Mac-a-Thon 2026 Signups are available at our website: https://mac-a-thon.gdgmcmaster.ca/

🚨🚨Important Info🚨🚨

📆 Friday Feb 6th, 2026 - Sunday Feb 8th, 2026

📍 L.R. Wilson (LRW) Hall, McMaster University

👥 High School and University/College Students from any Post-Secondary Institution

📝 Signups close on January 18th, 2026. See details below on who can RSVP.

This year, we will be hosting a 2-day in-person hackathon with many fun and fascinating workshops and events. This event is open to all skill levels, from novices to experts, and is perfect for anyone who wants to start a new project, learn something new, or meet new like-minded individuals!

RSVP Details:

Official signups for this event have now closed - this event's RSVP will open once hacker applicants receive a confirmation email to RSVP for this event.

Hacking:

This year's hackathon is similar to the previous 'Solutions challenge' and 'Build with AI' hackathon, with events and hacking beginning on Friday, workshops commencing on Saturday, and wrap-up taking place on Sunday. Our hackathon aims to accommodates individuals with any skill level and background knowledge on software and artificial intelligence - no prior experience is required! Event theme, prize categories and goals will be announced during the Opening ceremony.

Social Media:

Learn more about our hackathon and other events across our committee from our Discord and Instagram!

NOTE: Unfortunately, we will not be able to provide overnight accommodations. Attendees will be responsible for their own overnight arrangements.

Communication:
Announcements for this event will be sent on our Discord, which you can join by clicking this link: https://discord.gg/6DvEq4eXD8.

FAQs:

1. Who can participate? What if I don't have any experience?

Mac-a-Thon is open to secondary and post-secondary students of all experience levels, from beginners to advanced developers.

2. Do I need to have a team to participate? What is the team size limit?

No! You can participate solo or in a team of 2-4 people. You do not need to have a team decided when you are applying.

3. Is Mac-a-Thon free to attend?

Yes - Food will be provided for the duration of the event. We also have swag and prizes available!

4. Do I have to attend Friday's event?

The Intro to Hacking workshop on Friday Feb. 6th is optional. Feb. 7th and 8th are mandatory to attend. Please look at the schedule below for more details.

5. Will overnight accommodation be provided?

No - Mac-a-Thon does not include overnight accommodation. Students should arrange for a place to stay for the overnight portion of the hackathon.

6. Will there be travel reimbursements?

Mac-a-Thon will not be provided travel reimbursements for this event.

7. What do I need to bring?

Hackers should bring a laptop, charger, headphones, a reusable water bottle and any other equipment they may want to use to develop their project. Food and drinks will be provided for the duration of the event.

8. When can I start working on my project?

Your project is to be developed within the time constraints of the hackathon - therefore, you cannot start hacking until after the official hacking start time. You may come up with and brainstorm ideas prior to the event. You may also use frameworks and other pre-built libraries in your project, as long as you credit it in your project documentation.

9. How many prize categories can I apply for?

You may apply for one general prize category, and multiple MLH prize categories - this qualifies your project for that specific prize category as well as the 'Overall Best Hack' and runner-up prize.

10. What is a hackathon?

A hackathon is an event where students "hack" together and create an app, website, game, etc. in 24-48 hours. There will be no malicious "hacking".

Contact us!

Do you have a different question for us? Are you interested in becoming a mentor or judge for the Mac-a-Thon? Contact us at gdsc@mcmaster.ca!