truly sets this program apart is the team. Sally, my mentor and the brilliant force behind it, brings together an incredible lineup of judges, coaches, and top-tier builders — people I wouldn't have had access to at such an early stage.
I could go on, but I’ll stop gushing here. If you’re a designer or a startup founder, I can’t recommend it enough.
Ayman Househam
Founder, Jivika
Designpreneurs Hackathon hosts incredible events that challenge students to imagine and prototype solutions for big topics like XR, AI, climate change, and more. I had the chance to be a judge at one of their hackathons and was super inspired by the passion, creativity, and curiosity the students brought to their projects in such a short time. These events not only spark fresh ideas but also bring together companies, startups, and emerging talent to drive real innovation in the industry. I highly recommend getting involved, whether as a student, mentor, judge, or sponsor, to help grow the impact of this amazing initiative.
Danilo Saito
Senior Designer, Microsoft Mixed Reality
The Designpreneur Hackathon was an excellent experience to work with my team (both existing and a new designer) under sprint conditions and see how we navigate high pressure projects and make decisions together. This experience helped cement together the design and development team that I still work with today.
Highly recommend it for founders!
Jason Snell
Founder, Primary Assembly
Designpreneur Hackathon offered the students in the Parsons MPS CD program a rare and valuable opportunity to work with industry mentors in a focused and inspiring space. As the program director, I was impressed to see how many of them produced fully-realized concepts and presentations in such a limited timeframe, and I heard from the participants afterward that the Hackathon was one of the highlights of their time in the program.
Andrew LeClair
Program Director, Parsons MPS CD
It was really special for us to participate in the Designpreneur Hackathon - in fact I'd for sure do it again! It was a wonderful and unique opportunity to connect with really talented designers and have our vision for Livin (Cookonnect at the time) become a bit more real! We actually still look back at that work and take insights from it today - that's how good it was!
Erica Tuggle, Founder of Livin
The Designpreneur Hackathon was an excellent experience to work with my team (both existing and a new designer) under sprint conditions and see how we navigate high pressure projects and make decisions together. This experience helped cement together the design and development team that I still work with today.
Jason Snell
Founder, Primary Assembly
Designpreneur Hackathon helped take WLab’s platform from just an idea to something real.
We got to work with some of the best design master’s students right away, and honestly, the lessons we took away will stick with us for life. Sally’s one of the kindest and most talented people you’ll meet—highly recommend any hackathon, event, or project she’s part of.
Timothy Wang
Founder, WLab(acquired) & Ponder AI
The Designpreneurs Hackathon was the birth of Jivika. In just one weekend (yes, just a weekend!), I watched Jivika go from an idea to a fully launched product.
That’s what happens when you’re part of a well-oiled machine like this hackathon — things move fast, and with purpose. What truly sets this program apart is the team. Sally, my mentor and the brilliant force behind it, brings together an incredible lineup of judges, coaches, and top-tier builders — people I wouldn't have had access to at such an early stage.
I could go on, but I’ll stop gushing here. If you’re a designer or a startup founder, I can’t recommend it enough.
Ayman Househam
Founder, Jivika
Designpreneurs Hackathon hosts incredible events that challenge students to imagine and prototype solutions for big topics like XR, AI, climate change, and more. I had the chance to be a judge at one of their hackathons and was super inspired by the passion, creativity, and curiosity the students brought to their projects in such a short time. These events not only spark fresh ideas but also bring together companies, startups, and emerging talent to drive real innovation in the industry. I highly recommend getting involved, whether as a student, mentor, judge, or sponsor, to help grow the impact of this amazing initiative.
Danilo Saito
Senior Designer, Microsoft Mixed Reality
The Designpreneur Hackathon was an excellent experience to work with my team (both existing and a new designer) under sprint conditions and see how we navigate high pressure projects and make decisions together. This experience helped cement together the design and development team that I still work with today.
Highly recommend it for founders!
Jason Snell
Founder, Primary Assembly
Designpreneur Hackathon offered the students in the Parsons MPS CD program a rare and valuable opportunity to work with industry mentors in a focused and inspiring space. As the program director, I was impressed to see how many of them produced fully-realized concepts and presentations in such a limited timeframe, and I heard from the participants afterward that the Hackathon was one of the highlights of their time in the program.
