NGN Hacks 2026

A fully online worldwide high school hackathon. No coding experience required.

// Event details

At a glance

The essentials on timing, format, teams, and cost before you register.

August 7 to 9

Dates

Fully Online

Format

50-100

Students

1-5

Team size

Free

Cost

48 hours

Duration

// Event details

Event nameNGN Hacks 2026

WhenAugust 7 to 9

CommunicationDiscord

EligibilityOpen to high school students worldwide (Grades 9 to 12)

// What is NGN Hacks?

Built by students, for students.

Next Generation Hacks (NGN Hacks) is a fully online worldwide high school hackathon where students build technology-based solutions to real problems. Work solo or in teams of 1 to 5, use code or no-code tools, and submit on Devpost. No prior hackathon or coding experience is required. Join from anywhere, learn by building, and get support all weekend.

Build

Ship a project in 48 hours - app, site, workflow, or prototype

Learn

Workshops, Discord mentors, and resources for every skill level

Showcase

Present on Devpost and compete for category awards

// Build paths

What you can build

Pick a real problem students or communities face, then build any technology-based solution. Your project can be software, hardware, 3D modeling, robotics, a no-code workflow, a Figma prototype, an AI tool, a physical prototype, or a clear concept demo. Advanced coding is not required. What matters is that your solution uses technology to solve a problem.

Apps or websites

Study or productivity tools

AI-assisted tools

Interactive digital prototypes

Digital workflows or systems

3D models or product concepts

Robotics or hardware projects

Physical prototypes using technology

No-code tools, automations, and workflows

// Journey

How it works

Step 01

Register

Complete the intake form and join the event on Devpost.

Step 02

Join Discord + Devpost

Get announcements, workshops, support, and your submission space.

Step 03

Build your project

Work solo or with a team to solve a real student problem in 48 hours.

Step 04

Submit on Devpost

Upload your project before the Sunday deadline.

Step 05

Get judged + celebrate

Projects are reviewed; winners announced after the event.

// Support

Workshops + support

Learn while you build. Mentors and helpers on Discord · resources posted during the event · friendly to first-time hackers.

Design process
Web development basics
Introduction to GitHub
Website hosting & no-code tools
Building with AI tools
Office hours & open Q&A

Join from anywhere - all you need is internet.

// Awards

Judging & prizes

Judging Criteria

Problem clarity

Effective use of technology

Usefulness & impact

Execution

Presentation

Prize Categories

Best overall

1st place

2nd place

3rd place

Most creative solution

Best beginner project

Best Use of Featherless AI

Best Use of SelfCAD

// Partners

Backed by builders

Supported by organizations helping students build, learn, and launch.

SHSM

Education partner

YSpace York University

Innovation partner

Featherless AI

AI tooling partner

SelfCAD

3D design partner

Town of Aurora

Community partner

// Questions

FAQ

Next Generation Hacks (NGN Hacks) is a fully online worldwide high school hackathon where students build technology-based solutions to real problems.

Open to high school students worldwide in Grades 9 to 12.

No! We welcome all skill levels and offer workshops specifically for beginners, as well as support for no-code tools and prototyping.

Yes, completely free.

Fully online. All you need is an internet connection.

You can work solo or in teams of up to 5.

Anything that uses technology to solve a real problem. Apps, websites, automations, AI tools, hardware, 3D models, robotics, prototypes, and more all count.

We use Devpost for all project submissions and judging.

A web browser, Discord for communication, and a Devpost account.

We are a passionate team of students building opportunities for other students.

// Register

Register for NGN Hacks 2026

Join the 48-hour online hackathon - free to register, no experience needed.
Open to high school students worldwide in Grades 9 to 12.