10 Lesser-Known Developer Contests to Boost Your App Development Skills in 2018
As a developer, participating in coding contests and challenges is one of the best ways to hone your skills, learn new technologies, and even get your big break in the industry. While prominent competitions like the Google Code Jam or the Facebook Hacker Cup may get all the glory, there are many other lesser-known developer contests that are equally deserving of your time and talent – especially if you‘re passionate about app development.
In this post, we‘ll shine a spotlight on 10 developer contests focused on app development that may have flown under your radar. These challenges cover a diverse range of platforms and technologies, from mobile and voice to AR/VR and beyond. So whether you‘re an Android dev, an iOS enthusiast, or a cross-platform app creator, there‘s bound to be a contest that piques your interest.
But before we dive in, why even participate in app contests? Three key reasons:
- The thrill of competition and the joy of creating something innovative, beautiful and functional in a short timeframe
- The opportunity to learn new skills, APIs, tools, and best practices from your fellow developers
- Amazing prizes including cash, gadgets, travel opportunities, and priceless exposure for your work
If those reasons resonated with you, read on to discover your next challenge as an app developer.
1. Android App Contest – Google
First up is Google‘s Android App Contest, a challenge to create an innovative app optimized for the latest Android OS version, Android Oreo.
The objective is to leverage Android Oreo‘s new features and APIs like Notification Channels, Autofill Framework, Picture-in-Picture mode, and more in a compelling app. You can build any kind of app as long as it showcases what‘s possible with Android development using Oreo.
The contest offers some incredible prizes:
- A trip to Google I/O 2018 to demo your app
- Brand new Google Pixelbook and Pixel 2 phone
- Promotion of your app on the Google Play store
Submissions are open till February 2018, so start brainstorming your Oreo-powered app now!
2. Apple Design Awards
Every year at its Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), Apple recognizes outstanding app design and innovation across its platforms with the Apple Design Awards.
While not strictly a contest in the traditional sense, getting an Apple Design Award is one of the highest honors for any developer or designer in the Apple ecosystem. Winners get recognized in front of thousands of fellow developers at WWDC, receive a special Apple Design Award trophy and promotions on the App Store.
To be considered, your iOS, macOS, watchOS or tvOS app needs to be on the App Store and exemplify excellence in areas like visual design, innovation, user experience, accessibility, and technology adoption. Make sure to submit your best work prior to WWDC 2018 (dates TBA) for a shot at app glory.
3. Amazon Alexa Skills Challenge
Alexa, the voice assistant powering Amazon‘s Echo devices, is quickly becoming a major app development platform thanks to Alexa Skills – capabilities that allow Alexa to perform certain tasks or provide specific information.
The Alexa Skills Challenge, launched by Amazon, Devpost and Hackster, is all about creating compelling voice experiences using the Alexa Skills Kit. You can build skills across a variety of categories including education & reference, food & drink, games & trivia, around the house, and more.
With 10 prizes up for grabs, including a grand prize of $5000 and a trip to Amazon HQ, this is a perfect contest for developers looking to dive into voice interfaces and apps. Build a skill before April 30 2018 to qualify.
4. Unity Global Student Challenge
Calling all student game developers! The Unity Global Student Challenge invites students to build a game prototype using the popular Unity game engine for a chance to win amazing prizes.
There are no strict genre or platform requirements, as long as your game is created with Unity. Entries are judged on their gameplay, visual art style, storytelling, and creative use of Unity features.
The grand prize includes:
- $2000 cash
- Unity Certification Vouchers
- Unity branded swag
- Promotions on Unity‘s website and social media
Regional prizes are also available for the top game from different global regions. Start working on your game masterpiece before the May 31 2018 deadline to compete!
5. Facebook Developer Circles Challenge
Facebook Developer Circles is a global community of developers who collaborate to build locally relevant solutions using Facebook technologies. The Developer Circles Challenge brings together this community in a contest to create innovative social apps.
Using Facebook‘s powerful suite of APIs and platforms – including React Native, the Graph API, Web Payments, and more – your challenge is to build apps that connect the world in meaningful ways.
