Hack the North 2026 — Forum / Summit

Hack the North 2026 brings more than 1,000 students to the University of Waterloo to create software or hardware projects in 36 hours. The in-person event runs from September 18 to 20, 2026, and welcomes both first-time and experienced hackers.

Participants can form teams of up to four and use workshops, mentors, hardware, and other technical resources during the weekend. The 2026 hacker application window is closed.

Benefits & funding

Admission is free.
Food and accommodation are provided for the event.
Participants receive access to workshops, mentors, sponsors, hardware, and technical resources.
Accepted participants outside Waterloo may receive travel support; reimbursement limits and eligible travel options depend on the location shown in the participant dashboard and compliance with the travel rules.

Eligibility

Students at any education level from any country may apply.
People who are not currently students may contact hello@hackthenorth.com to discuss a possible exemption.
Participants must be at least 13 years old.
All skill and hackathon-experience levels are welcome.
Attendance is in person at the University of Waterloo in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada.

Can you apply?

Here's who can apply

Decoded from the official rules. A free account checks them against your passport, degree and age in seconds.

Age requirement
≥ 13 yrs

Check my eligibility — free

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Application process

1
Monitor the official site or mailing list for the next hacker application window.
2
When applications reopen, complete the hacker application through the official portal before its stated deadline.
3
Accepted participants who need travel support should follow the RSVP dashboard and travel-guideline requirements.

Program timeline

Hacker application deadline
July 27, 2026, 11:59 PM EDT
Program starts
September 18, 2026
Program ends
September 20, 2026