Biddeford High School Junior Maxwell House has been named the first-place winner of the 2026 Maine App Challenge
By KAREN GARNETT | Biddeford School Department
What started as a spark of curiosity in the classroom has turned into a statewide victory. Biddeford High School (BHS) Junior Maxwell House has been named the first-place winner of the 2026 Maine App Challenge, earning top honors for his innovative mobile application and showcasing the power of student-driven learning at the Biddeford Regional Center of Technology (BRCOT).
_____
Hosted by Tyler Technologies in partnership with the University of Maine, the annual Maine App Challenge invites students across the state to design and develop original mobile applications, blending creativity with real-world technical skills. This year’s competition featured a record 151 submissions, underscoring the depth of talent among Maine’s young innovators.
House’s winning app – “RunUp” — is a 3D endless runner game controlled by a Bluetooth device, designed to make treadmill workouts more engaging and interactive.
His work earned him the competition’s top prize, including a $6,000 scholarship, an internship opportunity at Tyler Technologies, and recognition as one of Maine’s top student developers.
His success was part of a broader standout showing for the Biddeford Regional Center of Technology, which had seven students place among the competition’s Top 25, more than any other school represented, highlighting the strength and depth of its Computer Technology program.
As students in BRCOT’s Computer Technology program, House and his peers have built a strong foundation in computer hardware, software, networking, database, cybersecurity, and problem solving. The program’s hands-on, career-focused approach allows students to move beyond theory, challenging them to design, build, and refine real-world applications like the one that earned House statewide recognition.
“Max proves that coding skills still matter,” says Matthew Laney, Computer Technology Instructor at BRCOT. “People wonder if programming is fading, but the core abilities—identifying problems, developing solutions, implementing them, collaborating, and marketing—are universal skills for any industry. Max is mastering these fundamentals, positioning him for success regardless of how technology evolves.”
While his technical training has taken place at the Center of Technology, House is also a junior at Biddeford High School, where he has continued to grow as a student and leader. His success reflects the strong partnership between BHS and BRCOT, where students have access to both rigorous academics and hands-on career and technical education.
_____
“The Maine App Challenge is a powerful example of how learning can come to life for students,” said Jeremy Ray, Superintendent of Biddeford School Department. “Maxwell’s accomplishment highlights the incredible opportunities available through the Biddeford Regional Center of Technology while also showcasing the talent and dedication of our students. We are incredibly proud of him and the seven students placing in the Top 25.”
Created in 2015, this annual challenge inspires Maine students to explore careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, offering scholarships and connections to industry opportunities, and has gifted more than $120,000 in 529 college savings plans to students in Maine. Joining House in the top three were Saketh Adabala, Easton Allen, and Gabriel Kirmani of the Maine School of Science and Mathematics, who earned second place, and Oliver Emerson of Gorham High School, who placed third.
For House, the experience represents both a milestone and a steppingstone. He is already looking ahead, eager to build on the strong foundation he has developed through the BRCOT Computer Technology program.
“This project has really pushed me to expand my skill set, strengthen my problem-solving abilities, and persevere through various obstacles,” said House. “I’m excited to continue learning, take on more complex projects, and see where this path leads with the guidance of Mr. Laney and the opportunities at Biddeford Regional Center of Technology.”
STAY CONNECTED | SUBSCRIBE FOR FREE TODAY
BIDDEFORD GAZETTE 