--- title: Where to find hackathons in 2026 | daily.dev description: Where to find hackathons in 2026, which sources match your goals, and what rules, deadlines, and IP checks to confirm before registering. canonical: https://daily.dev/blog/where-to-find-hackathons/ og:type: article og:url: https://daily.dev/blog/where-to-find-hackathons/ og:title: Where to find hackathons in 2026 | daily.dev og:description: Where to find hackathons in 2026, which sources match your goals, and what rules, deadlines, and IP checks to confirm before registering. og:image: https://media.daily.dev/image/upload/s--fEyS0DDA--/f_auto,q_auto/v1/recruiter-landing/6af7a64db3182d5f9f036c01_1794617388562_d3fbce72f0?_a=BAMAMiB80 og:site_name: daily.dev og:locale: en_US article:published_time: 2026-11-14 article:modified_time: 2026-11-14T01:15:51.515Z article:author: Daniela Torres twitter:card: summary_large_image twitter:site: @dailydotdev twitter:creator: @dailydotdev twitter:title: Where to find hackathons in 2026 | daily.dev twitter:description: Where to find hackathons in 2026, which sources match your goals, and what rules, deadlines, and IP checks to confirm before registering. twitter:image: https://media.daily.dev/image/upload/s--fEyS0DDA--/f_auto,q_auto/v1/recruiter-landing/6af7a64db3182d5f9f036c01_1794617388562_d3fbce72f0?_a=BAMAMiB80 --- **Start with Devpost for sponsor-backed challenges or MLH for student hackathons.** For late 2026, check MLH’s **2027 Season Schedule**. Before applying, confirm that registration is open - not just that the event page exists. These eight sources serve different goals, from finding local teammates to practicing machine learning: **Quick Comparison** | Source | Best for | What to check | | --- | --- | --- | | [Devpost](https://devpost.com/hackathons) | Portfolio projects and prizes | Open status, eligibility, and submission rules | | [Major League Hacking](https://mlh.io/seasons/2027/events) | Student learning and teamwork | Age, student status, and event schedule | | [Luma](https://lu.ma/) | Local hackathons and collaborators | Whether the listing is a hackathon, meetup, or talk | | [lablab.ai](https://lablab.ai/) | AI-focused projects | Required tools and build deadlines | | Kaggle | Machine learning practice | Data rules, scoring, and team deadlines | | Company developer blogs | API- and SDK-based challenges | Required products and sponsor terms | | University calendars | Campus events and student teams | Enrollment rules and application deadlines | | Online weekend hackathons | Short, remote builds | Build window, time zones, and mentor hours | **Choose by goal, then check the rules.** Look for mentors when learning, public project pages for [portfolio work](https://daily.dev/blog/how-to-build-a-standout-developer-portfolio-site), and listed awards for prize-focused events. Sponsor involvement alone does not mean access to recruiters. Before registering, confirm team limits, costs, ownership terms, and required demos or write-ups. Save the **full deadline date, time, and time zone** separately from the event dates. ::: @figure {Where to Find Hackathons in 2026: Choose by Goal} ## 1\. [Devpost](https://devpost.com/hackathons) Filter by **Open** status, deadline, location, and length to find active events fast. Check each listing before applying. [\[1\]](https://devpost.com/) Read the event rules, judging criteria, and submission requirements before entering. Use **Match my eligibility** to narrow your results. [\[2\]](https://tensorhack.com/guides/how-to-find-hackathons)[\[6\]](https://www.llms.blog/posts/ai-hackathons-beginners-where-to-find) Need teammates? Visit the event’s **Participants** page and mark yourself as looking for teammates. Check the team rules, too - they vary by event. [\[6\]](https://www.llms.blog/posts/ai-hackathons-beginners-where-to-find) Choose an event that fits your goal. For learning, look for **Beginner Friendly** tags and **Open Ended** themes. You can also compare prize options or browse public project galleries for ideas on your demo and write-up. [\[1\]](https://devpost.com/)[\[6\]](https://www.llms.blog/posts/ai-hackathons-beginners-where-to-find) Review the IP terms before preparing your submission, since it may become public. Record your demo video and polish your project description before the deadline. [\[6\]](https://www.llms.blog/posts/ai-hackathons-beginners-where-to-find) ## 2\. [Major League Hacking](https://mlh.io/) MLH is a solid place to find student hackathons. For late 2026, open the **2027 Season Schedule** and narrow your search with **This Month**, **Next Month**, **Region**, **Diversity Focused**, **Sponsored**, and tags such as **HIGH SCHOOL** or **HARDWARE**. [\[2\]](https://tensorhack.com/guides/how-to-find-hackathons) Check each event page for beginner workshops, mentor access, and team-formation sessions. Need teammates? Join the event’s Discord early and ask when team matching starts. [\[6\]](https://www.llms.blog/posts/ai-hackathons-beginners-where-to-find) **Read the event FAQ before registering.