Catalyst 2026 is here!
FORGE’s annual designathon is right around the corner! Catalyst 2026 will be taking place from March 20 to March 22nd! Registration opens soon, so make sure to keep an eye on our social media, join our Newsletter, and our Slack to get the latest on Catalyst & FORGE happenings!
BU FORGE's Designathon is now nationwide!
Catalyst is a virtual, UI/UX designathon that aims to challenge participants to explore how design, innovation, and community interact. Across 3 days, teams will collaborate to solve a design challenge and build a prototype of an app or a website that addresses modern-day problems - no coding required. Catalyst is open to all students across the country, regardless of experience level, so beginners are more than welcome!
Hear From Past Participants!
“Catalyst is a great place to learn UX fundamentals whether you’re a beginner or an experienced professional.”
— Alexis Detorres
Management Information System, ‘26
“Catalyst was the event that first introduced me to the field of UX Design. It is entirely beginner-friendly, and you get the opportunity to meet and collaborate with designers who are from different backgrounds and skill levels. It is the perfect place to get started if you’re interested in product design!”
— Aaron Lee
Business Administration, ‘27
“Catalyst provides an opportunity to explore the process from brainstorming and prototyping to presenting your product. Because of this event, I believe it is something I want to learn more about.”
— Karina Yang
Advertising/ Data Science, ‘25
Interested in Sponsoring Us?
For more information, download our sponsorship guide here:
Our design community is comprised of innovative, interdisciplinary, and diverse individuals. As a sponsor, you can gain invaluable exposure to this growing undergraduate design community in Boston & across the nation.
Whether you’re looking to diversify your talent pool or expand the reach of your brand or company, extending our virtual network & joint promotion benefits everyone!
Benefits may include hosting workshops, mentor-involvement, brand exposure, access to our student network and more!
We welcome any questions and special requests! Have any further questions? Feel free to email us at budesign@bu.edu.
