SBUHacks 2026

About

SBUHacks is Stony Brook University's largest yearly hackathon, a competition where teams of students come together and create innovative and themed projects from scratch. In previous years, we've brought together hundreds of students for hours of innovation, collaboration, and creative problem-solving.

No experience is needed— whether you're a seasoned developer or those who's going to write their first line of code, SBUHacks is your chance to build something amazing, learn new skills, and connect with fellow creators.

We'll bring the pizza, swag, and prizes; you bring your ideas and enthusiasm.

About the challenge

You, as participants, will see the effects of what you build.

Get started

BEST OVERALL

Projects that are well-rounded and excel in multiple areas such as design, functionality, and innovation. These projects demonstrate a strong overall performance and are likely to impress judges across various criteria.

Three teams will be selected as winners for this track, winning distinct first, second, and third place prizes.

BEST HARDWARE TRACK

Projects that incorporate hardware components in innovative ways. Hackers will be judged on the creativity and functionality of their hardware implementations. Hardware components can include sensors, microcontrollers, cameras, and other physical devices that enhance the project.

BEST BEGINNER HACK

This track is intended for beginners who are new to hackathons and want to showcase their first project. Projects will be judged on creativity, effort, and potential impact. This track is open to all participants, regardless of experience level.

BEST UI/UX HACK

Projects that demonstrate exceptional user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) design. Hackers will be judged on the usability, accessibility, and visual appeal of their projects. Strong projects will provide a seamless and intuitive experience for users.

MLH HACKS

Major League Hacking (MLH) is a global community that supports student hackers and helps organize hackathons. MLH has more information about their tracks on their website, here.