Rocket Software logo

Rocket.Build is Back. Welcome to 2025!

Join us for our annual hackathon: a space where bold ideas meet real impact. Whether you're a coding wizard or just full of big ideas, we welcome all forms of creativity that align with Rocket’s values and drive us forward.

Previous years have brought transformative projects, from internal tools to customer-centric solutions. This year, we’re shaking things up with a two-part competition.

First up: the Virtual Qualifier on June 3–4. Rocketeers, clients, partners, and students can join remotely or from one of our offices.

The top teams then move on to the Live Finals in November, an in-person event where they’ll continue building and present their work directly to the Rocket Executive Leadership Team.

Big ideas. Bold execution. Serious fun. Are you in?

Registration for Rocket.Build 2025 is now closed. Thank you to everyone who submitted a project or signed up to volunteer. If you are still interested but missed the deadline, please contact us at [email protected]

Dear Customers & Partners:

Come and join us and collaborate with Rocketeers on cutting-edge projects that will shape the world of tomorrow. Connect with your Rocket colleagues or sign up to be introduced to new ones—either way, you'll be sure to have a one-of-a-kind experience. So, what are you waiting for? Get ready to Rocket.Build!

Dear Students:

Ready to launch your career to the next level? Join us at Rocket.Build on June 3–4 for the ultimate opportunity to upgrade your resume with mentorship from the experts at Rocket Software. Just register, and we'll match you with the perfect Rocketeers. Don't miss out on this chance to shine!

 

 

Introducing the Rocket.Build 2025 themes

This year, we’re focusing on what truly matters: making work more efficient, products more connected, and security stronger than ever. AI, automation, gamification, and security—they’re all in your toolbox. Now’s your chance to build something that makes a difference

 
Belonging

Theme 1: The future of work
Rocket is turning 35, but we’re not slowing down. Instead, we’re asking: How do we work smarter, faster, and more effectively? Your mission: reinvent the workplace of tomorrow.

  • Drive efficiency and automation.
  • Create workflows that set the standard for 2030 and beyond.
  • Prepare our products for a changing workforce.
  • Promote sustainability in business operations.
 
 
Diversity

Theme 2: Cross-product integration
With hundreds of products in Rocket’s ecosystem, there’s limitless potential for synergy. How can combining them unlock untapped value? Your mission: demonstrate how our products can work better together.

  • Combine Rocket solutions for seamless interoperability.
  • Enhance user experiences through additional value.
  • Uncover new features and efficiencies by connecting solutions.
 
 
Equity

Theme 3: Supportability
Software supportability isn’t just a feature—it’s a commitment to our users. Better support means better experiences, stronger retention, and lasting trust. Your mission: make Rocket Software solutions more resilient and user-friendly.

  • Improve troubleshooting and diagnostics for quicker issue resolution.
  • Enhance observability with tools like OpenTelemetry (OTEL).
  • Develop proactive support strategies that keep customers ahead of potential issues.

Let yourself be inspired by these themes. Don’t feel your idea fits any of the above? Go ahead and submit your project. The Rocket.Build planning team will help ensure you are set up for success. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the project registration process work?

The project registration uses Jira Service Desk.

Create a Project submission, filling all the field, and you will receive an email confirmation. After the registration period ends, all project submissions will be assessed (only to avoid duplicates, etc.) and cloned into Project issues in the Rocket.Build jira project (RB).

This ticket then serves as your anchor for ideas, attachments, comments, and communication. You can still change team members after submission within your ticket.

If you have any questions, or are not a Rocket employee, contact [email protected] and we will help you register.

How does the volunteer registration process work?

The volunteer registration uses Jira Service Desk.

Choose a Volunteer submission, filling all the fields, and you will receive an email confirmation. The Rocket.Build team will contact volunteers and connect you to teams in need of support.

If you have any questions, or are not a Rocket Employee, contact [email protected] and we will help you register.

How many people may be on the team?Each team can have up to four members. Please note: Participants can only join one team.
Who will judge the projects?Teams will have five minutes to present to regional judges during the June virtual event. Finalists from the community Rocket.Build will then present to the Rocket Executive Leadership Team in November, who will select the winners of Rocket.Build 2025.
Will there be a final round?Yes! Top projects from each community (depending on the size of the community) will get the chance to present in person to the Rocket Executive Leadership Team, who will pick the Rocket.Build 2025 winner(s).
I want to submit a project, but don't have a team. Will someone help me find team members to join based on my project?Yes! The registration form allows you to register as volunteer, after which you (and your skills) will be matched with a suitable project. 
Who is responsible for the logistics of each event?The Rocket Software Community Connector Leader will handle the logistics of the local event.
I want to join, but don't have a team. Will someone help me find a team to join based on my skills?Yes! The registration form allows you to register as volunteer, after which you (and your skills) will be matched with a suitable project. 
I don't have development/tech skills. How can I participate?Rocket.Build welcomes all ideas that serve the themes of Rocket.Build. If you have a great idea which you want to mature, that's enough! Find some teammates and let’s go! Or sign up as a volunteer and we’ll help you find a team!
Will there be food?June 3–4 will be mainly virtual unless a community wants to organize a local in person Rocket.Build event. It’s up to the community if they choose to provide food, etc. Nov 5–7 will be fully catered.
What country or time zone should I choose if my team spans multiple communities?Please select the answer that relates to the team project leader.
Can I work on a feature that is on the roadmap for the Rocket Software product(s) I currently work on?This is not the intention of the Rocket.Build. We encourage teams to ideate beyond the roadmap. Dream big and think outside the box! Feel free to reach out to the Rocket.Build team for assistance if needed.
What if I have a great idea that does not really match one of the themes?The themes are merely directional and with some creativity, surely there is a connection to be made. 
Can non-Rocket employees (customers, partners, contractors, interns or college students) participate in Rocket.Build?Rocket.Build is open to Rocket customers, partners, contractors, and interns /students in the community, as long as they are part of a team led by a Rocket employee who can access necessary secured platforms and documents.
Who will judge the community events?Community Connector Leaders will designate local judges for each community, assisted by the Rocket.Build team. Please reach out to the Rocket.Build team if you need help arranging for judges.
Can we work on Rocket.Build projects in advance of the "official date?"No. To ensure fairness, teams are asked to only work on the projects during allotted event time.
How much time do we have to build or code?The first part of the event will take place within two days: Day 1 (June 3) will be a full day of coding, and Day 2 (June 4) will feature virtual presentations to the community. Winning teams that move on to the next phase of the event will have two more full days to code in November.
Do all team members of one team have to register?No, only the designated project leader submits the project idea and lists the other team members. NOTE: if a person who is not a current employee of Rocket Software wants to register a project or volunteer, they must contact the Rocket.Build team at [email protected].
Can I be on more than one team?We ask individuals to only pick one team to work with during Rocket.Build 2025.
What about my day job?Rocket.Build is a special event because Rocket Software is setting aside this time and space for creativity and innovation. All participants are encouraged to plan, clear their calendar, and put their “Out of Office” notification on so they can fully concentrate during the event: June 3–4. (For Rocket Software employees, be sure your immediate supervisor is aware of your participation ahead of time.)
What are the judging criteria?

Quality of the idea: Includes creativity and originality.

Implementation of the idea: Includes how well the idea was executed by the developer.

Potential value to businesses: Includes the extent to which the idea can help businesses grow.

Potential community impact: Includes how impactful the idea will be as a driver for positive change within the community.

Visit again soon as we continue adding more details.

If you have any questions, you can contact us at [email protected].