Frequently Asked Questions
What information do I need to register?
The registration process is different this year than in previous years. When registering, you (or your parent/guardian if under 18) will need to complete a short form and video release.
I didn’t receive a confirmation email for registering. Am I registered?
Once you’ve completed the form and get the confirmation page on the website, there is no further action needed. We will be reaching out to participants after registration closes with additional details about the Appathon kickoff.
How do I create a team?
After successful registration, you will be able to create a new team in the registration system. Only one team member needs to do this step. They can then invite other team members by adding their email addresses. Reach out to others on the Appathon community channel to find other app inventors looking to work on projects during the Appathon. Team formation closes July 18th at the start of the Appathon.
How do I join a team?
If you are invited to join a team, log in to the registration system (or refresh your browser if you are already logged in) and a list of pending team requests will be shown. You can only be a member of one team at a time, and you will have to leave your current team to join a different team. Team formation closes July 18th at the start of the Appathon.
How do I submit my app?
One difference from previous years – you submit your app through the registration system. Also unlike previous years, you can update your submission at any point during the competition. You will receive an email when the submission system formally opens. Judges will only review the most recent submission as of the closing of the Appathon.
Can I submit an existing app?
No. Apps should be developed during the July 18-30 period. We will be announcing a specific set of themes on July 18 for the Appathon and apps should be developed to address one or more of those themes. Apps that do not address one of the themes announced on July 18 will likely not score well during the judging period.
Please do not resubmit previous App of the Month, Coronavirus Challenge, etc. apps.
Can I use extensions in my app?
You may use any extensions from MIT, or any free extension so long as you include a note from the extension author that it can be redistributed by MIT as part of the competition.
Can I use another platform based on App Inventor?
No. Judges will be using code.appinventor.mit.edu to test apps. Because the different platforms have different components, it is likely your app will not work correctly when reviewed using MIT App Inventor.
Will I receive a certificate of participation?
Yes. Everyone who participates in the Appathon will receive a certificate of participation. Winners will be given separate documents to indicate their placement. The judges reserve the right to also identify honorable mentions for apps.
What if I (or a team member) will turn 18 during the competition?
Please complete your information based on your age on July 18, 2022. If you were born July 20, 2004 and you will turn 18 on July 20, 2022, then put 17 for your age. If you were born July 18, 2004 and you will turn 18 on July 18, 2022, then put 18 for your age.
How large can a team be?
There is no restriction on the size a team, but be aware that adding more team members may impede team progress.
How can multiple people collaborate on an app?
App Inventor only lets one person edit a project at one time. One way to collaborate is to separate tasks such as design, art, and programming across people, and then merge those assets into the final project. To do this, each programmer can build each screen in a separate project and then use the Project Merger Tool to merge the projects together. You may also use the anonymous accounts on code.appinventor.mit.edu and share your four word return code with other team members. However, only one person can have the project open at any given time.
