GDG McMaster Mac-a-Thon 2026

Note: This hackathon is only open to individuals who have already recieved an acceptance email from GDG McMasterU.

Important Info

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

📍 L.R. Wilson, McMaster University

👥 University/College Students from any Post-Secondary Institution

📝 Signups: Closed

NOTE: Overnight accommodations are not provided. Attendees are responsible for their own overnight arrangements.

About the challenge

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!

Hacking

This year's hackathon is similar to the previous 'Solutions challenge' and 'Build with AI' hackathon, with optional events beginning on Friday, hacking and workshops commencing on Saturday, and judging 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!

Schedule

For more details about the hackathon schedule and associated room allocations, please refer to your hacker package, which should have been sent out to your email prior to the hackathon.

FAQs

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

Mac-a-Thon is open to 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. 6 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 opening ceremony. 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 prize category - 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".