** Confirm enrollment requirements, minimum age, and whether high school students or graduates can participate. MLH Member Events are free, and at least 80% of attendees must be students. Travel support varies by event. [\[2\]](https://tensorhack.com/guides/how-to-find-hackathons)[\[4\]](https://dev.to/ojapio/top-5-places-to-find-hackathons-in-2026-for-indie-hackers-students-2cja) ## 3\. [Luma](https://lu.ma/) [Luma](https://lu.ma/) can help you find local events outside student networks, including off-campus hackathons and small weekend builds. Open **Discover**, select a city, and search for “hackathon” or “hack night” listings. City pages also include talks and meetups, so filter carefully. Subscribe to a city page to get alerts about new events. [\[2\]](https://tensorhack.com/guides/how-to-find-hackathons) **Organizers set the rules - not Luma.** Check the organizer’s page for the team format, venue, and application deadlines. [\[2\]](https://tensorhack.com/guides/how-to-find-hackathons)[\[6\]](https://www.llms.blog/posts/ai-hackathons-beginners-where-to-find) For AI-specific events, the next source offers a more targeted search. ## 4\. [lablab.ai](https://lablab.ai/) For **AI-focused hackathons**, head to [lablab.ai](https://lablab.ai/) instead of a broad directory. Before you register, check the event page for the format, deadline, rules, and required deliverables. ## 5\. Kaggle competitions Kaggle is best for **machine learning practice, not product demos**. Submission windows can run for weeks or months - a different pace from a weekend hackathon. It’s a better fit for evaluating models than shipping a project live. [\[6\]](https://www.llms.blog/posts/ai-hackathons-beginners-where-to-find) Kaggle supplies the dataset and task. Shared notebooks let you test ideas and share code, while free GPU access can reduce your need for powerful local hardware. **Read the evaluation criteria before training**: the leaderboard ranks submissions by the specified metric, not by how polished your project looks. [\[6\]](https://www.llms.blog/posts/ai-hackathons-beginners-where-to-find) If you’re new, look for **Getting Started** competitions. To [build your developer portfolio](https://daily.dev/blog/making-an-awesome-developer-portfolio), use public notebooks to show your approach and results. [\[6\]](https://www.llms.blog/posts/ai-hackathons-beginners-where-to-find) Before entering, read the rules carefully and accept them before downloading data. Check eligibility, restrictions on external data, team-size limits, deadlines for merging teams, and the final submission window. Solo entrants register as teams of one, and prize eligibility varies by competition. [\[6\]](https://www.llms.blog/posts/ai-hackathons-beginners-where-to-find) ## 6\. Company developer blogs Company developer blogs work best for hackathons built around a specific API or SDK - especially when the sponsor announces the event on its own blog first. Start with the company’s developer or engineering blog, then sign up through the official event page. The company may handle entries through [Devpost](https://devpost.com/hackathons) or [Devfolio](https://devfolio.co/). [\[4\]](https://dev.to/ojapio/top-5-places-to-find-hackathons-in-2026-for-indie-hackers-students-2cja)[\[5\]](https://www.knowledgesense.in/best-hackathon-websites-and-aggregators/) **Check the registration deadline, not just the event dates.** Screening or proposal deadlines may fall earlier, and the posted time zone may differ from yours. [\[2\]](https://tensorhack.com/guides/how-to-find-hackathons) Before choosing an idea, read the technical requirements. Sponsor tracks may require a specific model, API, or SDK. Also, check for named office hours or mentors to confirm that hands-on support is available. [\[5\]](https://www.knowledgesense.in/best-hackathon-websites-and-aggregators/)[\[6\]](https://www.llms.blog/posts/ai-hackathons-beginners-where-to-find) If you’re hoping to get hired, count recruiter involvement only when the organizer names recruiting staff or hiring sessions. **Technical judges aren’t necessarily recruiters**, and taking part doesn’t guarantee an interview. [\[5\]](https://www.knowledgesense.in/best-hackathon-websites-and-aggregators/)[\[6\]](https://www.llms.blog/posts/ai-hackathons-beginners-where-to-find) For student-only events, the next source is a better fit. ## 7\. University hackathons and campus calendars For student-run events and campus access, start with university event calendars and coding club pages rather than organizer blogs. Follow their links to the organizer’s site, then check eligibility, dates, and whether registration is open. The [Google Developer Groups (GDG)](https://gdg.community.dev/) chapter map lets you search by city for campus chapters that host hackathons and [Build with AI](https://developers.google.com/community/build-with-ai) events. [\[2\]](https://tensorhack.com/guides/how-to-find-hackathons)[\[6\]](https://www.llms.blog/posts/ai-hackathons-beginners-where-to-find) **A public listing does not mean open entry.