Introduction

Welcome to MacHacks 2026!

This page contains tools, documentation, and support resources to help you build your AI-powered project during the hackathon. Whether you're new to AI or an experienced developer, we’ve curated materials to help you get started quickly.

Mentors will also be available throughout the event to provide technical guidance and feedback.

Tools and Technologies

Participants may use any programming language, framework, or tech stack.

Since all projects must include an AI/ML component, here are some commonly used tools you may consider:

AI / ML Tools

  • Gemini API (for sponsor challenge participants)
  • Open-source LLMs
  • TensorFlow
  • PyTorch
  • Scikit-learn
  • Hugging Face
  • OpenCV

Web & App Development

  • React / Next.js
  • Node.js
  • Flask / FastAPI
  • Firebase
  • Supabase

Data & Visualization

  • Pandas
  • NumPy
  • Matplotlib
  • Streamlit

You are not restricted to these tools, they are suggestions only. Specific sponsor challenge requirements (e.g., Gemini API track details) will be shared before or during the event.

Inspiration

Not sure what to build? Consider projects related to:

  • AI tools for student productivity
  • Accessibility & inclusion technology
  • AI-powered study assistants
  • Mental health & wellness tech
  • Campus or community problem-solving
  • Generative AI creativity tools
  • Data-driven decision support systems

The best projects often solve real problems in simple but impactful ways.

Contact Us & Support Channels

If you need help during the hackathon:

  • Ask a mentor onsite
  • Email: macai@mcmaster.ca
  • Reach out to volunteers/MacHacks team onsite
  • Ask in the Discord!

We encourage participants to ask questions early and often.

We recommend reviewing:

  • MLH Code of Conduct
  • Gemini API documentation (for sponsor challenge participants)
  • GitHub documentation
  • Introductory AI/ML tutorials (if you're new)

More resources and workshop materials will be shared during the event.