Dates

HackTheEast 2026 will take place February 28, 2026-March 1, 2026 as an IN-PERSON event in Hong Kong.

Feb 28, 9:00AM - Hackathon starts at Cyberport

Mar 1, 9:00AM - Submission deadline for Github repo link

We believe the best hackathon experience comes from face-to-face collaboration, spontaneous conversations, and the energy of building together in one space. Registration opens December 1, 2025. Spots are limited, so we recommend applying early.

Eligibility

HackTheEast is open to currently enrolled university students and recent graduates (within 3 years of graduation). Participants must be at least 18 years old or have parental consent. All skill levels are welcome, from beginners to experienced developers. If you graduated more than a year ago, you won't be able to participate as a hacker, but we'd love to have you as a mentor or volunteer!

Prizes

Total Award Prizes: HK$ 100K+

• 1st Place: The undisputed winners of HackTheEast, earning the top podium spot with groundbreaking innovation. They take home the largest cash prizes, prime investor connections, and fast-tracked roles at Hong Kong's top tech firms and startups.
• 2nd Place: Securing second place with tough, resilient builds and strong execution. These runners-up claim hefty cash prizes, valuable investor intros, and priority internships at Hong Kong's top tech firms and startups.
• 3rd Place: Grabbing the third podium spot with bold innovation and reliable delivery. These finishers score solid cash prizes, meaningful investor connections, and strong internship pathways at Hong Kong's top tech firms and startups.
• Additional Prizes 
  • Express VPN Award: 25,000 HKD
  • Minimax Award:15,000 HKD
  • OAX Award:15,000 HKD
  • Abelian Award:USDT 1000 x 2