TAMUhack is a 24-hour event where teams create innovative software and hardware solutions to real-world problems, all while being supported by a community of mentorship.
Location
Bethancourt Ballroom (MSC 2300)
730 Olsen Blvd, College Station, TX 77845
Parking will be available at Lot 100t and Lot 74. These lots are available for free parking during the event, no permit required. Please note that you cannot park in numbered spots, timed parking spaces, or university business or service spaces.
Interested in hardware?
Hardware
Hardware will begin Jan 21st
At TAMUhack 2025, hardware will be a week-long hackathon. Teams may begin working on January 21st and have until January 26th, when teams will showcase their project at the venue in specific challenges or the general track.
TAMUhack will be providing hardware supplies (see here) to accepted participants on campus on a first come, first served basis. Using personal/outside hardware is allowed, but it is your responsibility to obtain it!
Note: Acceptances will be sent out on a rolling basis. If you are accepted, you must check in before 11 AM or your acceptance will be forfeited. We will have a waitlist line for students who are not accepted. After 11AM, we will admit people from the waitlist line until the MSC capacity has been reached.
Schedule
Find the hardware schedule HERE
Times are subject to change. Check back here for live updates!
Filters
Saturday
Coming Soon!
Sunday
Coming Soon!
1st Place Software
First place software track.
Prize: Electric Scooter
2nd Place Software
Second place software track.
Prize: Sony XM4 Headphones
3rd Place Software
Third place software track.
Prize: 165Hz Monitors
Best Design
In the world of hacking and engineering, a product must not only work well, but also provide the best user experience possible. Best hack that demonstrates clear design and usability intentions.
Prize: KODAK Portable Photo Printer
Best Beginner Software Hack
Best software hack created by first-time hackers. (Must have at least 2 first-timers at a hackathon to qualify)
Prize: JBL Clip 5 Bluetooth Speaker
Sponsor Challenges
More details coming soon!
Prize: TBA
Hardware Prizes
Participants can choose to compete in the hardware track to be eligible for these prizes.
1st Place Hardware
First place hardware track.
Prize: Amazon Smart TV
2nd Place Hardware
Second place hardware track.
Prize: Raspberry Pi 4
3rd Place Hardware
Third place hardware track.
Prize: Drone with Camera
Best Beginner Hardware Hack
Best hardware hack created by first-time hackers. (Must have at least 2 first-timers at a hackathon to qualify)
Prize: Anker Power Bank
Best Medical Hack
The Best Medical Device Hack is an open-ended challenge aimed at improving or revolutionizing the medical and healthcare fields. Participants can design a new device or enhance an existing one to address real-world medical needs, from patient care to diagnostics. Creativity an impact on the healthcare industry are key.
Prize: JBL Flip 5
Best IoT Device Hack
The Best IoT Device Hack challenges participants to innovate within the Internet of Things (IoT) space. Whether designing a new connected device or modifying an existing one, the goal is to enhance everyday experiences or solve pressing challenges through smarter interconnected systems. Projects can span industries from home automation to industrial monitoring, allowing great creativity and flexibility!
Prize: Portable Monitor
FAQ
Everything you need to know about participating in TAMUhack. Can't find what you're looking for? Contact Our Team.
General
Who can attend?
All students can sign up to be a hacker. Regardless of your experience, education, or background, as long as you are excited about learning, building, and having fun, we’d love for you to attend. If you are currently under the age of 18, please contact our team at [email protected] to fill out a waiver form.
When is the deadline to apply to TAMUhack?
The deadline for registration is January 19, at 23:59. We'll be doing rolling admissions until that date. Our capacity is limited, so make sure to apply early!
NOTE: Acceptances will be sent out on a rolling basis. If you are accepted, you must check in before 11 AM or your acceptance will be forfeited. We will have a waitlist line for students who are not accepted. After 11AM, we will admit people from the waitlist line until the MSC capacity has been reached.
How much experience do I need?
