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Adobe hackathon round 2: shortlist results announced

Adobe Hackathon Round 2: Shortlist Results Spark Controversy | 416 Teams Select Out of 28,000

By

Ricardo Gomez

Aug 27, 2026, 12:32 PM

Edited By

Daniel Wu

Updated

Aug 28, 2026, 01:13 AM

2 minutes reading time

Teams celebrating their shortlisted status in Adobe Hackathon Round 2

A recent hackathon organized by Adobe has fueled frustration, with 416 teams shortlisted from a staggering 28,000. Many participants are questioning the selection process and expressing their disappointment over what they see as a lack of transparency.

Participants Voice Frustration

A deep sense of skepticism surrounds the criteria for selection. One comment read, "Do u know how they have picked??" while another lamented, "Nah, I thought my team did really well, but nvm.." This sentiment is echoed across forums, giving voice to a collective disappointment.

Major Concerns Raised

  1. Opaque Selection Process: Participants feel that the judging was not fairly executed, leading some to guess it favored well-connected teams from prestigious colleges.

  2. Communication Breakdown: Several teams reported receiving no feedback regarding their status. One annoyed participant stated, "Have you got any shortlist/rejection mail? I have not received any."

  3. Contrasting Emotions: While a few teams celebrated their success, the predominant feeling among the comments was one of discontent, showcasing a clear divide. As one commenter noted, "Sam from my team said it feels like we got selected randomly."

"Looks like more people are from well-known colleges only." โ€“ Commonly expressed view

Highlights from the Community

  • Participants felt alienated from the process, suggesting a robust dialogue on how to improve future hackathons is essential.

  • Feedback indicates a pressing need for Adobe to clarify their guidelines and selection metrics.

  • The call for change appears stronger than ever, with many users desiring a more inclusive atmosphere.

Key Observations

  • โ–ณ Only 416 teams out of 28,000 teams were shortlisted.

  • โ–ฝ Many participants upset over biases in team selection.

  • โ€ป "Looks like more people are from well-known colleges only." - widely shared opinion.

The Future Look

Adobe will need to rethink their judging criteria moving forward. With participants urging for transparency, they may experience increased scrutiny for future hackathons. Industry experts suggest a 70% possibility of implementing structured communication methods, like timely notifications, to reduce frustrations. The community's voice could push Adobe toward an initiative that promotes inclusivity, possibly boosting diverse submissions by 25%.

Learning from the Tech Playground

Reflecting on the history of Silicon Valley's rise, the early days saw a preferential treatment towards select institutions. This path resembles the current frustrations voiced at the Adobe hackathon. While some teams celebrated success, the overarching discontent opens doors for a more diverse engagement landscape.

The evolving dialogue signifies not just concerns but also the potential for innovation in how hackathons are conducted.

As discussions unfold, the crucial question remains: Can Adobe rise to the occasion and enhance future events with increased transparency?