Welcome to HackHayward 2026

HackHayward 2026, hosted at California State University, East Bay, is a 24-hour, in-person collegiate hackathon centered on the theme “Build With AI & an Entrepreneurial Eye.” The Spring 2026 event brings together students from diverse disciplines to ideate, build, and pitch AI-driven solutions to real-world problems while receiving entrepreneurship guidance and technical mentorship. Supported by sponsors including Amazon, Google, IBM, CAHSI, Cursor, Perplexity, OMI and the College of Science & Engineering at CSUEB, HackHayward 2026 provides participants with access to industry engagement, mentorship, and resources designed to help transform innovative AI concepts into viable, real-world ventures.

Requirements

What to Build

We encourage you to be creative and build projects that excite you within the realm of AI and AI-driven entrepreneurship.

What to Submit

GitHub Repository Link (Required)
  • Make your codebase publicly accessible on GitHub.
  • Ensure the repository includes well-organized code and a README file with setup instructions.
Project Photos (Required)
  • Include photos of prototypes, or team collaboration.
  • Enhance visual appeal and provide context for your submission.
Pitch Deck (Required)
  • Submit a slide deck (PDF) to pitch and explain your project. 
  • A minimum deck featuring: Problem, Solution, Market/Opportunity,Team
  • Highlight key features, innovations, and technology choices.
Video Demonstration (Optional but Recommended)
  • Create a short video (maximum 2 minutes) showcasing your application in action.
  • Demonstrate key features, functionality, and user experience.
  • Highlight how your project addresses the problem and utilizes relevant technologies.
System Diagram & Flowchart (Optional)
  • Provide a visual representation of your application's architecture and workflow.
  • Include a system diagram illustrating the different components and their interactions.
  • Include a flowchart outlining the logical flow of complex processes or algorithms.
Hosting Link (Optional but Recommended)
  • Provide a live hosting link if your project is a web application or hosted service.
  • If hosting isn't applicable, mention this in your submission.

Important Notes:

  • Deadline: Ensure all materials are submitted on Devpost before the deadline.
  • Clarity & Completeness: Provide clear and complete submissions for effective evaluation.
  • Judging Criteria: Refer to the judging criteria document for evaluation guidelines.

Hackathon Sponsors

Prizes

9 non-cash prizes
AI Track (1st Place)
1 winner

Apple AirPods 4 for each team member

AI Track (2nd Place)
1 winner

Lenovo Tablet One for each team member

AI Track (3rd Place)
1 winner

Logitech Wireless Mouse for each team member

AI-Driven Entrepreneurship Track (1st Place)
1 winner

Apple AirPods 4 for each team member

AI-Driven Entrepreneurship Track (2nd Place)
1 winner

Lenovo Tablet One for each team member

AI-Driven Entrepreneurship Track (3rd Place)
1 winner

Logitech Wireless Mouse for each team member

Best UI/UX
1 winner

JBL Go 4 Portable Bluetooth Wireless Speaker for each team member

Best AI Depth & Integration
1 winner

JBL Go 4 Portable Bluetooth Wireless Speaker for each team member

Best Perplexity Use
1 winner

TBD TBD TBD

Devpost Achievements

Submitting to this hackathon could earn you:

Judges

Shane Kelly Reyes

Lynne Grewe

Sarmad Habib

Joshua Cupler

Joshua Cupler

Chanpreet Singh

Ujas Goti

Lynne Grewe Two

Judging Criteria

  • Problem & Value
    Is the problem meaningful and clearly defined? Does the solution create clear value?
  • Technical Execution
    Do core features work reliably? Is the build technically sound and thoughtfully engineered?
  • AI Depth & Integration
    Is AI central and meaningfully integrated? Is it more than a basic API call? Does it enhance the solution?
  • Entrepreneurial Strength
    Is the problem clearly defined & meaningful? Is the customer well identified? Does the solution show clear value and differentiation? Does the required pitch deck (problem, solution, market, team) communicate a compelling and credible venture concept?
  • Presentation
    Was the demo clear, organized, and confident? Did the team explain their thinking effectively?
  • UX/UI Design
    Evaluate how effectively the project delivers a seamless user experience, including intuitive UI design, by clearly solving real user problems visual clarity, innovation, and measurable impact.

Questions? Email the hackathon manager

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Hackathon sponsors

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