CrimsonCode Hackathon 2026

Overview

Welcome to CrimsonCode 2026—Washington State University’s premier 24-hour hackathon! Hosted by the WSU ACM, CrimsonCode brings together the brightest minds from across the Pacific Northwest to build, break, and innovate.

Whether you’re a first-time coder or a seasoned developer, this is your chance to turn a "what if" into a working prototype. You’ll have 24 hours to collaborate with a team, learn from industry mentors, and compete for a massive prize pool.

What Makes CrimsonCode Special?

• The Spark Experience: Located in WSU’s state-of-the-art Spark building, you’ll have access to top-tier tech, ergonomic workspaces, and plenty of "hacking fuel" (food!) throughout the night.

• A "Cougs Help Cougs" Environment: We pride ourselves on being a collaborative event. With workshops, mentors from top tech companies, and a dedicated team of organizers, you’re never hacking alone.

• In-Person Only: We believe the best ideas happen in person. CrimsonCode is a strictly physical event, fostering real connections and late-night brainstorming sessions you just can't get behind a screen.

Rules & Requirements

• Team Size: 1–4 members.

• Fresh Code: All code must be written during the 24-hour period. Using pre-existing templates or libraries is fine, but the core project must be new.

• Participation: You must be physically present at The Spark to be eligible for prizes.