Bangkok University and Berkeley SkyDeck Fund Present:
The 4th BU x Berkeley SkyDeck Fund Hackathon 2026
Green Economy for Business Innovation Projects
Screening Round: Apply by March 15, 2026
Final Round: May 14-15, 2026
Tentative Schedule
Thursday, May 14, 2026
| Time | Agenda |
|---|---|
| 08:30 AM – 09:00 AM | Registration |
| 09:00 AM – 09:05 AM | Welcome and Introduction to the Event |
| 09:05 AM – 09:15 AM | Opening Remarks by Mr. Brian Bordley, Partner, Berkeley SkyDeck Fund |
| 09:15 AM – 10:15 AM | Special Lecture by Keynote Speaker (TBC) |
| 10:15 AM – 10:30 AM | Coffee Break |
| 10:30 AM – 11:15 AM | Experience Sharing: Successful Startup Stories |
| 11:15 AM – 12:00 PM | Problem Statement Presentation and Mentor Introduction |
| 12:00 PM – 01:00 PM | Lunch and Networking |
| 01:00 PM – 05:00 PM | Group Work and Mentorship Sessions |
Friday, May 15, 2026
| Time | Agenda |
|---|---|
| 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Group Work (Continued) |
| 12:00 PM – 01:00 PM | Lunch and Networking |
| 01:00 PM – 02:30 PM | Startup Pitches (5 teams in the first session) |
| 02:30 PM – 02:45 PM | Coffee Break |
| 02:45 PM – 04:15 PM | Startup Pitches (5 teams in the second session) |
| 04:15 PM – 04:30 PM | Judges Deliberation |
| 04:30 PM – 04:50 PM | Award Ceremony and Recognition |
| 04:50 PM – 05:00 PM | Closing Remarks |
Background
Bangkok University, a leading practical university in Thailand, nurtures creativity and entrepreneurial excellence with a strong global outlook. In March 2023, we launched the inaugural BU x Berkeley SkyDeck Fund Mini Hackathon, where 10 teams crafted transformative solutions for Food Service Tech startups. Building on that success, the second edition in 2024 expanded international collaboration and further cemented our reputation as a vibrant hub for venture creation. Looking ahead, our programs increasingly center on the green economy, channeling practical, real-world innovation toward low-carbon growth, circularity, resource efficiency, and inclusive prosperity. As the global shift to a Green Economy accelerates, we are advancing business innovation projects that turn sustainability into measurable value and inclusive growth. The 4th BUxBerkeley SkyDeck Fund Hackathon 2026 Hackathon will be dedicated to the Green Economy for Business Innovation Projects.
This international competition invites bachelor’s students to form teams of 2–4 and develop market-ready ventures that advance sustainability, with all presentations in English. The competition features a Screening Round, where teams submit a 5-minute video outlining the problem, target users, green value proposition, feasibility, and expected environmental impact (e.g., emissions reduction and resource savings). Finalists advance to a 2-day, mentor-supported hackathon at Bangkok University, refining their projects and presenting in PPT/Canva. Deliverables cover pain points, innovative solutions, business and revenue models, go-to-market plans, and financial projections—augmented with circular design principles, basic life-cycle impact reasoning, and unit economics that account for climate and resource externalities.
Key dates for the competition include the application period until March 15, 2026, with results announced on April 7, 2026. The Final Round of the 2-day training is scheduled for May 14-15, 2026, culminating in the results and awards ceremony on May 15, 2026. Prizes for the Final Round include THB 100,000 and a certificate for the 1st Prize, THB 80,000 and a certificate for the 2nd Prize, THB 50,000 and a certificate for the 3rd Prize, and Honorable Mention Awards: each receiving a prize and a certificate.
The Hackathon aims to equip students with essential skills for thriving in business innovation startups, enhance entrepreneurship education, and foster collaborations between students, startups, venture capitalists, and global partners, including the Berkeley SkyDeck Fund. Join us in shaping the future of sustainable business innovation.
Orientation Handbook
Updated on February 25, 2026
Objectives
- To empower students with future-ready innovation and entrepreneurial skills
- To create a cross-university, cross-cultural innovation ecosystem
- To connect participants to international mentors, investors, and industry leaders
- To strengthen entrepreneurship education and experiential learning at BU and partner universities
- To build long-term partnerships across universities, startups, and venture networks
Registration
Requirements &Qualifications for Contestants:
- Contestants must be bachelor students.
- Contestants must develop and present their business projects in English.
- Contestants must be part of a group comprising 2 to 4 members
Competition Structure
The competition comprises two rounds: the Screening Round, and the Final Round
Screening Round:
- Contestants submit preliminary business projects through an online platform provided: https://forms.gle/xjxjK6boiTWXCnXo9
- Contestants are required to send a 5-minute VIDEO clip, addressing project pain points, proposing business solutions within the innovation domain, and discussing the technology behind business and financial models.
- The competition committee will review the submitted projects, and 10 projects (groups) will be selected to advance to the final round.
Final Round and Award Ceremony: May 14-15, 2026
- The 10 finalists will participate in a 2-day hackathon competition at Bangkok University, during May 14-15, 2026.
- Contestants develop completed business projects and engage in business project pitching.
- Contestants must present in PPT/Canva or an equivalent format, showcasing pain points, and innovative business solutions, along with business and financial models.
- First, second, third, and 4 honorable mention awards are to be announced after the competition
Important Dates
• Application Period : Until March 15, 2026
• Screening Round-Result Announcement : April 7, 2026
• Final Round : Mentoring/Pitching/Award Ceremony : May 14-15, 2026
Prizes
• 1st Prize: THB 100,000 and a certificate
• 2nd Prize: THB 80,000 and a certificate
• 3rd Prize: THB 50,000 and a certificate
• Honorable Mention Awards and a certificate for each team
Our Venue
Hackathon Venue:
The Auditorium, 5th Floor, Building C6
Bangkok University
9/1 Moo 5 Phaholyothin Road, Klong Nueng, Klong Luang, Pathumthani 12120, Thailand
Email Us:
Call Us:
Contact Person:
Dr.Panadda Unyapho