Global Appathon is a free annual virtual competition co-hosted by MIT App Inventor and the App Inventor Foundation, challenging participants worldwide to build mobile applications addressing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Apps must be created using MIT App Inventor, a block-based programming platform that makes mobile app development accessible to beginners and experienced coders alike.
The competition is organized into six categories by age and team type: Junior individual (under 13), Junior team (under 13, 2-5 members), Youth individual (13-17), Youth team (13-17, 2-5 members), Adult individual (18+), and All-Ages team (any age, 2-5 members). Winning teams in each category receive official certificates signed by MIT App Inventor and the App Inventor Foundation, recognition in official press materials, and invitations to present their projects at the MIT App Inventor Global Education Summit. Honorable mentions are also recognized.
For 2026, submissions were open from March 2 through April 15, with winners announced in mid-May. The Global Education Summit, where winners present, takes place July 6-8, 2026. Registration and submission are handled through the competition website; winners unable to travel to the US due to visa restrictions may present remotely.