BUILDATHON 2026
Design for impact
17 - 18 August
JOIN THE BUILDATHON
Take part in a global student challenge focused on the built environment, from buildings and infrastructure to the spaces where people live, work and connect. Build practical digital skills, collaborate with your team and use Autodesk tools to solve a real-world design challenge.
Whether you are studying architecture, engineering, construction management, design or a related field, Buildathon is your opportunity to learn from industry experts, create a portfolio-worthy project and compete on an international stage.
Compete globally. Build your skills. Create impact
Online international competition for students in the built environment.
WHY JOIN?
BOOST YOUR CAREER
Develop real-world digital skills used across the built environment. Gain hands-on experience with Autodesk tools and create a standout project that helps you take the next step in your studies or career.
TACKLE A CHALLENGE
Work on a real-world industry challenge using digital design, environmental analysis and data-driven decision-making. Develop practical solutions that respond to the way people live, work and move through the spaces around them.
WORK AS A TEAM
Learn how to collaborate as part of a project team, an essential skill in the built environment. Gather a team, combine your strengths and work together to create something meaningful.
Winners prizes
🥇 First prize
Exclusive Autodesk learning experience
The winning team will be invited to a regional Autodesk office, Autodesk event or relevant industry conference within their region.
This exclusive opportunity includes:
- Regional travel and accommodation for the team
- VIP networking with regional Autodesk leadership
- Opportunity to showcase the final design to Autodesk
- Career feedback and guidance from industry professionals
- Professional certification bundle
- 3Dconnexion SpaceMouse Wireless, one per team member
- 12-month subscription to a premium Autodesk learning platform
- Autodesk merchandise
🥈 Second prize
- Virtual mentorship with an industry leader in the built environment
- Professional certification bundle
- 12-month subscription to a premium Autodesk learning platform
- Autodesk merchandise
🥉 Third prize
- Professional certification bundle
- 12-month subscription to a premium Autodesk learning platform
- Autodesk merchandise
All participants
- Certificate of participation
- Global competition experience
- Autodesk digital skills development
- Portfolio-building opportunity
Buildathon brings student teams together from around the world to solve real-world challenges in the built environment. Students will build valuable digital design and collaboration skills, gain practical experience with Autodesk tools and compete for exciting international prizes and recognition.
WHAT’S THE BUILDATHON?
- Two-day international online design challenge
- For students interested in the built environment, including architecture, engineering, construction management, infrastructure, urban planning and design
- Build digital skills using Autodesk products such as Forma and Revit
- Learn how digital tools can support better design decisions
- Compete against student teams globally in the Buildathon challenge
- Work in teams of 2 to 4 students
- Prizes and recognition for winning teams
READY TO TAKE PART?
- No experience required
- Free to enter
- Online international competition
- Open to South African students
- Work in teams of 2 to 4
- Learn and compete as a team
KEY DATES
- 1 April - Registration opens
- 10 August - Registration closes
- 18 August - Competition starts
- 19 August - Competition concludes
- September - Online awards ceremony and winners announced