100 builders. One weekend. October.
FaithTech's annual UK weekend hackathon for redemptive technology, rooted in a biblical approach.
Previously run as Kingdom Code.
What is BUILD?
BUILD is a hackathon, an event where people team up to design and build something in a short space of time. At BUILD, that means a two-day sprint where teams take on real projects using technology, redemptively. You pick up something that matters, join a team, and build a solution to it before the weekend is out.
It runs around the clock. Some teams pace themselves, some build through the night! The majority of people who attend are developers, but you do not need to be technical to take part. Designers, product and project managers, product owners, first-time coders, the best teams are often a mix.
Past teams have built with a range of tech, including React, Laravel, Python, Node.js and Vue.js, mobile apps in Flutter and React Native, and game and 3D work in Unity and Blender, with LLMs and other AI increasingly in the mix.
Use your skills on something that matters.
Around 100 builders gather for the weekend. You join a team, typically 4-6 people, working on a real project brought by a charity, church, ministry or individual. A genuine project someone wants to take forward.
By Saturday evening you'll have built something (deployed code, an interactive prototype, a concept design or something else), and met people who share your faith and your craft. Teams are mixed by design, and a lot of the learning happens just by building side by side, whether you are a student or well into your career. This is a weekend to use your gifts where your heart is.
The energy is infectious. You walk in on Friday not knowing anyone, and by the end you've built lasting friendships and something that actually matters.
Sarah, BUILD 2025
A wonderful 24 hours where tech people who love God come together to build some amazing stuff.
Evelyn, BUILD 2024
Build is a place to work on real world problems that need creative and innovative solutions in tech or design for churches and charities.
Tessa, BUILD 2023
A really encouraging time with some great technologists who love Jesus, geeking out on some projects for the Kingdom.
Rachel, BUILD 2023
Excellent way to meet and collaborate with Christians in tech, working and worshipping together.
James, BUILD 2023
Build is a great place to come and use your knowledge, skill or passion in tech to help some great causes and meet new people.
Nath, BUILD 2023
It's utter chaos and the most fun I have each year.
Nim, BUILD 2023
We're excited to have David joining us as this year's judge and sitting down for a conversation on Saturday evening. Bring your questions about building things that last.
David grew Electronic Arts in Europe into a $1bn business as Chief Operating Officer, and then served as the Chief Executive of Atari. Today he runs London Venture Partners, an early backer of Unity and Supercell.
Schedule.
From Friday evening to Saturday night, here's what to expect.
- 6:00pmDoors open.
- 6:45pmDinner served. All meals are included in your ticket.
- 7:15pmWelcome and worship. A short gathering, and a run-through of how the weekend works.
- 7:50pmPitches. Each project lead has two minutes to present their project.
- 8:15pmTeam formation. Chat with project leads to find out more, pick your project and settle in with your team.
- 8:45pmBuild begins.
- 8:00amBreakfast.
- 9:00amMorning reflection and prayer.
- 9:30amNotices and updates.
- 12:30pmLunch.
- 5:00pmCode freeze and dinner.
- 5:45pmPresentations. Each team has two minutes to show what they've made.
- 6:30pmIn conversation with David Gardner. With Q&A.
- 7:00pmAwards. People's choice and judge's award presented.
- 7:30pmClose. Drinks and time to connect.
Run a charity, church, ministry, kingdom-focused business or have a great idea? You can bring a real project for a team to work on. The first round of submissions has now closed and we are working through them, but we are still happy to consider new projects as we go.
A decade of building for the Kingdom.
Run previously by Kingdom Code, BUILD is now part of FaithTech, carried forward alongside the Kingdom Code team. The heart of it has not changed: Christians in technology, serving Jesus.
For ten years, BUILD has gathered people to put their skills to work for the Kingdom. Since 2015, this annual hackathon has brought developers, designers and creatives together from across the UK to serve churches, charities and ministries, treating technology as an act of worship, not only problem-solving. Wrapped in prayer and praise across the weekend, teams turn ideas into working tools that reach further than any of us could alone.
- Bible engagement brought to life through reading apps, games and scripture tools.
- Evangelism and discipleship equipped with apps for sharing faith, prayer and growing communities.
- Care for the poor and vulnerable through tools for foodbanks, debt advice, fostering and adoption.
- Global mission extended through translation tools reaching churches worldwide.
Past teams have served partners like Bible Society, Tearfund, Scripture Union, Christians Against Poverty, Compassion and Safe Families. Beyond the projects, BUILD has grown a lasting community of Christian technologists who see their work as worship and service to the church.
Build something that matters.
Add BUILD to your calendar: Google · Apple / Outlook.