HackRPI 2026 is getting ready for take off! Join us for an exciting 24-hour hackathon where we prepare to bring innovations to new heights. The event will take place on November 7th - 8th at the Darrin Communications Center (DCC) on RPI's campus in Troy, New York. This year's theme, "In the Clouds," aims to challenge you to design projects that take flight---whether literally or figuratively. Develop projects using emerging technologies or elevate existing solutions to greater heights. The sky's the limit!
HackRPI is perfect for all sorts of students, from seasoned developers to complete beginners. We welcome all skill levels, so even if you've never written a line of code, there's a place for you here! Feel free to come alone and find your team here, or bring a group of up to 4 members total. Either way, you'll have access to mentors, workshops, and a collaborative environment designed to help you succeed.
Our event features high-quality workshops led by professors, sponsors, and RPI students, covering the ins and outs of the skills you'll need to bring your ideas to life. Whether you're looking to learn something new or improve your existing skills, these workshops are tailored to support participants at all levels.
Don't miss out on the chance to turn your ideas into reality, connect with like-minded individuals and compete for amazing prizes. HackRPI 2026 is simply the place to be!
Register now and craft projects that takes us in the clouds and beyond!
Requirements
HackRPI 2026: In the Clouds challenges you to design projects that take flight. Elevate existing solutions to newer, grander heights or even create something new with emerging technologies. We're excited to see what you come up with! After all, the sky's the limit (or is it?) !
In addition to the main theme, there will be several subcategories available, allowing you to explore and submit projects that may stray from the central theme. These categories are optional, so please remember to opt-in for them!
What to Submit
Submit your project on Devpost and give a brief 2-4 minute presentation to judges at our project fair. Make to submit your project on Devpost by 9 AM on Sunday, Nov. 8th! Once you submit, you can continue editing up until the submission deadline at 11 AM - so remember to submit early and refine afterwards!
To submit on Devpost, register for this event, upload your project, and submit it to HackRPI 2026. For more information, we recommend this guide: https://help.devpost.com/article/122-how-to-enter-a-submission
Prizes
#1 Best Hack
#2 Best Hack
Best In The Clouds Hack
Fly sky high with during this hackathon and win a pair of Sony Headphones!
Best Machine Learning / Data Science Hack
Train your digital apprentice and turn data into discovery! As part of this prize track, develop your own model, combine data analysis and data visualization, and reveal some meaningful insights, outcomes or hidden trends. Win $400 in cash!
Best Sustainability Hack
Let's look towards greener fields ahead! Develop a project that addresses environmental concerns and brings us closer to a self-sustaining, eco-friendly future. Win $400!
Best Healthcare Hack
Build for better health! Create technology that addresses public health challenges, improves chances, and elevates community well-being. The winners take home $400!
#1 Best Ethical AI Agent Hack
#2 Best Ethical AI Agent Hack
#3 Best Ethical AI Agent Hack
Best Hardware Hack
Make something tangible! Bring your ideas from the psyche to the physical and win a mini 4K drone!
Best Artificial Intelligence Hack
Give your project an AI edge. Whether it's your own model or an API key, use AI as an integral part of your project and win an air fryer!
Best First Time Hack
First time at a hackathon? No worries! If more than half of your team is hacking for the first time, this track is for you. Make your big debut and win a Lego Technic Plane!
Best Game Hack
Work hard and play hard! Develop a game that's fun, challenging, and innovative, and win some Govee LED Blacklight Bars!
Best Mobile App Hack
Small tech, big impact. Build a simple, and intuitive app for phones or emulators and win a mini projector!
Devpost Achievements
Submitting to this hackathon could earn you:
Judges
Wes Turner
Professor of Practice at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Richard Plotka
Professor of Practice at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Konstantin Kuzmin
Sr. Lecturer at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Dan DiTursi
Sr. Lecturer at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Alex Gittens
Associate Professor at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Kathy Fontaine
Sr. Lecturer at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
John Sturman
Lecturer at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Judging Criteria
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Practicality & Utility
What problem do you want to solve? What impression do you get from the hack? Does it provide for a smooth user experience? Any future plans? -
Creativity
How original is your hack? Is this a novel idea or something that many people came across? How difficult is the problem you are solving? -
Technical Difficulty
How technically challenging was your project? How complex is your design? What different technologies did you use? -
Effort
Did you genuinely commit time and effort to this product? Did your team work together and all contribute? Did you learn from the experience?
Questions? Email the hackathon manager
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