Andrew LeClair
Program Director, Parsons MPS CD
It was really special for us to participate in the Designpreneur Hackathon - in fact I'd for sure do it again! It was a wonderful and unique opportunity to connect with really talented designers and have our vision for Livin (Cookonnect at the time) become a bit more real! We actually still look back at that work and take insights from it today - that's how good it was!
Erica Tuggle, Founder of Livin
The Designpreneur Hackathon was an excellent experience to work with my team (both existing and a new designer) under sprint conditions and see how we navigate high pressure projects and make decisions together. This experience helped cement together the design and development team that I still work with today.
Jason Snell
Founder, Primary Assembly
Get Involved Today
We’re building a global hub for design-driven innovation. Whether you’re a sponsor, founder, investor, engineer or designer, we’d love to collaborate with you!
Hackathon Sponsor
Be a sponsor to our hackathon, get access to exclusive AI founders, designers and creative technologists.
Premium brand placement, speaking opportunities and
curated pipeline
Bring us your toughest product challenge—we'll deliver a working solution within 24 hours.
Visibility to 200+ vetted founders, designers and design-engineers
Host an Event
Internal offsite or external spotlight—we’ll help you run panels, workshops, or ideathons that actually spark ideas and action.
Engage directly with emerging
AI talent
Thought leadership positioning
Community building
Judge & Mentor
Coach the next wave of builders—or judge the winners. Join us as an industry leader to shape the future of design-led innovation in AI.
Build and position as a leader in your industry
Mentor top AI design and business talents
Stay at the forefront of cutting-edge AI & design solutions
Hackers
Tackle real business challenges, prototype AI-powered solutions, and pitch to industry leaders—all in a fast-paced, turning bold ideas into real products within hours.
Application based, access to one-of-a-kind collaboration between founders and designers
Get mentorship from industry leaders in AI, design, and product
Access to internal hirings, and build a real product and portfolio case studies
Join today to be a hacker, sponsor or be featured in our upcoming hackathons & events!
Upcoming Events
27-28
Feb
2026
University of Arizona x Parsons : AI Startup Design Hackathon
In collaboration with University of Arizona’s W.A. Franke Honors College & Parsons School of Design, we’ll be hacking AI solutions with a group of AI designers, scientists & engineers for new startup solutions in real time.
Private
Startup
Tech
AI
In collaboration with University of Arizona’s W.A. Franke Honors College & Parsons School of Design, we’ll be hacking AI solutions with a group of AI designers, scientists & engineers for new startup solutions in real time.
13-14
March
2026
SXSW: FuturePixel House
Designpreneurs is heading to SXSW! bringing our community of AI-driven designers, founders, and builders into the heart of the FuturePIXEL House. We’re excited to curate an immersive experience shaping the future of design, technology, and retail.
Immersive Experience
Startup
AI
Designpreneurs is heading to SXSW! bringing our community of AI-driven designers, founders, and builders into the heart of the FuturePIXEL House. We’re excited to curate an immersive experience shaping the future of design, technology, and retail.
Join FuturePixel
Join FuturePixel
22
March
2026
The Launch of the AI Designer Incubator
Designpreneurs is launching a private, invitation-only program, partnering directly with select AI startups to expand product. The program is designed for a small cohort of design students and founders to work together on real product challenges with mentorship and real-world integration. Link to come.
Private Incubator
AI
Designpreneurs is launching a private, invitation-only program, partnering directly with select AI startups to expand product. The program is designed for a small cohort of design students and founders to work together on real product challenges with mentorship and real-world integration. Link to come.
NYC x CUNY TECH
AI design program that introduces students to AI through hands-on workshops and a curated hackathon. This intensive experience builds confidence in AI while connecting real-world application with big tech industry exposure with mentors and judges.
Private
Design
AI
17-18
April
2026
AI design program that introduces students to AI through hands-on workshops and a curated hackathon. This intensive experience builds confidence in AI while connecting real-world application with big tech industry exposure with mentors and judges.
