Welcome to Hack-a-Thing @ NU 2026, an exciting hackathon where you get to design, build, and showcase your IoT and embedded systems projects.

This year, we’re providing Nordic Semiconductor development boards, giving you the chance to work with state-of-the-art hardware for wireless connectivity, sensors, and IoT applications. Whether you’re creating smart devices, connected systems, or embedded prototypes, the challenge is to turn your ideas into real, functioning solutions.

You’ll learn, connect, and build in a hands-on environment:

  • Learn the ins and outs of Nordic boards and IoT development.

  • Connect with fellow innovators, mentors, and industry experts.

  • Build your own projects from concept to prototype.

At the end of the hackathon, teams will demo their projects and compete for prizes while gaining valuable hands-on experience in embedded systems and IoT innovation.

Join us to hack the future - one connected device at a time!

Requirements

What to Build

Participants will use the provided Nordic Semiconductor microcontrollers to create innovative IoT or embedded systems projects. You can focus on one or more of the following use cases, or propose your own:

  • Smart Home / Automation: Connected devices, sensors, or actuators to simplify daily life.

  • Healthcare / Wellness: Wearables, monitoring devices, or health trackers.

  • Industrial IoT: Sensors, monitoring, or automation for real-world applications.

  • Environmental Monitoring: Air quality, water quality, or energy efficiency projects.

  • Anything Embedded / Connected: Use your creativity! As long as it’s functional and uses the microcontroller.

What to Submit / Submission Requirements

Participants must submit the following by the deadline:

Video Demo (2–5 minutes)

  • Show your project working in action.

  • Highlight the use of the Nordic microcontroller and key features.

Presentation / Slides

  • Include problem statements, design approach, implementation, and results.

  • Optional: future improvements or additional ideas.

Live Demo (Optional / During Finals)

  • Teams may present their working prototype live to the judges.

Code & Documentation

  • Upload your code to GitHub / GitLab / equivalent with clear instructions to run the project.

  • Include a README explaining hardware connections and software setup.

Hackathon Sponsors

Prizes

4 non-cash prizes
Gold Prize
1 winner

Winners get access to the nordic and digikey swags plus wireless earphones

Silver Prize
1 winner

Winners get access to the nordic and digikey swags including bagpacks

Bronze Prize
1 winner

Winners get access to the nordic and digikey swags

Best use of Wireless Connectivity
1 winner

Recognition and some swags

Devpost Achievements

Submitting to this hackathon could earn you:

Judges

Rolando Herrero
Northeastern University

Robert Sabolovic

Robert Sabolovic
Nordic Semiconductor

Manoj
Johnson & Johnson Medtech

Judging Criteria

  • Innovation & Creativity (30%)
    How unique and forward-thinking is the idea? Does the project solve a real-world problem in a creative way?
  • Use of Nordic Boards (20%)
    How effectively and creatively is the provided hardware used? Innovative use of sensors, connectivity, or peripherals is a plus.
  • Functionality & Implementation (25%)
    Does the prototype work as intended? Are the hardware and software components integrated effectively?
  • Presentation & Clarity (15%)
    How clearly is the project explained in the video/demo and slides? Is the workflow, design, and impact easy to understand?
  • Impact & Practicality (10%)
    Does the project address a meaningful problem or provide a practical solution? Could it be realistically implemented beyond the hackathon?

Questions? Email the hackathon manager

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