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 LightEnterprise & 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:
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Workplace skill-building
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Performance feedback
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Team productivity
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Workflow improvement
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:
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Data privacy
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Data processing
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Analytics
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Security
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"Secret service" / behind-the-scenes technology
Games & Late-Night Experiences
A category for game development and experiences inspired by late-night activities.
Examples:
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Game development
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12 AM (Midnight) activities
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Late-night gaming
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Doom scrolling
Sustainability & Nature
Create technology that helps protect the environment, wildlife, and natural habitats while encouraging sustainable living.
Examples:
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Wildlife or habitat monitoring
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Recycling tools
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Waste reduction tracking
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Carbon footprint monitoring
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Clothing resale or can recycling impact
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:
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Rural or low-connectivity users
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Elderly or non-tech-savvy users
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People with invisible disabilities
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Other overlooked communities
Prizes
Overall Winner
Judge's Choice
Best in Category (5, one per category)
Participant's Choice
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
Central Michigan University
Judging Criteria
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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
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