Dates

January 23 – 25, 2026

 

Eligibility

1. Open to all university students at both undergraduate and graduate levels from Georgia Tech and other institutions.

2. Participants may compete solo* or in teams of up to 4 members. Interdisciplinary teams are encouraged.

*Solo participants are permitted, but must attend the official team mixer during the event and check in with an event organizer to confirm participation status.

 

Project and Submission Requirements

Track Selection

Participants must select one of the following tracks:

Renewables
Renewable energy harnesses natural resources such as sunlight, wind, and water to generate clean and sustainable power. This track explores innovations in solar, wind, hydro, and other renewable technologies to support a resilient energy future.

Electrification & Mobility
This track focuses on transforming transportation and infrastructure through electric vehicles, charging networks, and clean power integration to enable efficient, low emission mobility systems.

Smart Grid
Smart grid technologies integrate digital systems with traditional power networks to enhance reliability, efficiency, and sustainability through intelligent energy management, real time monitoring, and grid modernization.

 

Deliverables

One participant from each team must submit the following via Devpost:

Project Report including:

  • Track chosen

  • Problem statement

  • Ideation and development process

  • Proposed solution

Code Repository

  • A public link to the team’s GitHub repository containing all project code

  • Hardware teams must provide a public link to design files or documentation

 

Prizes

Teams are eligible for the following overall cash prizes:

  • Best Overall Hack: $500

  • Second Best Hack: $300

  • Third Best Hack: $200

 

Judging Criteria and Winner Selection

Projects will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

Technical Expertise
Demonstrates strong technical skills and innovative problem solving through effective use of advanced concepts and tools.

Design and Functionality
Showcases thoughtful design, usability, and user interaction, with creativity or innovation that delivers a clear wow factor.

Real World Relevance
Addresses a meaningful energy challenge with a practical solution that aligns with industry standards or policy considerations.

Presentation Quality
Communicates the solution clearly and effectively through a compelling demonstration supported by strong visuals and explanation.

 

Rules

Start Time
Hacking begins at 9:00 PM on Friday, January 23, 2026. Prior to this time, teams may brainstorm ideas and set up GitHub repositories, but no designing, coding, or project implementation is allowed.

Original Work
All work must be created during the hackathon. Pre existing projects are not permitted, though publicly available tools, libraries, and datasets may be used.

Submission Deadline
Projects must be submitted by 12:00 PM on Sunday, January 25, 2026. Late submissions will not be accepted.

Code of Conduct and Inclusivity
Participants are expected to maintain a respectful and inclusive environment at all times. Harassment, discrimination, or inappropriate behavior toward participants, mentors, judges, or organizers will not be tolerated and may result in disqualification.