HackED Description

HackED is Alberta’s premier 48-hour, beginner-friendly hackathon, hosted by the Computer Engineering Club at the University of Alberta. Happening from February 20-22, 2026, HackED invites students from across Canada to join a coding marathon designed to introduce newcomers to the world of hackathons in a supportive, low-pressure environment.

Why HackED?
HackED is dedicated to empowering coders. Through a combination of workshops, mentorship, and project-building sessions, we simplify the hackathon experience for students who may be attending. HackED is both an educational opportunity and a community event, where participants connect with like-minded peers, experienced mentors, and industry professionals. By the end of the event, participants leave with new skills, valuable connections, and greater confidence in their abilities.

What to Expect

  • Beginner-Friendly Workshops: Develop foundational skills with beginner-focused workshops covering a variety of topics, from Git to robotics.
  • Dedicated Mentorship: Get unstuck with the support of mentors
  • Hybrid Format: Join in-person at the University of Alberta or virtually from anywhere, making HackED accessible to all.

Event Schedule

Friday

 

10:30 AM - Opening Ceremonies 

10:46 AM HACKING STARTS

1 PM - Embedded design workshop 

5/6 PM -  Dinner 

10 PM - Doors Close 

 

Saturday

 

9:00 AM - Doors Open

11 AM: Business Model 101 for SASS: Edmonton Unlimited

1 PM: ML: Catch Bugs Before They Fly: IEEE

5/6 PM -  Dinner 

10 PM - Doors Close

 

Sunday

 

8:30 AM  Doors Open 

11 AM  Hacking Ends 

6 PM Closing Ceremonies

 

HackED 2026 is a fantastic opportunity to create something new, learn from experts, and engage with Canada’s tech community. Whether you’re new to coding or looking to expand your skills, HackED is the perfect place to start! Join us and be part of Alberta's most exciting hackathon experience.

Requirements

What to Submit:

Devpost link, Github Link, Opt-in to Judging

Naming:

Devpost Name: Team Name_Project Name 

Github Name: Team Name_Project Name

Hackathon Sponsors

Prizes

$CAD 5,718+ in prizes
+ other prizes
Software 1st
$CAD 1,100 in cash
1 winner

$1100 + Mentorship Opportunity from Edmonton Unlimited

Software 2nd
$CAD 800 in cash
1 winner

Software 3rd
$CAD 600 in cash
1 winner

Hardware 1st
1 winner

Arduino Kits + Mentorship Opportunity from Edmonton Unlimited

Hardware 2nd
1 winner

Arduino Kits

Civil, Environmental, Mining or Petroleum - 1st
$CAD 500 in cash
1 winner

Civil, Environmental, Mining or Petroleum - 2nd
$CAD 300 in cash
1 winner

Civil, Environmental, Mining or Petroleum - 3rd
$CAD 200 in cash
2 winners

Energy / Power Stream - 1st
$CAD 100 in cash
1 winner

$100 Amazon Gift Card per team member + Funded chance
to present at a research symposium

Energy / Power Stream - 2nd
$CAD 75 in cash
1 winner

$75 Amazon Gift Card per team member

Energy / Power Stream - 3rd
$CAD 43 in cash
1 winner

$50 Amazon Gift Card per team member

Diversity Stream - 1st
$CAD 800 in cash
1 winner

Diversity Stream - 2nd
$CAD 600 in cash
1 winner

Diversity Stream - 3rd
$CAD 400 in cash
1 winner

Honorary Prize
1 winner

Honorary Prize

Devpost Achievements

Submitting to this hackathon could earn you:

Judges

Kirsten Sokolovski

Kirsten Sokolovski
Edmonton Unlimited

Saida Barre

Saida Barre
Edmonton Unlimited

Castor Shem

Castor Shem
University of Alberta

Ben Krett

Ben Krett
Fortis Alberta

Shane Fraser

Shane Fraser
EPCOR

Yitong Li

Yitong Li
University of Alberta

Nima Shirzad

Nima Shirzad
University of Alberta

Zony Yu

Zony Yu
University of Alberta

Cor-Paul Bezemer

Cor-Paul Bezemer
University of Alberta

Judging Criteria

  • Execution: How well the project works
  • Complexity: The level of technical skill required
  • Polish: Presentation quality and presence of significant bugs
  • Originality: Creativity and uniqueness of the idea
  • Utility: Ability to address a real need or improve someone’s life
  • Accessibility
    Whether the interface is accessible to a variety of users

Questions? Email the hackathon manager

Tell your friends

Hackathon sponsors

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