A hackathon is a fast-paced, hands-on problem-solving competition where you turn ideas into real solutions. Hack University hackathons bring learners from all majors together to build, pitch, and compete across three different challenge tracks.
A hybrid global 3-in-1 competition focused on hardware-first innovation—combining engineering builds, entrepreneurship, and data challenges. This edition emphasizes real-world prototypes, rapid testing, and practical demos.
Participants design and build technical solutions using software, hardware, or a combination of both.
Why it matters: Builds real engineering skills, rapid prototyping, and portfolio-ready projects that show hands-on execution.
Teams translate technical ideas into viable, impact-driven business or startup concepts.
Why it matters: Helps learners explain how a build becomes a product—users, pricing, distribution, and real adoption.
A live analytics competition where participants solve timed Excel-based data challenges, earn points, and compete for a top score.
Why it matters: Strengthens analytical thinking and decision-making skills used in engineering, business, and operations.
Open to everyone worldwide — beginners, advanced builders, and non-tech majors welcome. No prior experience needed. Ages 16+ accepted (under 18 requires parental or guardian consent).
Two ways to participate with shared tracks, judges, and perks.
One registration covers both sessions: Use the same OneStopForm registration form, then choose Session A (online & synchronous), Session B (in-person), or both. Exact room details for the in-person session are found on the agenda. Use Bevy calendar RSVP, Devpost submission portal, and Agenda for both sessions.
Code or hardware project. Build a solution centered on mechanical, electrical, embedded, or hardware innovation (sensors, devices, robotics, automation, wearables, IoT, energy, manufacturing, etc.). Prototypes should be realistic to pilot within 3–12 months.
Required focus (both sessions): your solution should be oriented toward a first responder app/workflow enhanced with AI (see “sample prompts” after kickoff).
Shark Tank–style pitch. Design a no-code startup, program, or business model that commercializes a hardware-first idea. Clearly define your customer, validate the problem, and present a go-to-market plan, sustainability model, and impact strategy.
Required focus (both sessions): the venture should support first responders and show how AI improves outcomes, speed, coordination, or safety.
A live, esports-style Excel competition where participants solve real-world data challenges in timed rounds. Challenges focus on data cleaning, formulas, logic, analysis, and interpretation. Participants earn points based on accuracy and completion, with a single top-scoring winner determined at the end.
The Live Challenge Track takes place during Session B (In-Person). Participation details, challenge access, and rules will be released during the event and listed on the official agenda.
Open to beginners and advanced participants. No prior Excel or data analytics experience is required.
Full prompts for each track unlock only after the opening ceremony for each session. Session A will publish sample prompts at kickoff; Session B will do the same in-person.
Join us in person for a focused 12-hour sprint with live workshops, mentors, food, swag, and closing demos. Find the building and room number in the event agenda.
Refer to the Shared Registration Steps (Both Sessions) above for OneStop, Devpost, Bevy, and Discord instructions.
The sample prompts and full prompt structure will be unveiled live at the in-person opening ceremony on Sat, Feb 14 @ 10:00 AM ET. Until then, prompts remain hidden on this page.
Countdown to prompt reveal (ET): calculating…
See the Shared Registration Steps (Both Sessions) above for full details on perks, Devpost setup, Discord, and GitHub requirements.
Prefer to build remotely? Session A is online & synchronous with checkpoints, mentor support, and a multi-day build window from Feb 6 to Feb 14.
Refer to the Shared Registration Steps (Both Sessions) above for OneStop, Devpost, Bevy, and Discord instructions.
The sample prompts and full prompt structure will be unveiled at the online kickoff on Fri, Feb 6 @ 10:00 PM ET. Until then, prompts remain hidden on this page.
Countdown to prompt reveal (ET): calculating…
Online participants receive access to perks such as APIs, subscriptions, and credits when eligible. Prize details for this edition are available in the hackathon agenda and on the Devpost “Prizes” card.