January 17-19, 2025 | In-person event

UofTHacks 12

Redefine possibilities—explore new ideas at UofTHacks!

Canada’s 1st student-run hackathon

At UofTHacks, we're all about turning dreams into reality in a space where everyone feels supported, empowered, and inspired. Whether you're a seasoned developer or a first-time hacker, we're here to help you unlock your potential and bring your vision to life!

Join a dynamic community of over 500 developers, designers, innovators, and entrepreneurs for an unforgettable 36-hour in-person hackathon. From brainstorming wild ideas to crafting projects that make a difference, UofTHacks is where passion meets purpose and dreams become reality.

Past Hackathons

11 Nostalgia

UofTHacks 11 took us on a nostalgic journey, using the past as inspiration to shape imaginative, forward-thinking creations.

10 Exploration

UofTHacks 10 launched us into 'Exploration', where hackers ventured into new frontiers, pushing the limits of innovation and creativity.

9 Restoration

UofTHacks 9 focused on 'Restoration', as hackers worked virtually to revive and reimagine ideas, creating solutions that sparked renewal.

8 Connectivity

UofTHacks 8 embodied 'Connectivity', bringing hackers together in a virtual space to build projects that bridged gaps and strengthened connections.

Testimonials

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James Yang

3rd year Computer Science and Engineering @ Western University

I’ve participated in dozens of hackathons, but UofT Hacks 11 was the most fun. Out of the 36-hour coding marathon, my team spent 16 hours deciding what to build. A walk to Shoppers Drug Mart finally inspired us to create a Furby. With no clue where to start, we quickly learned new technologies and APIs. Thanks to mentors and YouTube tutorials, we brought our quirky idea to life. The food? Incredible—I was stuffed all weekend! UofTHacks brings together ambitious people and teaches lessons you can’t learn in a classroom. My biggest takeaway? You don’t need a perfect plan—just a solid idea to build on.

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Ishwak Sharda

2nd year Computer Science @ University of the Fraser Valley

UofT Hacks is an incredible opportunity to create lasting connections, just like I have. Most importantly, focus on connecting with others and having fun!

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Tyler Steptoe

3rd year Cognitive Science @ University of Toronto

UofT Hacks was a fantastic learning experience for my whole team. For me, this was my first ever hackathon, and the first time attempting to complete an entire project in only a weekend. Of course we had many challenged to overcome while creating our project, but overall we are proud of what we created and demoed in front of the judges. The #1 tip I have for new hackers: start working on the presentation early!

J

James Yang

3rd year Computer Science and Engineering @ Western University

I’ve participated in dozens of hackathons, but UofT Hacks 11 was the most fun. Out of the 36-hour coding marathon, my team spent 16 hours deciding what to build. A walk to Shoppers Drug Mart finally inspired us to create a Furby. With no clue where to start, we quickly learned new technologies and APIs. Thanks to mentors and YouTube tutorials, we brought our quirky idea to life. The food? Incredible—I was stuffed all weekend! UofTHacks brings together ambitious people and teaches lessons you can’t learn in a classroom. My biggest takeaway? You don’t need a perfect plan—just a solid idea to build on.

T

Tyler Steptoe

3rd year Cognitive Science @ University of Toronto

UofT Hacks was a fantastic learning experience for my whole team. For me, this was my first ever hackathon, and the first time attempting to complete an entire project in only a weekend. Of course we had many challenged to overcome while creating our project, but overall we are proud of what we created and demoed in front of the judges. The #1 tip I have for new hackers: start working on the presentation early!

J

James Yang

3rd year Computer Science and Engineering @ Western University

I’ve participated in dozens of hackathons, but UofT Hacks 11 was the most fun. Out of the 36-hour coding marathon, my team spent 16 hours deciding what to build. A walk to Shoppers Drug Mart finally inspired us to create a Furby. With no clue where to start, we quickly learned new technologies and APIs. Thanks to mentors and YouTube tutorials, we brought our quirky idea to life. The food? Incredible—I was stuffed all weekend! UofTHacks brings together ambitious people and teaches lessons you can’t learn in a classroom. My biggest takeaway? You don’t need a perfect plan—just a solid idea to build on.

