The University of Alabama in Huntsville is inviting students of all majors to turn creative ideas into meaningful impact through the Spring 2026 Charger Innovation Challenge: Serious Games Edition, a semester-long competition focused on designing games that educate, train, improve health or address social issues.
Hosted by UAH’s Invention to Innovation Center (I²C), the challenge functions as an extended “hackathon,” giving students the entire semester to develop a feature-complete game either individually or in teams of up to four. Applications are now open, with a signup deadline of Feb. 11.
Unlike traditional entertainment-focused game design, the Serious Games Edition emphasizes real-world applications. Projects may center on education and learning, health and wellness, community and society, or training and simulation.
The challenge is held in collaboration with Dr. Chuck O’Brien, a lecturer of game design in UAH’s College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences, and aligns with the university’s expanding game design offerings. UAH recently introduced a Serious Games course, with a full Game Design program set to launch in Fall 2026.
Throughout the semester, participating teams will receive mentorship from O’Brien and the I²C Innovation Team as they move through ideation, development and pitching phases. Students will gain hands-on experience in collaboration, innovation and presenting their work to judges.
The competition includes a $1,000 prize pool, with cash awards and online publishing opportunities available for top teams. First place will receive $500, second place $300, and third place $200, with honorable mentions earning Certificates of Innovation.
The challenge begins with an ideation and sign-up phase during the first four weeks of the semester, followed by a development and mentorship period. Final pitches and demonstrations will take place during a Demo Day showcase scheduled for April 22 at the I²C.
Organizers say the competition is open to a wide range of students, including developers, designers, artists, storytellers and problem solvers, regardless of prior game design experience. Fine more information here.
