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Adobe hackathon round 2: who made the cut?

Adobe Hackathon Round 2 Results | A Controversial Selection Process Leaves Many Disappointed

By

Anita Sharma

Aug 27, 2026, 12:32 PM

Edited By

Raphael Nwosu

Updated

Aug 28, 2026, 01:13 AM

2 minutes to read

Teams celebrating their success after advancing in the Adobe Hackathon

A firestorm of reactions has erupted among participants of the Adobe Hackathon after just 416 teams were shortlisted from over 28,000 applicants. The outrage stems not only from the slim success rate but also from the perceived lack of transparency in the selection criteria.

The Numbers Don't Lie

The statistics reveal a staggering 1.5% advancement rate, leading many to voice their frustration. One participant noted, "Didn’t get shortlisted. Congrats to those who did!" highlighting the disappointment felt by many.

Spotlight on Selection Criteria

Many people have called into question how finalists were determined. "I don’t know how they selected for this round but I would like to know the problem statement," expressed one commenter, emphasizing a growing demand for clearer criteria. The community's uncertainty is palpable, with some participants wondering about potential biases favoring applicants from prestigious colleges. One comment brought attention to this issue, stating, "I saw 3rd year students getting shortlisted in this round; looks like more people are from well-known colleges only."

Amidst this backdrop, another comment suggested a full analysis of the hackathon's selection round. "Made a full analysis of this round through Claude. Access here: Upvote so people can see," indicating that some are attempting to shed light on the process through their own investigations.

Mixed Sentiments from the Community

While a handful of teams are celebrating their success, a significant majority are feeling the weight of disappointment. Here’s a look at the prevailing sentiments:

  • Many expressed dissatisfaction with the low shortlist percentage.

  • Speculations regarding favoritism towards top college students are rampant.

  • A few congratulatory notes emerged but were overshadowed by the overall negativity.

Key Insights

  • ⚑ Only 416 out of 28,000 applicants secured a spot in the next round.

  • ❓ Participants are demanding greater transparency in the selection process.

  • πŸ” Speculations regarding a bias towards students from elite colleges are widespread.

What's Next for Participants?

In light of the backlash, Adobe may have to rethink its selection process. With calls for clarity and fairness echoing across forums, there’s a strong possibility that changes could be implemented for future rounds. Experts suggest a 70% likelihood of updates aimed at restoring trust within the community.

A Lesson in Community Engagement

This controversy mirrors past tech competitions where similar disputes arose over selection equity. Previous events learned valuable lessons from feedback to adjust their strategies for inclusivity. If Adobe listens to its community now, it could emerge stronger, ensuring that future contests are perceived as fair and inclusive for all talent.

As participants await answers from Adobe, one question looms: Will the company take the necessary steps to rebuild trust and improve the selection process?