26-27
June
2026
Seoul x S.Korean Government: AI & Innovation Design
Designpreneurs Hackathon is heading to Seoul, South Korea! We're bringing our first-ever startup design hackathon to Asia—uniting global AI startups and emerging talent to prototype the future of innovation with the S.Korea government.
Public
Startup
AI
Tech
Designpreneurs Hackathon is heading to Seoul, South Korea! We're bringing our first-ever startup design hackathon to Asia—uniting global AI startups and emerging talent to prototype the future of innovation with the S.Korea government.
23-24
Oct
2026
New York City x AIGA x Designpreneurs
We’re launching Civic By Design: The AI Challenge with AIGA and the NYC government partner. A hands-on & immersive AI hackathon, where AI designers and civic innovators prototype ethical, human-centered solutions for real NYC city challenges.
We’re launching Civic By Design: The AI Challenge with AIGA and the NYC government partner. A hands-on & immersive AI hackathon, where AI designers and civic innovators prototype ethical, human-centered solutions for real NYC city challenges.
Public
Design
AI
FAQ
How can I apply to join the hackathon?
What makes Designpreneurs different from other hackathons?
Is there an entry fee for hackathons?
How can I sponsor your events?
How can I get invited to future events & hackathons?
How can I apply to join the hackathon?
How can I apply to join the hackathon?
What makes Designpreneurs different from other hackathons?
What makes Designpreneurs different from other hackathons?
Is there an entry fee for hackathons?
Is there an entry fee for hackathons?
How can I sponsor your events?
How can I sponsor your events?
How can I get invited to future events & hackathons?
How can I get invited to future events & hackathons?
Design Driven, Business Minded.
Design Driven, Business Minded.
We Are Designpreneurs,
We Are Designpreneurs,
Designpreneurs Hackathon is an AI & XR startup design hackathon commited to cultivate design-driven business-minded founders and designers.
Subscribe to Designprenuers Newsletter For Future Events & Announcements
Subscribe to Designprenuers Newsletter For Future Events & Announcements
Get Involved Today
We’re building a global hub for design-driven innovation. Whether you’re a sponsor, founder, investor, engineer or designer, we’d love to collaborate with you!
Hackathon Sponsor
Be a sponsor to our hackathon, get exclusive access to exclusive AI founders, designers and creative technologists.
Premium brand placement, speaking opportunities and
curated pipeline
Bring us your toughest product challenge—we'll deliver a working solution within 24 hours.
Visibility to 200+ vetted founders, designers and design-engineers
Host an Event
Internal offsite or external spotlight—we’ll help you run panels, workshops, or ideathons that actually spark ideas and action.
Engage directly with emerging
AI talent
Thought leadership positioning
Community building
Judge & Mentor
Coach the next wave of builders—or judge the winners. Join us as an industry leader to shape the future of design-led innovation in AI.
Build and position as a leader in your industry
Mentor top AI design and business talents
Stay at the forefront of cutting-edge AI & design solutions
Hackers
Tackle real business challenges, prototype AI-powered solutions, and pitch to industry leaders—all in a fast-paced, turning bold ideas into real products within hours.
Application based, access to one-of-a-kind collaboration between founders and designers
Get mentorship from industry leaders in AI, design, and product
Access to internal hirings, and build a real product and portfolio case studies
Join today to be a hacker, sponsor or be featured in our upcoming hackathons & events!
Upcoming Events
27-28
Feb
2026
University of Arizona x Parsons: AI Startup Design Hackathon
In collaboration with University of Arizona’s W.A. Franke Honors College & Parsons School of Design, we’ll be hacking AI solutions with a group of AI designers, scientists & engineers for new startup solutions in real time.
Private
Startup
Tech
AI
13-14
March
2026
SXSW:
FuturePixel House
Designpreneurs is heading to SXSW! bringing our community of AI-driven designers, founders, and builders into the heart of the FuturePIXEL House. We’re excited to curate an immersive experience shaping the future of design, technology, and retail.
Join FuturePixel
Immersive Experience
Startup
AI
22
March
2026
The Launch of the
AI Design Incubator
Designpreneurs is launching a private, invitation-only program, partnering directly with select AI startups to expand product. The program is designed for a small cohort of design students and founders to work together on real product challenges with mentorship and real-world integration. Link to come.
