About the Challenge

RocketHacks is a high-energy, 24-hour hackathon hosted by the University of Toledo, where ideas turn into action. Students from across the Midwest and beyond come together for one unforgettable day of building, experimenting, and problem-solving .

From late-night brainstorming to last-minute breakthroughs, RocketHacks is a space where creativity meets execution.

Coders, designers, engineers, and innovators collaborate to tackle real-world challenges and transform bold ideas into working projects. It’s fast-paced, collaborative, and powered by curiosity, caffeine , and the drive to create something meaningful .

No matter your experience level, RocketHacks is about learning by doing , meeting people who push you to think bigger , and leaving with new skills, connections, and memories that last long after the event.

Get Started

Learn more about RocketHacks at rockethacks.org

RocketHacks offers 4 unique tracks:

Projects that are created should be related to the 4 tracks mentioned below or sponsor specific tracks.

Sustainability

The Sustainability track focuses on building technology that addresses climate change, environmental responsibility, and long-term resource management. Projects in this track may explore renewable energy, carbon tracking, waste reduction, water conservation, sustainable agriculture, or climate resilience using software, hardware, or data-driven approaches. If your solution helps create a cleaner, more equitable, and environmentally conscious future, it belongs in this track.

Finance

The FinTech track challenges participants to rethink how financial systems work and who they serve. This includes projects related to digital payments, personal finance, fraud detection, blockchain and decentralized finance, financial literacy, and tools that expand access to banking for underserved communities. Whether you’re improving existing financial infrastructure or building entirely new financial experiences, this track is about innovation, security, and accessibility.

Healthcare

The MedTech track is dedicated to improving healthcare outcomes, access, and efficiency through technology. Projects may focus on digital health platforms, telemedicine, wearable devices, AI-powered diagnostics, mental health tools, or healthcare data management and privacy. If your project enhances patient care, supports healthcare professionals, or makes healthcare more accessible and human-centered, this track is the right fit.

Hardware

The Hardware track is for projects that integrate physical components with software to solve real-world problems. This includes IoT devices, robotics, embedded systems, wearables, sensors, and custom-built electronics. If your project involves prototyping, electronics, or tangible interaction with the physical world—whether for sustainability, healthcare, or smart systems—this track is for you

• Innovation
  Judges will evaluate how creative and original the idea is. Projects that present unique solutions, creative thinking, and new approaches to solving problems will score higher.
• Adherence to the Track
  Judges will assess: 1. Alignment with the Track 2. Clear Connection to the Track 3. Creative Interpretation
• Technical Execution
  Judges will assess the complexity and quality of the technical work. Projects that demonstrate strong implementation, effective use of tools or technologies, and solid functionality will score higher.
• Design & User Experience
  Judges will evaluate how easy and intuitive the project is to use. Projects with clear design, smooth interaction, and a user-friendly experience will score higher.
• Real World Potential
  Judges will consider how useful the project could be in real-world situations. Projects that solve meaningful problems and show strong potential for real-world impact will score higher.