Central Hacks: Into the Shadows is a 24-hour hackathon hosted by Women in Technology (WiT), a Registered Student Organization at Central Michigan University, in collaboration with the Department of Computer Science. Taking place November 14–15, 2026, the event brings together students of all experience levels to design, build, and showcase innovative technology in a collaborative environment.

 

Inspired by this year's theme, Into the Shadows, participants are encouraged to explore the ideas that often go unnoticed—the hidden systems, overlooked challenges, and untapped opportunities that shape our world. Whether you're an experienced programmer, a first-time hacker, a designer, or someone with a great idea, Central Hacks welcomes everyone to learn, create, and collaborate.

Schedule

Saturday, November 14

10:00am-11:00am Registration  Pearce 000
10:00am-11:00am Sponsor Fair Pearce 000
11:00am-12:00pm  Opening Ceremony Pearce 000
12:00pm-1:00pm Lunch Dine n Connect
1:30pm Hacking Begins! Pearce 000
2:00pm-3:00pm Workshop - How Git Works Pearce 000
3:00pm-4:00pm Workshop 2 Pearce 000
4:00pm-5:00pm Workshop 3 Pearce 000
6:00pm-7:00pm Dinner Pearce 000
10:00pm Late Night Snacks Pearce 000

Sunday, November 15

8:00am-10:00am Breakfast Pearce 000
10:15am-11:00am Workshop - Project Presentations and Demos 101 Pearce 000
12:00pm Project Submissions Pearce 000
12:00pm Lunch Pearce 000
12:30pm-1:30pm Project Presentations and Judging Pearce 000
2:00pm-3:00pm Awards & Closing Statements Pearce 000

 

Requirements

CATEGORIES (Select one)

💡 Breaking into the Light

Enterprise & Workflow

Create tools that support growth and productivity in the workplace. This category is focused on improving how people work, collaborate, and develop professionally.

Examples:

  • Workplace skill-building

  • Performance feedback

  • Team productivity

  • Workflow improvement

🕶️ Behind the Dark

Data, Privacy & Security

Explore what happens behind the scenes of technology. Build projects focused on protecting, processing, or understanding data while keeping users secure.

Examples:

  • Data privacy

  • Data processing

  • Analytics

  • Security

  • "Secret service" / behind-the-scenes technology

🎮 Midnight Mode

Games & Late-Night Experiences

A category for game development and experiences inspired by late-night activities.

Examples:

  • Game development

  • 12 AM (Midnight) activities

  • Late-night gaming

  • Doom scrolling

🌙 Moonflower

Sustainability & Nature

Create technology that helps protect the environment, wildlife, and natural habitats while encouraging sustainable living.

Examples:

  • Wildlife or habitat monitoring

  • Recycling tools

  • Waste reduction tracking

  • Carbon footprint monitoring

  • Clothing resale or can recycling impact

🌘 Hidden Horizons

Overlooked Communities

Build for people, places, or needs that are often ignored, underserved, or treated as edge cases. Instead of designing for the loudest or most connected users, create technology that supports those living in the shadows of mainstream tech.

Examples:

  • Rural or low-connectivity users

  • Elderly or non-tech-savvy users

  • People with invisible disabilities

  • Other overlooked communities

Hackathon Sponsors

Prizes

$1,500 in prizes
Overall Winner
$500 in cash
1 winner

Judge's Choice
$250 in cash
1 winner

Best in Category (5, one per category)
$150 in cash
5 winners

Participant's Choice
1 winner

Team with most "likes" will win. People can vote once submissions are submitted. Certificates awarded.

Devpost Achievements

Submitting to this hackathon could earn you:

Judges

Patrick Kinnicutt

Patrick Kinnicutt
Central Michigan University

Judging Criteria

  • Exhibit Table
    Have a display set up on your assigned table in Pearce 000 with your solution that will capture the attention of the audience.
  • Coded Solution
    Your solution (completed program or prototype) to any one of the categories.
  • Visual Component
    Visual display which may consist of presentation (PowerPoint, Canva, Google Slides), video, or other form of representation. Must contain team overview, main goals & objectives, intended audience and challenges & obstacles.

Questions? Email the hackathon manager

Tell your friends

Hackathon sponsors

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