** Check whether students from other schools, nonstudents, and minors can apply. Review degree and graduation-year rules, too. MLH member guidelines require at least 80% of attendees to be students. [\[2\]](https://tensorhack.com/guides/how-to-find-hackathons) Before traveling, confirm your acceptance, check-in rules, ID requirements, and housing details. If the event offers travel reimbursement, ask the organizer about its conditions. [\[2\]](https://tensorhack.com/guides/how-to-find-hackathons)[\[4\]](https://dev.to/ojapio/top-5-places-to-find-hackathons-in-2026-for-indie-hackers-students-2cja) Going solo? Look for a scheduled team-formation session or mixer. You can also find teammates through the event page or the organizer’s [Discord](https://discord.com/) before registration closes. If your goal is to learn, put access to mentors and beginner-friendly sessions ahead of the prize list. [\[4\]](https://dev.to/ojapio/top-5-places-to-find-hackathons-in-2026-for-indie-hackers-students-2cja)[\[6\]](https://www.llms.blog/posts/ai-hackathons-beginners-where-to-find) ## 8\. Online weekend hackathons For remote hackathons, check the **build window, team rules, and submission format** first. The event page is your main source for rules, deadlines, and teammate matching.[\[2\]](https://tensorhack.com/guides/how-to-find-hackathons)[\[6\]](https://www.llms.blog/posts/ai-hackathons-beginners-where-to-find) Some online hackathons are short, live sprints. Others give you more time to build at your own pace.[\[2\]](https://tensorhack.com/guides/how-to-find-hackathons)[\[6\]](https://www.llms.blog/posts/ai-hackathons-beginners-where-to-find) Choose a live event for real-time support and scheduled teamwork, or an asynchronous event for a more flexible schedule. Either way, check whether the event lists mentor office hours. If your teammates span time zones, coordinate through the event’s teammate tool or Discord before you start. Use these details to compare formats and find an event that fits your goals.[\[6\]](https://www.llms.blog/posts/ai-hackathons-beginners-where-to-find) Add the build deadline, office hours, and submission requirements to your local calendar. Then set aside time for any required **demo video and write-up**.[\[6\]](https://www.llms.blog/posts/ai-hackathons-beginners-where-to-find) ## Compare formats, entry rules, and goals **Check the deadline, rules, and format first.** Registration or screening may close weeks before the build date.[\[2\]](https://tensorhack.com/guides/how-to-find-hackathons) | Route | Where to look | Format and scheduling | | --- | --- | --- | | Devpost | Search by theme, then read the rules. | Online or in person; build windows vary.[\[6\]](https://www.llms.blog/posts/ai-hackathons-beginners-where-to-find) | | [Major League Hacking](https://mlh.io/) | Browse the season calendar, then check each event. | Many events run on weekends; check each organizer's schedule.[\[2\]](https://tensorhack.com/guides/how-to-find-hackathons)[\[6\]](https://www.llms.blog/posts/ai-hackathons-beginners-where-to-find) | | [Luma](https://lu.ma/) | Browse city pages and organizer calendars. | Local hack nights and city meetups.[\[2\]](https://tensorhack.com/guides/how-to-find-hackathons) | | [lablab.ai](https://lablab.ai/) | Check individual AI event listings. | Verify the live schedule and build window.[\[6\]](https://www.llms.blog/posts/ai-hackathons-beginners-where-to-find) | | Kaggle competitions | Read competition descriptions and rules. | Online; check entry, team-merger, and final submission deadlines separately.[\[6\]](https://www.llms.blog/posts/ai-hackathons-beginners-where-to-find) | | Company developer blogs | Follow official announcements and links to the rules. | Sponsor-specific dates and formats.[\[6\]](https://www.llms.blog/posts/ai-hackathons-beginners-where-to-find) | | University hackathons and campus calendars | Check campus listings and application pages. | Screening can take place before the event.[\[2\]](https://tensorhack.com/guides/how-to-find-hackathons) | | Online weekend hackathons | Check upcoming listings, then visit the organizer's page. | Confirm that "weekend" refers to the build window, not just the closing event.