Private Incubator
AI
17-18
April
2026
NYC x CUNY TECH
AI design program that introduces students to AI through hands-on workshops and a curated hackathon. This intensive experience builds confidence in AI while connecting real-world application with big tech industry exposure with mentors and judges.
Private
Design
AI
26-27
June
2026
Seoul x S.Korean Government: AI & Innovation Design
Designpreneurs Hackathon is heading to Seoul, South Korea! We're bringing our first-ever startup design hackathon to Asia—uniting global AI startups and emerging talent to prototype the future of innovation with the S.Korea government.
Public
Startup
Tech
AI
23-24
Oct
2026
New York City x AIGA x Designpreneurs
We’re launching Civic By Design: The AI Challenge with AIGA and the NYC government partner. A hands-on & immersive AI hackathon, where AI designers and civic innovators prototype ethical, human-centered solutions for real NYC city challenges.
Public
Design
AI
Join today to be a hacker, sponsor
or be featured in our upcoming hackathons & events!
Sponsorship & Collaboration with Industry Leaders
Design Holds Untapped Power For Entrepreneurs
Mission
Designpreneurs Hackathon is shaping the next generation of AI-powered founders and designers. We bring together top-tier builders, creatives, and strategists to collaborate, prototype, and validate impactful ideas — fast. At the intersection of design and entrepreneurship, we cultivate hackers to be design driven, business minded.
Innovation
Innovation isn’t just about ideas — it’s about who builds them, how fast, and with what. We’ve built a bridge between emerging founders and the giants of AI/XR — giving you access to top class mentorship, frameworks, and tools that turn bold ideas into tangible breakthroughs. From prototyping to product-market fit testing, participants move fast and build smarter.
Community
Great ideas don’t grow in isolation. You're an entrepreneur who wants to validate your idea, build a prototype, secure funding, or meet your next hire. You are a designer who wants to grow your AI design skills, build a portfolio, or find a new job. Our community is designed for you.
Our Impact Since
Nov 2023 Launch
7
Hackathons with top corporates & institutions
200+
Designer & entrepreneur hackers from AI, XR
54
Job placements
800+
Hackers waitlist for future events
$6M
Early stage startups investments through our hackathon
Event
XR Startup Panel
A panel talk of XR founders and design leaders from Meta, IDEO, Spatial.io, Transfr, and Plai(acquired). They shared how today’s XR products are designed, built, and launched – especially meeting product-market fit.
XR Startup Panel
A panel talk of XR founders and design leaders from Meta, IDEO, Spatial.io, Transfr, and Plai(acquired). They shared how today’s XR products are designed, built, and launched – especially meeting product-market fit.
Private CPG Ideathon
Internal corporate workshop for one of the world’s largest CPG companies, focused on achieving product-market fit through design thinking.
Private CPG Ideathon
Internal corporate workshop for one of the world’s largest CPG companies, focused on achieving product-market fit through design thinking.
AI Design Career Forum
Featuring AI designers, hiring managers, and recruiters from Google, Adobe, Ramp, and Verizon sharing tactical advice for breaking into AI and interaction design.
AI Design Career Forum
Featuring AI designers, hiring managers, and recruiters from Google, Adobe, Ramp, and Verizon sharing tactical advice for breaking into AI and interaction design.
Design Driven, Business Minded.
We Are Designpreneurs,
Designpreneur Hackathon helped take WLab’s platform from just an idea to something real.
We got to work with some of the best design master’s students right away, and honestly, the lessons we took away will stick with us for life. Sally’s one of the kindest and most talented people you’ll meet—highly recommend any hackathon, event, or project she’s part of.
Timothy Wang
Founder, WLab(acquired) & Ponder AI
The Designpreneurs Hackathon was the birth of Jivika. In just one weekend (yes, just a weekend!), I watched Jivika go from an idea to a fully launched product.
That’s what happens when you’re part of a well-oiled machine like this hackathon — things move fast, and with purpose. What truly sets this program apart is the team. Sally, my mentor and the brilliant force behind it, brings together an incredible lineup of judges, coaches, and top-tier builders — people I wouldn't have had access to at such an early stage.
