HackMIT 2026 brings more than 1,000 undergraduate hackers from over 200 schools to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology campus. Participants form teams of up to four and build new software or hardware projects during a 24-hour weekend event.
The HackMIT Team also runs sponsor workshops, mentorship, mini-events and four optional project tracks. Projects may compete for general, beginner, track and team-challenge prizes.
Benefits & funding
- Admission is free and includes meals from Saturday breakfast through Sunday lunch, snacks, workshops, mentorship, hardware loans, resources and event merchandise.
- The event advertises more than USD 100,000 in prizes across general, beginner, track and other categories.
- Attendees may receive travel reimbursement up to a regional cap if they meet the travel-policy deadlines and submit a complete project.
- Participants from outside the Boston area may request matching with an MIT student host for a place to sleep and shower, subject to availability.
Eligibility
- Applicants must be enrolled in a degree-seeking undergraduate program in fall 2026; MIT M.Eng students are also eligible.
- High-school students, including those dual-enrolled in college courses, and students who graduate before the event are not eligible.
- Participants must be at least 18 by September 19, 2026, unless they are MIT students.
- The official site welcomes students from around the globe and states no nationality or residence restriction.
- No prior hackathon experience is required.
Can you apply?
Here's who can apply
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Education required
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Application process
- 1Sign in to the Plume portal and complete the HackMIT 2026 application.
- 2Submit the application by July 4, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time.
- 3Check for the anticipated admission decision in late July and, if admitted, complete the confirmation form expected in early August.
- 4Applicants using the Admissions Puzzle route must still submit the application.
Program timeline
Applications opened
June 8, 2026
Application deadline
July 4, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time
Admission decisions anticipated
Late July 2026
Confirmation form anticipated
Early August 2026
Hack Week
September 12–18, 2026
HackMIT starts
September 19, 2026
HackMIT ends
September 20, 2026