A hackathon is an event where participants collaborate intensively on projects to solve problems or create new innovations, all within a short time period.

Participation in the Vanier Hacks is completely free of charge.

Unfortunately there will be no overnight stays for the Winter 2026 Hackathon. You must leave the college before at the end of the night. If you use public transit, we urge you to refer to the STM schedule so you do not miss the last métro/bus. Day busses 16, 117 and 128; frequent busses 121 and 171; and night busses 368 and 380 have stops near the college. Métro stations and bus terminals Côte-Vertu and Du Collège are within walking distance of the college. If you come from outside of Montréal, we urge you to book a hotel or find a place to sleep.

You must bring your own laptop. We cannot guarantee that you will be able to use a Vanier computer. It is strongly recommended that every team member brings their own laptop.

You can register by visiting the registration page and filling out the form.

21st and 22nd of March 2026, starting at 8:00.

CÉGEP students are invited to participate. The hackathon is aimed towards Computer Science students at the CÉGEP level. If you are not a Computer Science student, you are still welcome to participate.

Prior knowledge in general programming is expected, though not necessary. Having experience with at least one programming language of your choice, a good understanding of basic network protocols and how to work with various file types such as XML and JSON will highly benefit the participants.

The maximum number of members per team is 4. You can come with a team or join by yourself, we'll automatically pair you up. Please indicate your team members in the registration form.

Day busses 16, 117 and 128; frequent busses 121 and 171; and night busses 368 and 380 have stops near the college. Métro stations and bus terminals Côte-Vertu and Du Collège are within walking distance of the college.

It is possible to get to Vanier College by car. Parking in the Vanier parking lots P6 and P7 will be free for all participants during the entire extent of the event (March 21-22).

Yes, meals will be provided. We will have breakfast, lunch, and dinner. There will also be snacks and drinks available throughout the hackathon. If you have dietary restrictions, please let us know in the registration form.

Along with your laptop, we recommend bringing a notebook and a water bottle. Please also bring your student ID.

If you can no longer attend, don't sweat it! Please let us know as soon as possible so another student can take your place.

Vanier College is an english CÉGEP and the main event will therefore be hosted mainly in English. Our organizers are fluent in both English and French if needed.

There will be a prize pool that you can choose from if you get 1st, 2nd, 3rd or an honorable mention. You will get to pick prizes in order of the win.