HackFest is a three-day student hackathon hosted by Girls Who Code x ColorStack RU-N. Come on your own or with teammates and turn an idea into a project with support along the way. Prizes include $3,500 in cash, swag, tech giveaways, and career opportunities.
Check-in at HackFest 2025
From HackFest 2025
Students
150+
Universities
13+
Cash prizes
$3,500
Meet your team
Come with teammates or join team formation on Friday.
Learn and create
Workshops and mentors will help you move from an idea to a project.
Share your work
Present your project at the end of the weekend.
02 / WHERE TO GO
Two stops
Check in at the Rutgers iHub. The rest of HackFest is in the Essex Room at the Paul Robeson Campus Center, a short walk across campus.
Session times and attendance details will be added when confirmed.
01
Day 1
Friday, November 6
Meet & get started
Check-in and opening
Team formation
Workshops and project kickoff
02
Day 2
Saturday, November 7
Create & learn
Project work
Mentor support
Testing and refinement
03
Day 3
Sunday, November 8
Share your project
Final project time
Demos, judging, and awards
Closing and community wrap-up
04 / ASK AWAY
Frequently asked questions
Everything confirmed so far, in one place.
01What is a hackathon?
A hackathon is an event where you work with a team to turn an idea into a project. HackFest gives you three days to learn, create, and share.
02Do I need coding experience?
No experience needed. Beginners are welcome, and workshops and mentors will help you get started.
03Do I need to bring a team?
No. You can register on your own or with teammates. Team formation is planned for Friday.
04When and where is HackFest?
HackFest runs November 6–8, 2026 at Rutgers–Newark. Check in at the Rutgers iHub, 123 Washington Street. The rest of the weekend is in the Essex Room at the Paul Robeson Campus Center, 350 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Daily hours and parking are still being confirmed.
05What are the prizes?
$3,500 in cash prizes, plus swag, tech giveaways, and career opportunities.
06How do I register?
Use the form on this page or open the Typeform in a new tab.
07What happens after I register?
We’ll reach out ahead of the event with the run of show and other details you need before you arrive.
05 / SAVE YOUR SPOT
Register for HackFest
Use the form below to register for HackFest 2026. Registration closes November 3, 2026.
After you submit, we’ll reach out ahead of the event with the run of show and other details you need before you arrive.