Our Sponsors

Join us in shaping the future of innovation at UofTHacks! By sponsoring our hackathon, you will gain valuable exposure to a diverse community of tech enthusiasts, developers, and aspiring entrepreneurs. Showcase your brand, engage with talented participants, and support the next generation of leaders in technology. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with bright minds and foster creativity.

FAQ

What is UofTHacks?

UofTHacks is an annual hackathon organized by students at the University of Toronto. It brings together over 500+ tech enthusiasts, innovators, and creators from various backgrounds to collaborate and build innovative projects in 36 hours.

When and where is UofTHacks held?

UofTHacks 12 is set to take place from January 17th to January 19th, 2025! This year’s event will be hosted entirely in-person in the Myhal Centre! The exact schedule of all the ceremonies, activities, and workshops will be released in the week leading up to the event!

Who can participate?

High school and university students can join, no matter their experience. Whether you're a coding expert or a beginner, everyone's welcome. We will provide workshops and Mentorship to help you build your project!

Can I attend if I live far away?

Yes! If you're registered, you're all set. Just get yourself to Toronto and bring any essentials for an overnight stay. We'll have places for you to rest, but unfortunately we will not be providing any travel reimbursements. If you're coming from outside Canada, make sure to follow the travel rules.

Please note: If you will be attending from outside of Canada, you need to ensure you are following the Government of Canada's travel policies. Please contact us by sending a direct message on Instagram or at official@uofthacks.com for more information. We'd be happy to help!

Can I join virtually?

Unfortunately, we will not have any virtual aspects to this year's event. All members of your team must be in-person to be considered for judging.

How many hackers per team?

Each team can have up to 4 hackers. As long as they are a registered hacker with UofTHacks, there are no restrictions on who can be on your team. However, there may be challenges that have team member requirements to be eligible for specific prizes. More details will be announced during opening ceremonies.

How do I sign up with my teammates or join a team?

Applications will be on an individual basis. You can form a team before or during the event. We'll have a Discord channel where you can connect with others and find teammates.

How much does it cost to attend UofTHacks and what should I bring?

The event is completely free! We will provide lots of food, snacks, and the venue will remain open for the entirety of the event! We will send a hacker pack with suggested items to bring.

Do I have to know how to code beforehand?

Nope! Coding is great, but the design and business side of your project is just as important. UofTHacks is a great place to learn something new, with workshops and Mentors available to help you out. We’ll also have Mentors floating around to help out whenever you need it!

Can I work on my project before the event?

No. To ensure fairness, and integrity, all work on your project must be done during the event. All submitted projects must include a public GitHub repository. Any projects that violate our rules will be disqualified from judging.

What are your COVID-19 and other respiratory illness regulations?

Our policy will reflect the University of Toronto's protocols. The focus will be to ensure the event is a safe environment for all participants. We will have hand sanitizer stations and disinfectant wipes throughout the venue.

What do Mentors do?

Mentors are your key resources for guidance. They provide valuable industry knowledge, offer professional career advice, and assist with the technical challenges you may face during your project. Their role is to support and enhance your experience with both expertise and insight.

What are the requirements to be a Mentor?

To be a Mentor, you must be at least 18 years old and have relevant experience in the tech industry. While previous internship experience is not required, it is considered an advantage. Mentors should possess strong technical knowledge and a commitment to supporting participants throughout the event.

What do Volunteers do?

Volunteers help make sure the event runs smoothly! They assist with setup, logistics, and anything else that needs to be done to keep the event awesome.

What are the requirements to be a Volunteer?

You just need to be enthusiastic and ready to help! No specific skills are needed, just a good attitude and a willingness to pitch in.

Are sleeping areas or supplies available for participants at UofTHacks 2025?

Unfortunately, we are unable to provide on-site sleeping accommodations as the booked spaces are not equipped with sleeping quarters.

What is MLH?

Major League Hacking (MLH) is the official student hackathon league. Each year, we power over 300 weekend-long invention competitions that inspire innovation, cultivate communities and teach computer science skills to more than 500,000 developers around the world. MLH is an engaged and passionate maker community, consisting of the next generation of technology leaders and entrepreneurs. Code of Conduct

How do I apply to UofTHacks 12?

Our application period for UofTHacks 12 has already passed. We encourage you to follow us on Instagram to stay up to date with UofTHacks news!

I still have a question...

No worries! You can use the Contact Us form below or reach out to us on Instagram, and we'll help with anything else you need!

Contact Us

Interested in learning more?