I could go on, but I’ll stop gushing here. If you’re a designer or a startup founder, I can’t recommend it enough.
Ayman Househam
Founder, Jivika
Designpreneurs Hackathon hosts incredible events that challenge students to imagine and prototype solutions for big topics like XR, AI, climate change, and more. I had the chance to be a judge at one of their hackathons and was super inspired by the passion, creativity, and curiosity the students brought to their projects in such a short time. These events not only spark fresh ideas but also bring together companies, startups, and emerging talent to drive real innovation in the industry. I highly recommend getting involved, whether as a student, mentor, judge, or sponsor, to help grow the impact of this amazing initiative.
Danilo Saito
Senior Designer, Microsoft Mixed Reality
The Designpreneur Hackathon was an excellent experience to work with my team (both existing and a new designer) under sprint conditions and see how we navigate high pressure projects and make decisions together. This experience helped cement together the design and development team that I still work with today.
Jason Snell
Founder, Primary Assembly
Designpreneur Hackathon offered the students in the Parsons MPS CD program a rare and valuable opportunity to work with industry mentors in a focused and inspiring space. As the program director, I was impressed to see how many of them produced fully-realized concepts and presentations in such a limited timeframe, and I heard from the participants afterward that the Hackathon was one of the highlights of their time in the program.
Andrew LeClair
Program Director, Parsons MPS CD
It was really special for us to participate in the Designpreneur Hackathon - in fact I'd for sure do it again! It was a wonderful and unique opportunity to connect with really talented designers and have our vision for Livin (Cookonnect at the time) become a bit more real! We actually still look back at that work and take insights from it today - that's how good it was!
Erica Tuggle
Founder of Livin
Designpreneur Hackathon helped take WLab’s platform from just an idea to something real.
We got to work with some of the best design master’s students right away, and honestly, the lessons we took away will stick with us for life. Sally’s one of the kindest and most talented people you’ll meet—highly recommend any hackathon, event, or project she’s part of.
Timothy Wang
Founder, WLab(acquired) & Ponder AI
The Designpreneurs Hackathon was the birth of Jivika. In just one weekend (yes, just a weekend!), I watched Jivika go from an idea to a fully launched product.
That’s what happens when you’re part of a well-oiled machine like this hackathon — things move fast, and with purpose. What truly sets this program apart is the team. Sally, my mentor and the brilliant force behind it, brings together an incredible lineup of judges, coaches, and top-tier builders — people I wouldn't have had access to at such an early stage.
I could go on, but I’ll stop gushing here. If you’re a designer or a startup founder, I can’t recommend it enough.
Ayman Househam
Founder, Jivika
Designpreneurs Hackathon hosts incredible events that challenge students to imagine and prototype solutions for big topics like XR, AI, climate change, and more. I had the chance to be a judge at one of their hackathons and was super inspired by the passion, creativity, and curiosity the students brought to their projects in such a short time. These events not only spark fresh ideas but also bring together companies, startups, and emerging talent to drive real innovation in the industry. I highly recommend getting involved, whether as a student, mentor, judge, or sponsor, to help grow the impact of this amazing initiative.
Danilo Saito
Senior Designer, Microsoft Mixed Reality
The Designpreneur Hackathon was an excellent experience to work with my team (both existing and a new designer) under sprint conditions and see how we navigate high pressure projects and make decisions together. This experience helped cement together the design and development team that I still work with today.
Jason Snell
Founder, Primary Assembly
Designpreneur Hackathon offered the students in the Parsons MPS CD program a rare and valuable opportunity to work with industry mentors in a focused and inspiring space. As the program director, I was impressed to see how many of them produced fully-realized concepts and presentations in such a limited timeframe, and I heard from the participants afterward that the Hackathon was one of the highlights of their time in the program.
Andrew LeClair
Program Director, Parsons MPS CD
It was really special for us to participate in the Designpreneur Hackathon - in fact I'd for sure do it again! It was a wonderful and unique opportunity to connect with really talented designers and have our vision for Livin (Cookonnect at the time) become a bit more real! We actually still look back at that work and take insights from it today - that's how good it was!
