FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Key event guidance for this year's Philly Codefest teams.

Theme - Building AI for Philly's Future

In Building AI for Philly's Future, teams will design AI-powered solutions that address real challenges facing Philadelphia communities. From education and healthcare to sustainability and civic life, participants will explore how responsible AI can strengthen our neighborhoods and create opportunity for all.

Judging Criteria

Our theme this year is Building AI for Philly's Future. When evaluating projects, please consider the following:

1. Real-World Impact

Does the project clearly address a meaningful problem in Philadelphia and offer a practical, beneficial solution?

2. Use of AI

Is AI used effectively and appropriately to improve the solution (not just added on)?

3. Feasibility & Execution

Is the solution realistic, well-designed, and clearly presented with a path to real-world use?

  • 3 minutes for presentation
  • 2 minutes for Q&A
  • You must have at least 2 team members physically present to present

You must be either 18 or older or a matriculated college student. If you are under 18 and not currently enrolled in college, you are not eligible to participate. All participants must also present a valid photo ID at check-in.

Yes. Philly Codefest allows Drexel students, non-Drexel college students, and professional participants.

Teams must have a minimum of 3 members and a maximum of 6 members. Teams outside that range may be disqualified.

No. Each participant may only be on one team for the duration of the event. You cannot switch teams mid-event or contribute to multiple team submissions.

Yes. Every participant should register individually for the event, even if they are already part of a team.

  1. Log in to your Philly Codefest account.
  2. Open the project submission form.
  3. Enter your project name, description, team details, and prize selections.
  4. Create your project before the project creation deadline, then continue refining the details as needed.

Project creation deadline

Your team must create and register its project by the project creation deadline to remain eligible for judging. After your project has been created, you can continue updating the project details.

Project creation deadline: April 11, 2026, 4:00 p.m.

Submission deadline: April 12, 2026, 12:00 p.m.

Keep your project information accurate and up to date. If final scoring is close, judges may review the submitted project details to help determine the winner.

Log In to Submit Your Project

Projects must be created and registered by April 11, 2026, 4:00 p.m..

If your team does not create and register a project by the project creation deadline, your project will be ineligible for judging.

Violations may result in warnings, disqualification, removal from the event, or denial of entry depending on severity.