About the challenge
MacHacks 2026 is a one-day, MLH Hack Days–powered hackathon hosted by the McMaster Artificial Intelligence Society on March 21, 2026 at McMaster University.
This 12-hour innovation sprint challenges participants to design and build a technical solution that incorporates an Artificial Intelligence or Machine Learning component. MacHacks is designed to be accessible and beginner-friendly while still offering experienced hackers the opportunity to innovate under tighter time constraints.
Get started
- Register for MacHacks 2026
- Form a team (1–4 participants)
- Build your AI-powered project during the 12-hour hackathon
- Submit your project on Devpost by 6:00 PM
- Join us for the winner announcement at 8:00 PM
No prior hackathon experience is required. Mentors, workshops, and AI-focused support will be available throughout the event.
Requirements
What to Build
Participants must build a software-based project that includes an AI or Machine Learning component during the official hackathon period.
The AI/ML component may include (but is not limited to):
- Large Language Models (LLMs)
- Computer Vision
- Predictive modeling
- Recommendation systems
- Generative AI
- Data-driven automation
- NLP or speech processing
Projects must:
- Be started during the hackathon
- Include meaningful new work completed during the event
- Demonstrate real technical implementation of AI/ML (not just API calls without integration or explanation)
- Comply with MLH and MacHacks Code of Conduct
Pre-existing code or models may be used, but prior work must be disclosed and significantly extended during the hackathon.
What to Submit
All projects must be submitted on Devpost by 6:00 PM on March 21, 2026.
Each submission must include:
- Project name
- Project description (including how AI/ML is used)
- List of team members
- A GitHub repository link or working prototype
- Clear setup instructions for judges
Optional but encouraged:
- Screenshots
- Presentation slides
- Live demo link
Late or incomplete submissions may not be eligible for judging.
Winners will be announced at 8:00 PM.
Prizes
Best Overall Hack — First Place
Awarded to the team that builds the best overall hack at MacHacks 2026. Judges will evaluate projects based on innovation, technical implementation, creativity, impact, and presentation quality. Both hardware and software projects will be evaluated fairly using the same criteria.
Prize: Each member of the winning team will receive a Logitech M720 Triathlon Multi-Device Wireless Mouse.
Best Overall Hack — Second Place
Awarded to the team with the second-best overall project at MacHacks 2026. Judges will evaluate submissions based on innovation, technical implementation, creativity, impact, and presentation quality. Both hardware and software projects will be evaluated fairly on the same criteria.
Prize: Each member of the winning team will receive a JBL Go 4 Ultra-Portable Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker.
Best Overall Hack — Third Place
Awarded to the team with the third-best overall project at MacHacks 2026. Judges will evaluate submissions based on innovation, technical implementation, creativity, impact, and presentation quality. Both hardware and software projects will be evaluated fairly on the same criteria.
Prize: A $40 Amazon gift card will be awarded to each member of the winning team.
Healthy Aging Challenge (NSERC SMAP CREATE) — First Place
Healthy Aging Challenge (NSERC SMAP CREATE) — Second Place
Healthy Aging Challenge (NSERC SMAP CREATE) — Third Place
Best Use of Gemini API
Awarded to the team that creates the most innovative and impactful project using the Google Gemini API.
Teams are encouraged to explore the capabilities of Gemini to build intelligent, creative, and practical AI-powered applications. Projects may include applications such as conversational assistants, research summarization tools, creative content generation, or other novel uses of Gemini.
Judges will evaluate submissions based on creativity, effective use of the Gemini API, technical implementation, and overall impact.
Prize: Google swag awarded to each member of the winning team.
Take a Painful Academic Process and Make It 10× Less Painful
Awarded to the team that redesigns a frustrating or time-consuming academic process and makes it significantly easier, clearer, or more efficient using AI.
Teams should identify a real and recognizable pain point in academic life (such as course registration, group project coordination, or assignment management) and build a solution that meaningfully reduces friction for students.
To be eligible for this prize, at least one team member must attend the MacAI Workshop: “The Power of Artificial Intelligence in Academic Systems.”
Judges will evaluate projects based on how well the problem is identified, the effectiveness of the redesign, creativity of the solution, and the clarity of the final presentation.
Prize: Each member of the winning team will receive a $30 Amazon gift card.
Devpost Achievements
Submitting to this hackathon could earn you:
Judges
Michael Wilson
Rong Zheng
Fazmin Nizam
Ammar Mahmood
Ved Thakar
Kamal Barati
Reza Heydarian
Kurlan Beeharry
Adem Cehajic
Judging Criteria
-
Innovation & Creativity
How original and creative is the project idea? Judges will evaluate how uniquely the team approaches the problem and how thoughtfully AI is used in the solution. -
Technical Implementation
How effectively was the project built? Judges will consider the quality of the implementation, whether hardware, software, or a combination of both, including functionality, integration, and overall technical effort. -
Impact & Usefulness
Does the project address a meaningful problem or create real value? Judges will evaluate the potential real-world impact and usefulness of the solution. -
Presentation & Demo
How clearly did the team communicate their idea and demonstrate their project? Judges will evaluate the clarity of the explanation, quality of the demo, and overall presentation.
Questions? Email the hackathon manager
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