About the challenge
HackUNCP 2026 is a premier AI hackathon bringing together students from universities and colleges nationwide for 24 hours of intense innovation at UNC Pembroke. Join us to build impactful solutions and collaborate with fellow students who share your passion for creating change.
This year, we're breaking new ground by welcoming both undergraduate and graduate students for the first time, creating a richer collaborative environment where different perspectives drive breakthrough solutions.
Participate completely free with all meals, snacks, and event swag provided. Choose from four focused tracks: AI for Education, AI for Healthcare, AI for Sustainability, and AI for Cybersecurity. Get direct mentorship from industry professionals, attend hands-on workshops and tech talks, compete for substantial prizes, and network with fellow innovators.
Join us February 21-22, 2026(Saturday - Sunday), at UNC Pembroke for an intensive weekend of building AI solutions that tackle real-world problems. This isn't just about winning - it's about pushing your limits, learning new skills, and creating projects that could genuinely impact people's lives.
Get started
All applications must be submitted through our official website: https://hackuncp.github.io/
Visit our site to apply, learn more about the tracks, explore our mission, and get all the details you need for this transformative experience. Ready to spend 24 hours creating innovative solutions? Apply now!
Organized by AI@UNCP - The student organization driving AI innovation at UNC Pembroke
Questions? Reach out to [email protected]
Interested in being a judge? Apply here: https://forms.gle/zNzxsp5oFzAW4BHz9
We kindly ask that you use the form to submit your application instead of emailing us.
Requirements
What to Build
Build innovative AI solutions that address real-world challenges in one of our four focused tracks: AI for Education, AI for Healthcare, AI for Sustainability, or AI for Cybersecurity. Your project must incorporate artificial intelligence components and demonstrate practical impact in your chosen domain.
Teams can consist of 1-4 members, and all participants must be registered through our official website at https://hackuncp.github.io/
What to Submit
- Presubmission Form - Link shared Saturday 10 PM EST, due Sunday 8 AM EST
- Devpost Project - One team member submits the project and adds all teammates
- Public GitHub Repository - Created during February 21-22, 2026 with your project code
- Demo Video - Maximum 2 minutes showcasing your solution
- Live Presentation - Present your project during judging sessions
- Track Selection - Choose your AI track (Education/Healthcare/Sustainability/Cybersecurity)
All submissions must be completed by Sunday, February 22nd at 11:00 AM EST. Projects must demonstrate AI integration and address real-world problems in your selected track.
Prizes
1st Place Overall
This prize does not include any cash.
2nd Place Overall
This prize does not include any cash.
3rd Place Overall
This prize does not include any cash.
AI for Healthcare Track Winner
This prize does not include any cash.
AI for Education Track Winner
This prize does not include any cash.
AI for Sustainability Track Winner
This prize does not include any cash.
AI for Cybersecurity Track Winner
This prize does not include any cash.
Devpost Achievements
Submitting to this hackathon could earn you:
Judges
HackUNCP
Judging Criteria
-
Innovation & Creativity (35%)
How original and inventive is your AI solution? -
Impact & Feasibility (35%)
How effectively does it solve real problems, and how practical is it for real-world use? -
Technical Excellence & Presentation (30%)
Code quality, AI implementation, and communication of your solution.
Questions? Email the hackathon manager
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