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This event is currently under development. Details including dates, venue, and registration are not yet finalized. Check back soon for updates.

United Nations · OICT

Reboot the Earth Vermont

A two-day student innovation challenge tackling climate and technology — in partnership with the United Nations.

Register Interest Learn More
WhenOctober 2026
WhereBurlington, Vermont
Who100–300 Students
Format2-Day Hackathon
Teams5 Members · 20–60 Teams

Saving the Planet Through Innovation

Reboot the Earth is a social coding event that brings a diverse group together to improve or build technology solutions addressing the current climate crisis. Organized by OICT and co-hosted with global partners, the initiative has brought together student teams across cities worldwide.

Vermont 2026 will be the first Reboot the Earth event in New England — bringing together students from four Vermont colleges to tackle real climate challenges facing our region: flooding, agricultural disruption, energy transition, and more. Expert speakers from local environmental, emergency response, and technology sectors will frame the challenges. Teams will have two days to prototype and pitch solutions.

We encourage young computer programmers, developers, and especially those with an interest in building technology that advances the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to participate. This event is built on a simple principle: technology should be built with communities, not just for them. That means students from every major and background have a role to play.

2
Days of Innovation
5
Students Per Team
20–60
Competing Teams
4
Partner Colleges

Participating Schools

Open to currently enrolled students from all four Vermont partner institutions. All majors and skill levels welcome — no prior hackathon experience required.

University of VermontWhat Winning Teams Receive

Challenge Tracks

Teams will tackle one of several climate-focused tracks. Final tracks will be announced closer to the event alongside expert speakers who will frame each challenge.

Track 01

Climate Resilience

Build tools that help communities adapt to and recover from climate-driven disruptions like flooding, extreme heat, or wildfires.

Track 02

Clean Energy

Innovate around renewable energy access, efficiency, and grid modernization for a lower-carbon Vermont.

Track 03

Sustainable Systems

Redesign supply chains, food systems, or infrastructure to reduce environmental impact.

Track 04

Open Track

Propose your own climate-tech solution aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

What Winning Teams Receive

  • Six months of coaching Mentorship from UN partners to help scale your solution beyond the hackathon.
  • Official certificates Recognition from the United Nations OICT of your efforts and accomplishments.
  • UN swag & recognition All participants receive UN-branded materials. Winning teams receive additional recognition at the closing ceremony.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need experience?

No. All skill levels are welcome. Interdisciplinary teams combining technical and non-technical students perform best.

What does it cost?

Free to participate. Meals are provided both days. Travel assistance for students from partner colleges is TBD.

Do I need a team?

No. Team formation help is available at registration and during the opening session. Come ready to describe your skills.

What should I bring?

Laptop, charger, student ID, and your development environment set up in advance. See the Teams page for the full list.

Is it overnight?

Format (24-hour vs. two 8–10 hour days) is TBD based on the final venue. We'll announce as soon as it's confirmed.

Who is eligible?

Currently enrolled students at UVM, Champlain, St. Michael's, or Middlebury College. All majors welcome.

Get Involved

Registration opens soon. Reach out if you're interested in participating, sponsoring, or judging.

Contact the Organizers Learn More at UN