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Below we have included frequently asked questions on the Maine App Challenge. Get answers about participation, rules, and the evaluation process.
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Tyler Technologies (NYSE: TYL) is a leading provider of integrated software and technology services for the public sector. Tyler’s end-to-end solutions empower local, state, and federal government entities to operate efficiently and transparently with residents and each other. By connecting data and processes across disparate systems, Tyler’s solutions transform how clients turn actionable insights into opportunities and solutions for their communities. Tyler has more than 44,000 successful installations across 13,000 locations, with clients in all 50 states, Canada, the Caribbean, Australia, and other international locations. Consistently named one of the Best Places to Work in Maine, Tyler has more than 1,250 employees located in Yarmouth, Falmouth, Orono, and Augusta.
Participants must be (i) at least 13 years old as of 12:01 a.m. on January 1, 2026, (ii) a Maine resident as defined in Maine laws and regulations if over age 18, or have a parent or legal guardian qualify as a Maine resident if under age 18, and (iii) enrolled in at least middle school level classes (public, private and home school students are all eligible). Children and stepchildren of, and/or students living in the same household as a Tyler employee or Maine App Challenge judge, are not eligible to participate.
The contest will be open at 12:01 a.m. on January 1, 2026, and the submission period ends at 11:59 p.m. ET on April 3, 2026.
For more information on submission requirements, please visit the Rules page.
- Informational: Provides specific information in an intuitive and easy-to-use interface to teach or inform the user
- Utility: Provides a service to the user based on a real-world need or scope of needs
- Game: Entertains the user while providing some sort of competition
Tyler Technologies, a local technology company, brings the latest tech to the public sector, including school districts in Maine. In cooperation with its affiliates, Tyler’s Maine App Challenge provides the opportunity for Maine students to explore the world of software design and development. The challenge has been held annually since 2015.
Students and student teams must fulfill the challenge requirements on their own. Adults, teachers, and mentors may only serve in an advisory capacity, and need to be identified in the Participation, Consent and Release form and on the app's About page.
If a student wishes to change their selection regarding the public use of their image, name, etc. in association with the Maine App Challenge, they may notify Tyler in writing at MACT@tylertech.com.
The challenge is open to students who are in middle school or above in the state of Maine and are over the age of 13 years, as of 12:01 a.m. on January 1, 2026. Teams can be comprised of one, two, or three students. Each team member is also required to complete and submit (or have a parent or legal guardian complete and submit) a Participation, Consent and Release form.
Submissions will be judged on the criteria described in the rubric. A panel of judges will determine the winner.
Unfortunately, if you are not 13 by 12:01 a.m. on January 1, 2026 you may not participate in the 2025-2026 Maine App Challenge. We are unable to make any exceptions to this requirement.
Tyler’s goal is to provide Maine students with the experience of designing, developing, and demonstrating a mobile app for a chance to earn a scholarship or an award. Scholarships in the amount of $6,000, $3,000, and $1,000 will be distributed to first, second, and third place, respectively. If a team’s app earns a scholarship, the amount will be divided equally among the team’s members.
No. Each participant may only submit one entry; participants cannot submit as an individual and as part of a team. Participants may only be part of one team. Each team may only submit one entry.
All submissions will remain the property of the challenge participants. Tyler Technologies hopes that by participating in the Maine App Challenge participants will be encouraged to further develop their skills and their submissions, and eventually bring those apps to market on their own.