Don't miss the October 2026 Hackathon!
Join us for our one day hackathon on October 17th 2026!
Demos start at 3pm!
If you’d like to come to Demo Day only, get your tickets here!
Interested in volunteering, mentoring or sponsoring? Let us know!
Attention Minnesota technologists! Are you passionate about innovation? Curious about a career in tech, or already part of the industry? Looking to spend a weekend learning, networking, and building? This event is for you!
Join us on October 17th at Improving in uptown Minneapolis! We'll gather in Minneapolis for a day filled with creativity and collaboration. Meet fellow tech enthusiasts, connect with potential employers, and put your skills on display!
Prizes for Top Teams
Win cash prizes!
To be announced as we get close to the date.
Tickets are free with optional paid tickets at $15/person to help support the event.
Paid ticket holders get a swag bag
Breakfast, lunch will be provided!
Location: Improving, 3033 Excelsior Blvd #180, Minneapolis, MN 55416
What Is a Hackathon?
A hackathon is a rapid innovation process aimed at developing projects, prototypes and blueprints to address a particular challenge. The Hack the Gap Hackathon is an experience to empower intergenerational teams to generate innovation.
This is a means to connect with other community members to participate in creative problem solving around a systemic and institutional issue impacting our society.
About our Hackathon
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Hack the Gap is a one-day hackathon on October 17, 2026, designed to create a vibrant, inclusive weekend where people from diverse backgrounds and experience levels can collaborate, learn, and build together.
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This hackathon is for everyone! We welcome idea people, designers, data experts, testers, and programmers. No coding experience? No problem—come as you are!
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To have fun, connect with like-minded individuals, and challenge yourself to create a project over the weekend with a team. Hack the Gap provides a safe and inclusive space for participants to innovate without the barriers of bias or exclusion often faced in the tech industry.
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During this one day hackathon, you and your team can rely on your creativity, skills and tools, including open source repositories, data sets, AI tools and others to build your solutions! Specific guidelines will be provided at the event.
Check out the Hackathon Guidelines
Get ready to ace Hackathon with this handy guide. It's packed with easy-to-follow advice on everything from event logistics to working effectively in teams. Whether you're new to hacking or a seasoned pro, this guide has got you covered.
Event Schedule 🗓️
Kickoff + Working Session - Saturday, October 17th
8:45 AM: Doors open. Coffee, pastries, and fruit will be available.
9:00 AM: Enjoy breakfast, connect with others, and form teams. Most participants will find teammates now, though pre-formed groups are also welcome!
9:45 AM: Begin work on projects!
12:00 PM: Lunch provided.
2:30 PM: Get ready for demos
FAQ’s
Q: Are there prizes?
A: Yes! Cash prizes will be divided equally among team members. The exact amounts will be announced closer to the event.
Q: Who can participate?
A: Our hackathon is open to everyone. We uphold a strict code of conduct to ensure an inclusive, harassment-free environment. The Hack the Gap team reserves the right to dismiss any participant who violates the code of conduct. You don’t need prior tech experience to join—participants of all experience levels are welcome!
Q: Do I need to come with a project?
A: No need to bring a project! Come ready to pitch your ideas or listen to others’ ideas and join a team. All projects must be new, meaning you cannot bring something you are already working on. We encourage innovative ideas that can have a real-world impact.
Q: What if I don’t have a team?
A: No problem! You can come alone, ready to connect with others, pitch ideas, or take on a supporting role in a team. If you register as an individual, we’ll help you find a team during the event.
Q: Is there an age requirement to participate in the hackathon?
A: Participants need to be over 18 or they can attend with a parent or guardian.
Interested in Getting Involved Further?
Become a Hackathon Mentor or Volunteer! 📢
Join us as a Hackathon Volunteer or Mentor! Help make the event a success by supporting participants, coordinating activities, and fostering innovation. Sign up to contribute and be part of an inspiring tech community!
Become a Hackathon
Sponsor! 🎡
Join us in empowering the next wave of tech talent! Become a sponsor for Hack the Gap Hackathon and showcase your commitment to diversity and innovation. Help shape the future of tech—sign up now!