Absolutely zero! We want you here because you have a passion for creating, not because you’re the most experienced hacker on the block. We’ll have lots of resources including workshops and a bunch of mentors to help beginners get started. There'll also be plenty of people to learn from and help out!
How much does it cost?
Nothing. Nada. Zilch. It’s completely free for all accepted hackers. To make it even better, we’ll be giving out a ton of swag to every hacker, and prizes to our winners.
What should I bring?
Please bring a valid student ID in addition to anything that would help you with creating your hack or making you comfortable. A laptop, charger, mouse, keyboard, hardware, light jacket, and any hygienic products should be helpful. Don't bring anything you wouldn't bring on an airplane.
NOTE: You are NOT allowed to bring sleeping bags or air mattresses.
How do teams work?
Teams are limited to 1-4 hackers. If you have a team in mind, make sure all members submit an application before the deadline. If you don't have a team and would like to be a part of one, no worries! We'll have a dedicated time for team formation after the opening ceremony. Teams are only finalized when the final Devpost submission is due.
Will there be travel reimbursements?
We will be providing travel reimbursements to traveling hackers on a case-by-case basis. We'll send out a form after the event asking for proof of travel and Venmo/Zelle info.
Can I stay in the MSC overnight?
Yes, however, if you leave the MSC after its closing time, you will not be able to re-enter until it re-opens, so plan accordingly. The MSC closes at 12AM and re-opens at 7AM.
I got waitlisted. What does that mean?
Due to space limitations of the MSC, we are only able to accept 700 hackers. We will have a waitlist line for students who are not accepted. Starting at 11AM, we will admit people from the waitlist line until the MSC capacity has been reached.
Will there be workshops or talks?
Of course! We will have workshops running throughout the whole event.
Where can I park?
There are two parking lots available near the MSC for parking during the event. The first is Lot 100t at 133-155 John Kimbrough Blvd, College Station, TX 77845. The second is Lot 74 at 530 Olsen Bl, College Station, TX 77845. Both lots are free to park in during the event.
Submission
What do I need to submit?
All teams are REQUIRED to complete a Devpost submission for their project by 11:59 AM on 01/26/24 to be considered for judging. Submitting a video demo on Devpost is MANDATORY!
How many tracks can I apply for?
Depending on whether you applied to software or hardware, your project will be eligible for the 'Best Overall Software' or 'Best Overall Hardware' track. In addition to that, you can apply to any other tracks that your project is eligible for, within your respective category.
What classifies a project as a 'beginner hack' ?
A beginner hack is a project where 50% or more of the team members have never participated in a hackathon before. If you're not sure if your project qualifies, just ask us!
Hardware
How is TAMUhack 2025 making hardware different than previous years?
TAMUhack's Hardware track is back with a twist, where participants collaboratively design, build, and prototype hardware-based solutions within a timeframe of one week. The hardware track will be a week-long hackathon, and hackers are allowed to use personal/outside hardware resources, but it's your responsibility to provide that.
Can I participate in both software and hardware tracks?
At this time, a team can only participate in one track, either software or hardware. The different tracks will be judged separately, by specialists in the respective field.
Where can I specify that I want to participate in the hardware track?
There is a question on the application form that asks if you want to participate in the hardware track. If you change your mind before applications close, you can log back in and edit your application.
I want to participate, but I don't have any hardware. What should I do?
TAMUhack is partnering with IEEE to provide dedicated hardware tracks for hackers. We will be loaning hardware supplies on a first-come-first-serve basis. We will have a dedicated hardware room available throughout the week where you'll be able to rent out our hardware. You'll need to provide your team name and project idea.
NOTE: Hackers are not limited to just the resources that we provide, using personal/outside hardware resources is allowed.
I've never used hardware before, should I still apply?
Absolutely! Beginners are encouraged to try it out, and mentors will be available to assist with the projects. Throughout hardware week, there will be discord office hours and even mentors in the Zachry Engineering Complex! For more on when exactly these times are, please check out the hardware schedule link
This sounds exciting! When can I start?
Teams may begin working on January 21st and have until January 26th, when teams will showcase their project at the venue in specific challenges or the general track.