A select number of finalist apps will win cash prizes and receive mentorship from Facebook experts to bring their idea to the global stage. If you‘re passionate about leveraging social integrations in your apps, keep an eye out for submissions to open in early 2018.
6. Microsoft Imagine Cup
Imagine Cup is Microsoft‘s global technology competition for students, now in its 16th year. The contest centers around using Microsoft tools and platforms to create original solutions to real-world problems.
With categories including Games, Innovation, and World Citizenship (tech for social good), Imagine Cup lets you dream up any kind of app that makes a difference. In the past, winning apps have spanned from mental health chatbots to virtual reality STEM learning tools.
The top prize is $100,000 in cash, a mentoring session with Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, and a $125,000 Azure grant – not to mention priceless exposure and networking opportunities. Registration has already begun for the 2018 competition so rally your team and start imagining!
7. Uber Hackathon
Transportation giant Uber frequently hosts hackathons in different cities, inviting developers to use Uber‘s APIs and data to build amazing apps. While the exact dates and locations vary year to year, Uber hackathons are known for their energy, innovation, and most importantly, awesome prizes.
At a past hackathon in Bengaluru, the winning project used Uber‘s data to identify the safest travel routes in the city and reduce accidents. The team took home 5 lakh rupees (~$7700 USD) for their clever and impactful app.
Whether you want to extend Uber‘s features, mash up its API with other services, or mine insights from Uber‘s data, keep an eye out for an Uber hackathon in your city this year. With free transportation, food, swag, and prizes, it‘s an opportunity not to be missed.
8. Niantic Beyond Reality Contest
Pokémon Go creator Niantic knows a thing or two about innovative AR apps. Now, they‘re inviting developers to push the boundaries of AR even further with the Beyond Reality contest.
The challenge is to use Niantic‘s Real World Platform to build compelling AR experiences that bridge the digital and physical worlds. Successful entries will take advantage of phone sensors and data, multiplayer gameplay mechanics, and persistent content anchored to real locations.
Up to 10 winning teams will receive $10,000 in cash prizes, the latest Samsung devices, and private mentorship and networking with Niantic developers to take their project to the next level. If you want to be at the cutting-edge of AR app development, submit your game-changing idea by March 6 2018.
9. Twitter #Promote API Challenge
Twitter is one of the most popular social media platforms for app tie-ins. The Twitter #Promote API Challenge asks developers to come up with unique and effective ways to drive engagement and app installs directly from Twitter timelines.
The idea is to create an app that intelligently utilizes Twitter‘s APIs for advertising, tracking, and deep linking to provide a seamless cross-channel user experience. For example, an app could detect the interests of a user from their Tweets and recommend personalized content or products that they can instantly interact with.
Three winning integrations will receive prizes valued at $12,000 including advertising credits and promoted Tweets to get your solution in front of more Twitter users. Get your app promotion strategy in place before the June 30 2018 deadline.
10. Shopify App Challenge
E-commerce company Shopify powers over 500,000 online stores worldwide with its all-in-one commerce platform. The Shopify App Challenge promotes the development of Shopify Apps that enhance and extend what‘s possible for merchants.
Your task is to build an app using technologies like Shopify‘s REST API, Polaris design system, and web stack of your choice (Node, Rails, etc.) that solves a critical need for online retailers. Successful apps often focus on marketing, shipping & fulfillment, customer service, or store management.
In addition to a $10,000 grand prize, winning apps get exposure to Shopify‘s massive merchant community and even potential investment from Shopify‘s app accelerator fund. Bring your e-commerce app idea to life in time for the August 31 2018 deadline.
Conclusion
These 10 contests only scratch the surface of the app developer challenges out there. But they represent an exciting cross-section of platforms and technologies to sink your teeth into this year.
Remember, participating in developer contests isn‘t just about winning prizes or seeking glory. It‘s about stepping outside your comfort zone, learning by doing, and seeing what you‘re truly capable of creating under pressure. The skills, relationships, and portfolio you build through competitions will serve you well throughout your app development career.
So what are you waiting for? Pick a contest that resonates with you and start building your next app masterpiece today. As the old saying goes, you miss 100% of the shots you don‘t take. Dare to enter the arena and unleash your app development greatness on the world!