[\[6\]](https://www.llms.blog/posts/ai-hackathons-beginners-where-to-find) | Next, check who can enter and what you'll need to submit. **Student-focused doesn't mean students-only.** Each event sets its own eligibility rules. | Route | Student, age, and location checks | Team, technology, account, and deliverable checks | | --- | --- | --- | | Devpost | Check the event's academic and location rules.[\[6\]](https://www.llms.blog/posts/ai-hackathons-beginners-where-to-find) | Check team limits, required technology, accounts, and demo requirements.[\[6\]](https://www.llms.blog/posts/ai-hackathons-beginners-where-to-find) | | MLH | Check collegiate, high school, and local eligibility.[\[2\]](https://tensorhack.com/guides/how-to-find-hackathons) | Confirm team limits, permitted work, registration, and judging requirements.[\[2\]](https://tensorhack.com/guides/how-to-find-hackathons)[\[6\]](https://www.llms.blog/posts/ai-hackathons-beginners-where-to-find) | | Luma | Read the host's admission and venue rules. | Check the organizer's rules. | | lablab.ai | Check event eligibility. | Confirm [AI tools for developers](https://daily.dev/blog/the-best-ai-tools-for-developers-in-2024), team limits, accounts, and submission format. | | Kaggle competitions | Read eligibility restrictions. | Accept the rules; check team limits, permitted data, and submission requirements.[\[6\]](https://www.llms.blog/posts/ai-hackathons-beginners-where-to-find) | | Company developer blogs | Check age, geography, and student status.[\[6\]](https://www.llms.blog/posts/ai-hackathons-beginners-where-to-find) | Check named API, SDK, or product requirements, accounts, team limits, deliverables, and IP terms.[\[6\]](https://www.llms.blog/posts/ai-hackathons-beginners-where-to-find) | | University hackathons and campus calendars | Check enrollment, degree, age, and visitor restrictions.[\[2\]](https://tensorhack.com/guides/how-to-find-hackathons) | Check screening presentations and final project requirements.[\[2\]](https://tensorhack.com/guides/how-to-find-hackathons) | | Online weekend hackathons | Check location and age restrictions.[\[6\]](https://www.llms.blog/posts/ai-hackathons-beginners-where-to-find) | Confirm solo entry, team limits, tools, accounts, and submission rules.[\[6\]](https://www.llms.blog/posts/ai-hackathons-beginners-where-to-find) | Then match the event to your goal. **Look for evidence, not marketing claims.** Mentors and beginner content point to learning support. Team-formation sessions suggest help finding teammates. Sponsor involvement may get your work seen, but it doesn't guarantee recruiter access or a job. Count only prizes listed in the official rules.[\[6\]](https://www.llms.blog/posts/ai-hackathons-beginners-where-to-find) | Route | Strongest goal fit | Evidence to look for | | --- | --- | --- | | Devpost | Portfolios; prize opportunities | Project galleries and prize listings.[\[6\]](https://www.llms.blog/posts/ai-hackathons-beginners-where-to-find) | | MLH | Learning; finding teammates | Mentors, beginner content, and team matching.[\[6\]](https://www.llms.blog/posts/ai-hackathons-beginners-where-to-find) | | Luma | Meeting local collaborators | Hack nights and city meetups. | | lablab.ai | AI learning; portfolio projects | Required AI technology and a project output you can show. | | Kaggle competitions | Modeling practice | Datasets, evaluation metrics, and "Getting Started" competitions.[\[6\]](https://www.llms.blog/posts/ai-hackathons-beginners-where-to-find) | | Company developer blogs | Sponsor visibility; product learning | Named sponsor involvement and clear technical requirements.[\[6\]](https://www.llms.blog/posts/ai-hackathons-beginners-where-to-find) | | University hackathons and campus calendars | Learning; student collaboration | Published eligibility and team arrangements.[\[2\]](https://tensorhack.com/guides/how-to-find-hackathons) | | Online weekend hackathons | A tightly scoped portfolio project | A clear brief and enough time to finish.[\[6\]](https://www.llms.blog/posts/ai-hackathons-beginners-where-to-find) | Before leaving the page, save the exact deadline details. For any 2026 deadline, record the **full date, time, and exact time zone** shown by the organizer. Keep the application deadline separate from the event date.