2026 AECT Design & Development Competition Timeline

Last updated

July 1, 2026: Extended due dates for Phases1 team notification and Phase 2

Phase 1: Abstract

• April 15, Wednesday – Competition materials released; Phase 1 opens
• May 7, Thursday – 4:00 PM US EDT – Orientation webinar hosted by the AECT Design & Development Competition Coordinating Committee
• June 1, Monday (11:59 PM US EDT) – Deadline for Phase 1 question
  • Note: Responses to questions are shared via the competition microsite
• June 15, Monday (11:59 PM US EDT) – Deadline for Phase 1 submissions
• Updated: July 3, Friday – Teams notified of Phase 1 results

Phase 2: Proposal – All dates updated

• July 3 to August 24 – Selected teams work with mentors to develop full proposals
• August 10, Monday (11:59 PM US EDT) – Deadline for Phase 2 questions
  • Note: Responses to questions are shared with all Phase 2 teams
• August 24, Monday (11:59 PM US EDT) – Deadline for Phase 2 submissions
• September 18, Friday – Up to three finalist teams notified

Phase 3: Finalist Presentations

• November 3–7, 2026 – AECT Annual Convention (in person)
  • Finalist presentation schedule: TBD
  • Note: Finalist presentations will occur during the convention