MindBlast XR
MindBlast XR 2026 is a free, week-long innovation experience taking place April 20–24, 2026 in Providence, Rhode Island, where middle school students explore Extended Reality (XR), emerging technology, and social impact through hands-on team projects.
WHAT IS MINDBLAST XR
MindBlast XR is a statewide, week-long hackathon designed for middle school students across Rhode Island.
Students explore Extended Reality (XR), AI, and emerging technologies while working in teams to design creative, technology-driven solutions to real-world and social justice challenges.
MindBlast XR is:
• Free for students (no experience needed)
• Accessible to schools and families statewide
• Supportive of students historically underrepresented in technology
The experience combines technology, creativity, teamwork, and youth voice to help students imagine themselves as future innovators and leaders.
🏫 Register as a School
Schools register groups of students.
Ideal for middle schools, after-school programs, clubs, and classrooms.
👥 Apply as a Team
Students apply together as an existing team.
Ideal for friends, clubs, or community-based groups.
👤 Register as an Individual Student
Students apply on their own and are placed on a team.
Ensures no student is excluded for not having a team.
A Week of Fun!
Students follow the Design Thinking Process across five structured days, working in teams with mentor support.
Monday – Empathize
Students research and learn about a real-world or social justice issue affecting their community, building a deep understanding of the problem.
Tuesday – Define & Ideate
Students clearly define the problem, brainstorm solutions, select an idea, and begin designing a 3D or virtual environment.
Wednesday – Prototype
Students build their project. By the end of the day, teams should have approximately 90% completed.
Thursday – Test
Students refine their projects, make final adjustments, prepare their pitch, and upload final projects by 6:00 PM.
Friday – Presentation & Celebration
Teams present their projects to a panel of judges. Families and community members are invited to celebrate student work and growth.
By the end of the week, students experience what it feels like to identify a problem, work as a team, build a solution, and confidently share their ideas.
Ready, Set...Advocate.
Hey Kiddos!
At MindBlast XR, different teams will have just 3 minutes to advocate their ideas to help fix problems related to social justice. They have to tell the judges all about their ideas, so the judges can see how good they are.
WHAT’S NEW FOR MINDBLAST XR 2026
- • Expanded focus on XR, AI, and emerging technologies
• Two pre-hackathon workshops:
• April 4, 2026
• April 18, 2026
• Stronger higher education and industry mentor partnerships
• Larger, more celebratory public showcase
IMPACT & OUTCOMES
MindBlast XR helps students:
• Build confidence using technology
• Develop teamwork and communication skills
• Explore future career pathways
• Become creators, not just consumers
Impact to date:
• Students served: 123
• Communities: Providence, Pawtucket, Central Falls, Woonsocket, Cranston, Warwick, North Providence, North Smithfield
• Years running: 3
Choose Your Role
🎓 Students & Schools
Participate in a statewide technology and innovation experience.
CTA: Register Your School | Apply as a Team | Register as an Individual
🤝 Sponsors & Funders
Support equitable access and keep the program free.
CTA: Become a Sponsor
🧠 Mentors & Volunteers
Guide students and inspire future pathways.
CTA: Volunteer as a Mentor
👨👩👧 Families & Community
Attend the showcase and celebrate student achievement.
CTA: Attend the Showcase