[\[2\]](https://tensorhack.com/guides/how-to-find-hackathons) ## Pros and cons of each source Compare **format, support, and eligibility** to narrow your search before opening each event’s rules page. | Source | Main advantage | Main limitation | | --- | --- | --- | | [Devpost](https://devpost.com/hackathons) | Best for polished portfolio submissions. | In-person events may take extra searching to find. | | [Major League Hacking](https://mlh.io/) | Best for student events with built-in support. | Student eligibility rules can limit your options. | | [Luma](https://lu.ma/) | Best for nearby, community-run events. | Listings include talks and meetups alongside hackathons. | | [lablab.ai](https://lablab.ai/) | A focused place to find AI projects. | Fewer suitable options for non-AI ideas. | | Kaggle competitions | Structured machine learning practice. | Not a typical weekend build. | | Company developer blogs | Best for sponsor-specific challenges. | Product requirements can limit what you build. | | University hackathons and campus calendars | A fast way to find [campus-run student events](https://daily.dev/blog/how-to-get-started-with-software-development-first-steps). | Admission may depend on enrollment or screening. | | Online weekend hackathons | Short build windows help keep project scope tight. | Less time for setup or troubleshooting. | **Read the official terms before registering.** Check intellectual property (IP), data use, judging, awards, location limits, and taxes. If anything is unclear, ask the organizer before submitting. Next, narrow your choice by your goal and the event’s rules. ## Choose a hackathon and check the rules After comparing sources, check these details before registering. **Pick an event that fits your goal - or skip it.** If you’re aiming for prizes, look for sponsor-backed challenges and read the judging rubric first.[\[6\]](https://www.llms.blog/posts/ai-hackathons-beginners-where-to-find) **Make sure you can still enter.** Check the official event page to confirm registration is open. Note both the registration and submission deadlines, including their time zones.[\[2\]](https://tensorhack.com/guides/how-to-find-hackathons) Check what you’ll need to build, then **read the ownership and licensing terms**, including any rights you grant to sponsors.[\[2\]](https://tensorhack.com/guides/how-to-find-hackathons)[\[6\]](https://www.llms.blog/posts/ai-hackathons-beginners-where-to-find) Plan your submission alongside the build. Confirm the requirements for the [GitHub](https://github.com/) repository, demo video, and project description. Set aside time to prepare them, and follow the organizer’s official updates.[\[2\]](https://tensorhack.com/guides/how-to-find-hackathons)[\[6\]](https://www.llms.blog/posts/ai-hackathons-beginners-where-to-find) For related developer posts and discussions, you can also check [daily.dev](https://daily.dev/). It’s a supplement, not a hackathon directory or registration source. ## FAQs ### How much coding experience do I need for a hackathon? You usually don’t need much coding experience to join a hackathon, but you should be comfortable following its setup and build instructions. Many events welcome beginners, including student-focused MLH events and Devpost events tagged “beginner friendly.” Others may expect more experience. **Before you sign up**, check the eligibility requirements, team-size rules, and required technologies. If you’re new, look for an event with a beginner-friendly theme. ### How can I tell if a hackathon is legitimate? Check the original event page to verify the organizer and rules. Confirm whether participation is free, check registration or screening deadlines, and review eligibility and team size requirements [\[1\]](https://devpost.com/). **Treat judging fees as a red flag** [\[1\]](https://devpost.com/). For U.S. university events, start with Major League Hacking’s hack days schedule. For sponsor-run or online hackathons, review the key details in Devpost listings before signing up [\[2\]](https://tensorhack.com/guides/how-to-find-hackathons)[\[3\]](https://www.mlh.com/programs/hack-days/events). ### Can I enter a hackathon with an existing project? Rules vary by event. Some hackathons allow existing projects, but many require you to write all code during the event so everyone competes on equal terms. **Check the rules or terms of service on the event page before you start.** Organizers may let you use an existing project if you disclose it or build an entirely new feature. Using code you wrote before the event without permission can get you disqualified. ```json {"@context":"https://schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https://daily.dev/#organization","name":"daily.dev","url":"https://daily.dev","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https://daily.dev/og-image.png?v=a830cdf1","width":1200,"height":630},"sameAs":["https://twitter.com/dailydotdev","https://www.linkedin.com/company/dailydotdev","https://github.com/dailydotdev","https://www.instagram.com/dailydotdev"]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https://daily.dev/#website","url":"https://daily.dev","name":"daily.dev","description":"Free, personalized developer news aggregator. 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