Erica Tuggle
Founder of Livin
Designpreneur Hackathon helped take WLab’s platform from just an idea to something real.
We got to work with some of the best design master’s students right away, and honestly, the lessons we took away will stick with us for life. Sally’s one of the kindest and most talented people you’ll meet—highly recommend any hackathon, event, or project she’s part of.
Timothy Wang
Founder, WLab(acquired) & Ponder AI
The Designpreneurs Hackathon was the birth of Jivika. In just one weekend (yes, just a weekend!), I watched Jivika go from an idea to a fully launched product.
That’s what happens when you’re part of a well-oiled machine like this hackathon — things move fast, and with purpose. What truly sets this program apart is the team. Sally, my mentor and the brilliant force behind it, brings together an incredible lineup of judges, coaches, and top-tier builders — people I wouldn't have had access to at such an early stage.
I could go on, but I’ll stop gushing here. If you’re a designer or a startup founder, I can’t recommend it enough.
Ayman Househam
Founder, Jivika
Designpreneurs Hackathon hosts incredible events that challenge students to imagine and prototype solutions for big topics like XR, AI, climate change, and more. I had the chance to be a judge at one of their hackathons and was super inspired by the passion, creativity, and curiosity the students brought to their projects in such a short time. These events not only spark fresh ideas but also bring together companies, startups, and emerging talent to drive real innovation in the industry. I highly recommend getting involved, whether as a student, mentor, judge, or sponsor, to help grow the impact of this amazing initiative.
Danilo Saito
Senior Designer, Microsoft Mixed Reality
The Designpreneur Hackathon was an excellent experience to work with my team (both existing and a new designer) under sprint conditions and see how we navigate high pressure projects and make decisions together. This experience helped cement together the design and development team that I still work with today.
Jason Snell
Founder, Primary Assembly
Designpreneur Hackathon offered the students in the Parsons MPS CD program a rare and valuable opportunity to work with industry mentors in a focused and inspiring space. As the program director, I was impressed to see how many of them produced fully-realized concepts and presentations in such a limited timeframe, and I heard from the participants afterward that the Hackathon was one of the highlights of their time in the program.
Andrew LeClair
Program Director, Parsons MPS CD
It was really special for us to participate in the Designpreneur Hackathon - in fact I'd for sure do it again! It was a wonderful and unique opportunity to connect with really talented designers and have our vision for Livin (Cookonnect at the time) become a bit more real! We actually still look back at that work and take insights from it today - that's how good it was!
Erica Tuggle
Founder of Livin
Designpreneur Hackathon helped take WLab’s platform from just an idea to something real.
We got to work with some of the best design master’s students right away, and honestly, the lessons we took away will stick with us for life. Sally’s one of the kindest and most talented people you’ll meet—highly recommend any hackathon, event, or project she’s part of.
Timothy Wang
Founder, WLab(acquired) & Ponder AI
The Designpreneurs Hackathon was the birth of Jivika. In just one weekend (yes, just a weekend!), I watched Jivika go from an idea to a fully launched product.
That’s what happens when you’re part of a well-oiled machine like this hackathon — things move fast, and with purpose. What truly sets this program apart is the team. Sally, my mentor and the brilliant force behind it, brings together an incredible lineup of judges, coaches, and top-tier builders — people I wouldn't have had access to at such an early stage.
I could go on, but I’ll stop gushing here. If you’re a designer or a startup founder, I can’t recommend it enough.
Ayman Househam
Founder, Jivika
Designpreneurs Hackathon hosts incredible events that challenge students to imagine and prototype solutions for big topics like XR, AI, climate change, and more. I had the chance to be a judge at one of their hackathons and was super inspired by the passion, creativity, and curiosity the students brought to their projects in such a short time. These events not only spark fresh ideas but also bring together companies, startups, and emerging talent to drive real innovation in the industry. I highly recommend getting involved, whether as a student, mentor, judge, or sponsor, to help grow the impact of this amazing initiative.
Danilo Saito
Senior Designer, Microsoft Mixed Reality
The Designpreneur Hackathon was an excellent experience to work with my team (both existing and a new designer) under sprint conditions and see how we navigate high pressure projects and make decisions together. This experience helped cement together the design and development team that I still work with today.
