Hack University Worldwide Hackathons 305 Hackathon, Business Venture Arena, & Capture the Flag Competition - January 2026 Edition

305 Hackathon, Business Venture Arena, & Capture the Flag Competition - January 2026 Edition

Theme: software innovation, startup ideas, and live cybersecurity competition

A hybrid global 3-in-1 event that combines a technical build track, a business venture arena, and a live capture the flag competition.

Tech Build Hackathon

Build a practical software, AI, or workflow solution that solves a real user or team problem.

Business Venture Arena

Turn a digital product or technical concept into a startup pitch with a clear audience and business model.

Capture the Flag Competition

Solve timed cybersecurity challenges, capture flags, and compete on the leaderboard during the same in-person event day.

Session B (In-Person): January 24, 2026 at FIU Innovation Building
Session A (Online): January 16 - January 24, 2026
Open WorldwideAll majorsHigh school learners (16+)Cybersecurity learners welcome

Room details: Session B and the Capture the Flag competition take place in the Innovation Building on 107th Ave and 8th Street. INV1 201 is the main room, and INV1 314 is the secondary room if the first room reaches capacity.

Registration & Check-In
Global actions
Track Competition Overview

Tracks & Judging - Shared Across Both Sessions

Criteria: Technical Difficulty - Functionality - Innovation & Creativity - Design & User Experience - Impact & Usefulness - Presentation & Demo

Track Competition 1 - Tech Build (Hackathon)

Build a practical software, AI, or automation solution with a working demo.

Track Competition 2 - Business Venture Arena (No-Code)

Present a startup or digital venture with a clear audience, pricing logic, and value proposition.

Track Competition 3 - Capture the Flag Competition

A live cybersecurity challenge track with points-based scoring, separate leaderboard rankings, and same-day in-person play.

Session B - In-Person 12-Hour Sprint

Session B - In-Person Sprint (Sat, Jan 24, 2026)

Join us in person for a focused 12-hour sprint with live workshops, mentors, food, swag, the same-day Capture the Flag competition, and closing demos.

Sat, Jan 24, 2026 (ET) 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM (12 hrs) Main room: INV1 201 Secondary room: INV1 314
  • Location: FIU Innovation Building on 107th Ave and 8th Street.
  • Main room: INV1 201.
  • Overflow room: INV1 314 if the first room reaches capacity.
  • Kickoff: Sat, Jan 24 @ 10:00 AM ET.
  • Closing ceremony & live demos: same day, final time in agenda.

Capture the Flag Competition - Same Day as Session B

The Capture the Flag competition runs during the same in-person event day in the Innovation Building. Participants should report to INV1 201 first; overflow moves to INV1 314 if needed.

  • Live cybersecurity challenge rounds and a points-based leaderboard.
  • Potential categories include web, crypto, OSINT, forensics, reverse engineering, and general security logic.
  • Open to beginners and advanced participants.

Registration & Check-In - Session B (In-Person)

  1. Complete MLH and OneStop registration once and indicate Session B if attending in person.
  2. RSVP on Bevy and register on Devpost.
  3. Check in day-of at INV1 201; if redirected due to capacity, follow staff instructions to INV1 314.
  4. Live demo required: present during the closing ceremony based on the demo schedule.
Session A - Online Week-Long Sprint

Session A - Online Week-Long Sprint (Jan 16-24, 2026)

Session A is fully online and synchronous with mentor support, checkpoints, and a multi-day build window.

Jan 16-24, 2026 (ET) 192-hour build window Online / Synchronous
  • Online kickoff: Fri, Jan 16 @ 10:00 PM ET.
  • Mentor Q&A and async office hours run through the week.
  • Shared Devpost submission deadline with Session B.
  • Closing ceremony and virtual live demos on Sat, Jan 24.

Registration & Check-In - Session A (Online)

  1. Complete OneStop registration and indicate Session A if attending online.
  2. RSVP on Bevy and register your project on Devpost.
  3. Join Discord to access mentorship channels and updates.
  4. Submit your final project by the shared deadline listed in the agenda.

Judges, Mentors & Speakers

  • The official list of judges, mentors, and speakers is displayed on the Devpost event page.
  • Always refer to Devpost and the agenda for the latest updates.
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