Seattle's high school AI & Tech Hackathon, hosted by Emergera Hacks. No experience required — just your ideas, a team, and the drive to build something real.
You don't need a CS degree or years of experience. You need curiosity and a team. Emergera Hacks is designed so that any high schooler — coder or not — can show up and build something worth being proud of.
Hosted by Emergera Hacks in Seattle, this 48-hour hackathon gives you access to top AI executives as mentors, real hardware, free APIs, and a stage to present to VCs who are genuinely looking for the next generation of founders.
The top 10% of teams walk away with a guaranteed internship offer. Everyone walks away changed.
This isn't just a weekend competition — it's a launchpad. Every student leaves with real advantages that follow them into college, internships, and careers.
The top 10% of teams at Emergera Hacks earn a guaranteed internship opportunity with Emergera Ventures or a partner company. No extra application. No waiting. You build it, you earn it.
★ Top 10% of TeamsDuring the event you'll get direct access to top AI executives — people actively building at companies like Amazon, Anthropic, and Microsoft. Book 1-on-1 office hour slots. Get feedback that actually matters.
Live During the EventCompete for $3,000 in total prize money. First place wins $1,500, second wins $1,000, third wins $500. Real cash, real recognition. Plus every participant gets swag and community perks.
$1,500 · $1,000 · $500Pick the one that excites you most. Don't know what to build? The Open Track and our Day 1 idea workshop have you covered.
Build machines that sense, decide, and act. Smart sorting bots, disaster rescue rovers, AI-powered arms. If it moves and thinks, it belongs here.
Hardware ProvidedWearable tech that reads and responds to the human body. Rehab gloves, posture coaches, sign language translators. Your body is the interface.
Sensor Kits IncludedStop hackers before they strike. Build phishing detectors, network watchdogs, and security tools. Defend the digital world — or break into it.
Cloud Credits IncludedAI tutors. Mental health apps. College essay coaches. Language tools. The most accessible track — one great idea and a free API key is all you need.
Easiest Entry PointBuild AI that doesn't just respond — it acts. Agents that browse the web, write code, schedule meetings, or manage multi-step workflows automatically. This is the frontier of what's possible right now.
Advanced · Top VC AttentionDon't know which track fits? This one is yours. Have a problem you care about? A wild idea you can't stop thinking about? Build it here — no constraints other than: use technology to make something better.
Perfect for students who are creative, curious, or just want to innovate without boundaries. Judges will evaluate on impact and originality above all else.
Cash prizes, internship opportunities, and recognition that follows you long after the weekend ends.
Awarded to the team with the most innovative and impactful project across all tracks. Judged by VCs, executives, and engineers on innovation, execution, and real-world potential.
Second most impactful build overall. Evaluated on technical depth, creativity, and execution quality.
Third place overall. Every finalist receives recognition and community access.
Hear from founders, AI executives, and tech leaders who started exactly where you are — and went on to build something the world didn't know it needed.
May 16–17, 2026 — every hour is designed to give you the best shot at building something great.
Badge, hardware kit, and swag bag. Get settled and meet your neighbors.
No team or idea yet? Mentors facilitate pairing and brainstorming. Everyone finds their project here.
Solo students → hereWelcome from Emergera Ventures. Inspirational founder talk. Rules and judging criteria.
Keynote Speaker48 hours starts. Build stations open. API keys distributed. Mentors immediately available.
Countdown startsBook your 15-min 1:1 slot with an AI executive. Real feedback on your idea and build.
Sign up at check-inLive demo from an Anthropic engineer. Hands-on. Bring your laptop — leave with working code.
Catered dinner. Mingle with speakers, mentors, and fellow hackers.
Optional 1-hour bonus challenge. Surprise prompt. Legendary for those who stay up.
Breakfast provided. Mentors on call. Polish your demo and prepare your pitch.
Second chance at mentor 1:1s. Great for last-minute feedback before submission.
48 hours elapsed. All Devpost submissions must be in. Demos begin immediately after.
Hard deadlineSet up your demo. Judges, VCs, and mentors rotate through every team table.
Top teams present on the main stage to the full audience and judge panel.
A founder shares their journey from student to company creator. Open Q&A.
Founder StoryPrize announcements. Internship offers extended to top 2 students. Group photo. What's next.
$3,000 awardedExchange contacts. Join the Emergera Discord. Stay in touch with your team.
We're finalizing the perfect space for Emergera 2026. All details will be announced here as soon as confirmed — apply now to be notified first.
Mentors across all 6 tracks — engineers, founders, and AI executives solving real problems right now.