Jason Snell
Founder, Primary Assembly
Designpreneur Hackathon offered the students in the Parsons MPS CD program a rare and valuable opportunity to work with industry mentors in a focused and inspiring space. As the program director, I was impressed to see how many of them produced fully-realized concepts and presentations in such a limited timeframe, and I heard from the participants afterward that the Hackathon was one of the highlights of their time in the program.
Andrew LeClair
Program Director, Parsons MPS CD
It was really special for us to participate in the Designpreneur Hackathon - in fact I'd for sure do it again! It was a wonderful and unique opportunity to connect with really talented designers and have our vision for Livin (Cookonnect at the time) become a bit more real! We actually still look back at that work and take insights from it today - that's how good it was!
Erica Tuggle
Founder of Livin
Designpreneurs Hackathon is an AI & XR startup design hackathon committed to cultivating design-driven business-minded founders and designers.
Subscribe to Designprenuers Newsletter For Future Events & Announcements
Get Involved Today
Hackathon Sponsor
Be a sponsor to our hackathon,
get access to exclusive
AI founders, designers and
creative technologists.
Premium brand placement, speaking opportunities and
curated pipeline
Bring us your toughest product challenge—we'll deliver a working solution within 24 hours.
Visibility to 200+ vetted founders, designers and design-engineers
Event Sponsor
Internal offsite or external spotlight—we’ll help you run panels, workshops, or ideathons that actually spark ideas and action.
Engage directly with emerging
AI talent
Thought leadership positioning
Community building
Judge & Mentor
Coach the next wave of builders—or judge the winners. Join us as an industry leader to shape the future
of design-led innovation in AI.
Build and position as a leader in your industry
Mentor top AI design and business talents
Stay at the forefront of cutting-edge AI & design solutions
Hackers
Tackle real business challenges, prototype AI-powered solutions,
and pitch to industry leaders—all in
a fast-paced, turning bold ideas into real products within hours.
Application based, access to one-of-a-kind collaboration between founders and designers
Get mentorship from industry leaders in AI, design, and product
Access to internal hirings, and build a real product and portfolio case studies
We’re building a global hub for design-driven innovation. Whether you’re a sponsor, founder, investor, engineer or designer,
we’d love to collaborate with you!
Startup PMF
A 72-hour product-market fit design hackathon, sponsored by Monday.com and hosted in collaboration with NYU Stern x Berkley Center for Entrepreneurship. Founders and designers team up to
validate ideas, build fast, and prove
product-market fit.
Startup PMF
A 72-hour product-market fit design hackathon, sponsored by Monday.com and hosted in collaboration with NYU Stern x Berkley Center for Entrepreneurship. Founders and designers team up to
validate ideas, build fast, and prove
product-market fit.
AI Design Hackathon
48-hour hackathon in partnership with Parsons School of Design's MPS CD program, AI solutions for climate, social and system.
AI Design Hackathon
48-hour hackathon in partnership with Parsons School of Design's MPS CD program, AI solutions for climate, social and system.
XR & 3D Hackathon
24-hour hackathon sponsored by School of Visaul Art's interaction design program — AR, VR and 3D solutions in sustainability.
XR & 3D Hackathon
24-hour hackathon sponsored by School of Visaul Art's interaction design program — AR, VR and 3D solutions in sustainability.
Startup PMF Hackathon
72 hours startup design NYC hackathon with NYU Stern x Berkley Center for Entrepreneurship accelerator program
Startup PMF Hackathon
72 hours startup design NYC hackathon with NYU Stern x Berkley Center for Entrepreneurship accelerator program
FAQ
How can I apply to join the hackathon?
How can I apply to join the hackathon?
What makes Designpreneurs different from other hackathons?
What makes Designpreneurs different from other hackathons?
How can I apply to join the hackathon?
How can I apply to join the hackathon?
How can I sponsor your events?
How can I sponsor your events?
How can I get invited to future events & hackathons?
How can I get invited to future events & hackathons?
Home
About Us
Partnership
Upcoming Events
FAQ
Home
About Us
Partnership
Upcoming Events
FAQ