Capital Hacks 5.0

Dates: Nov. 6 - 8, 2026

About the challenge

Capital Hacks (formerly Hornet Hacks) is a collaborative initiative organized by the Carlsen Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship, ACM Sac State, and Capital Hacks to foster innovation and exploration in the fields of Construction + SustainabilityTech, Health + AccessibilityTech, Tech, Civic/GovTech and Open Tech (Wildcard).

This competitive event is designed to bring together students with a passion for hacking, building, AI, and making an impact. Participants can choose one of the four tracks to build in and generate a solution to a real-world problem in the industry. Teams are encouraged to explore creative approaches and cutting-edge tools to bring their ideas to life, but how they innovate is completely up to them. The competition is open to teams with a minimum of two members and a maximum of six, allowing for diverse collaborative efforts. Each team will showcase their projects to a panel of judges, who will evaluate them based on innovation, applicability, technical proficiency, and potential impact. We will have $500 in cash prizes per track, a $1500 cash grand prize, and additional in-kind rewards.

Capital Hacks aims to provide a platform for students to demonstrate their skills, creativity, and vision, while also promoting a culture of learning, exploration, and knowledge-sharing among peers.

Day 1: Nov. 6th - 9 am to 10 pm

During Day 1 of the hackathon, you will be oriented to the competition and the guidelines for building and competing. If you do not have a team there will be time and space for team formation.

The Carlsen Center will be open to be used as workspace as well as scheduled meals with guest speakers from the industry.

Day 2: Nov. 7th - 9 am to 10 pm

The second day of the hackathon will be a full day of hacking at the Carlsen Center. We will have mentors and subject matter experts attending in-person and virtually to provide content and establish connections with you.

Day 3: Nov. 8th - 9 am to 2 pm

The third day and final day of the hackathon will be final touches on solutions and pitching for prizes. We will have $3,000 in cash prizes amongst in-kind awards.

Sponsors and Partners of the Event: Carlsen Center, Hornet Hacks, and ACM Sac State

Get started

Find team members, brainstorm what industry is of most interest to you, what problems do you see in the industry, come ready to BUILD!

Accessibility: If any special accommodations are needed please let us know at least two weeks in advance to secure the needed accommodations.

Note: You must be 18 years or older to participate.

There will be tons of fun, food, and guidance from our mentors