REGISTRATION OPEN
Essential Lab
SEASON
(001)
(001)GLOBAL STUDENT CONTEST
Build a small personal app with Essential Apps using the Apps Builder in Playground, and discover how personal software can take shape around real needs.
Register now
(001)Build a small personal app with Essential Apps using the Apps Builder in Playground, and discover how personal software can take shape around real needs.
Register nowYou register your interest to the contest and if you're selected, you'll get an email with the confirmation and the contest details.
When the contest goes live, you'll receive an email with a link giving you access to the contest environment for 24 hours.
Go to the Essential Apps section and click Create your app. Use the Essential Apps Builder to build and refine your app using natural language prompts. No Nothing phone is required.
When you're ready, click Publish. You'll receive a confirmation email once your submission is complete.
Shortlisted creators will be contacted separately with further details.
A tool you wish already existed
You will build one Essential App that solves a real, everyday problem in your life. The strongest entries are usually simple and specific
A task you repeat often
A daily struggle you deal with
Focus on clarity and usefulness. Complexity is not the goal
Special discount on Nothing product
Exclusive merchandise
Get featured on Playground
Invitation to the Essential Network for early access opportunities
Phone (3)
Exclusive merchandise
Get featured on the Essential page on X
Invitation to the Essential Network for early access opportunities
Potential internship opportunities
Phone (3)
Exclusive merchandise
Get featured on the Essential page on X
Invitation to the Essential Network for early access opportunities
Potential internship opportunities
Special discount on Nothing product
Get featured on Playground
Potential internship opportunities
Phone (3)
Exclusive merchandise
Special discount on Nothing product
Get featured on Playground
Get featured on the Essential page on X
Invitation to the Essential Network for early access opportunities
Date
Event
Detail
FEB [11–13] 2026
Registration opens on Playground
Tell us a few of your ideas. We'll reach out to chosen participants with more details.
FEB [14] 2026 (14:00 PM GMT)
We're live
The 24-hour window begins. You can start creating your Essential App with the Essential Apps Builder.
FEB [15] 2026 (14:00 PM GMT)
Time's up
All apps must be published in Playground before the window closes. We'll only consider published apps.
FEB [15–25] 2026
Judging Period
Our panel will review submissions. Fifty shortlisted candidates will be notified by email.
FEB [25] 2026
Winners Announced
Five winners will be notified by email and shared on the Essential page on X.
Date
Event & Detail
FEB [11–13] 2026
Registration opens on Playground
Tell us a few of your ideas. We'll reach out to chosen participants with more details.
FEB [14] 2026 (14:00 PM GMT)
We're live
The 24-hour window begins. You can start creating your Essential App with the Essential Apps Builder.
FEB [15] 2026 (14:00 PM GMT)
Time's up
All apps must be published in Playground before the window closes. We'll only consider published apps.
FEB [15–25] 2026
Judging Period
Our panel will review submissions. Fifty shortlisted candidates will be notified by email.
FEB [25] 2026
Winners Announced
Five winners will be notified by email and shared on the Essential page on X.
All submissions are evaluated by a central judging panel at Nothing.
Clarity: Is the app's purpose easy to understand?
Usefulness: Does it solve a real, practical problem?
Originality: Is the idea thoughtful, personal or creative?
Execution: Is the app functional and coherent?
You can only submit one Essential App
The app needs to be made using the Essential Apps Builder in Playground
Creation and publishing must take place within the contest environment
A short description of what the app is about
Only apps completed and published during the 24 hours will be considered
Sélim Benayat
Lead Product, Engineering & Design, AI
Cookie Xu
Head of AI & Services
Thomas Robinson
Senior Product Manager, AI & Services
Xuan Dong
Product Manager, Playground
Rohit Pakalapati
Product Marketing, Software, OS & AI
Patrick Fan
Engineer, AI & Services
Essential is our AI software on Nothing OS. It's designed to make your life easier with personalized tools shaped by your ideas, habits, memories and needs. It includes things like Essential Space, Essential Search, Essential Memory and Essential Apps.
Essential Apps are personal tools created using natural language. Describe what you want the app to do, refine it through iteration and use it on Nothing OS straight away. You can make Essential Apps to track your water intake, keep tabs on F1 or make sticky notes.
Playground is where you can download, publish and remix Essential Apps – along with other community creations like Glyph Toys, camera presets and EQ profiles.
