Find your people.
Bring friends who have applied or meet new teammates on launch day. Teams of four combine different strengths and share ownership of the build.
COLLABORATIONSECOND EDITION NOVEMBER 14–21 · 2026
BUILD WHAT
COMES NEXT.
One week. A mystery challenge. $5,000 in cash prizes.
YHacks is the AI and entrepreneurship hackathon for ambitious students ages 13–17. Build with a team, learn from industry mentors and turn an idea into something real. No experience required.
$5KIN CASH PRIZES
13–17STUDENT AGES
$20APPLICATION FEE
Come curious.
Leave a builder.
01 / THE EXPERIENCE
Good ideas get better
when we build together.
The future gets built by teams. At YHacks, you’ll practise figuring things out together, turning an open-ended problem into a prototype—and pitching it to people who can help you think bigger.
Learn by making.
Use AI, design and technology to build a working demo. Workshops and mentors help you move from blank page to first prototype.
AI + ENTREPRENEURSHIPCompete for $5,000.
A deadline. A live demo. Questions from judges. Friendly competition gives your team a reason to focus, finish and raise the bar.
CASH PRIZES02 / THE 2026 CHALLENGE
The prompt stays locked.
For now.
Every team will receive the same real-world challenge. You’ll uncover the problem, decide who you want to help and build your strongest response together.
YH / 026
OFFICIAL CHALLENGE PROMPT
TO BE ANNOUNCED SOON
The reveal is part of the experience. Come ready to think fast, ask better questions and build beyond the obvious.
LAST YEAR
YHacks teams tackled challenges inspired by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. This year’s brief is a surprise.
See last year’s inspiration03 / HOW IT UNFOLDS
One week.
A whole new way to think.
01
NOVEMBER 14 · ON CAMPUS
Meet. Learn. Team up.
Get the challenge, meet your team and dive into workshops on AI tools, prototyping and pitching.
02
NOVEMBER 15–20 · VIRTUAL
Make the idea real.
Research, experiment and build with your team. Get mentor feedback, test assumptions and keep refining your prototype.
03
NOVEMBER 21 · ON CAMPUS
Show what you’ve got.
Demo your project, pitch to judges and compete for $5,000 in cash prizes. Finalists take the stage.
FOR STUDENTS AGES 13–17
$5,000 is on the table.
What will you build?
You don’t need all the answers. You need curiosity, commitment and the courage to make something your team can stand behind.
Apply Official application hosted by CFLI · Parent or guardian forms requiredBeginner-friendlyWorkshops and mentors help you start.
Teams of fourApply with friends or meet your team.
$20 application feeA small commitment to prove you’re serious.
One-week sprintGo from idea to live pitch.
A FEW THINGS TO KNOW
Curious?
You’re in the right place.
SPONSORS & PARTNERS
Put your support
behind the next idea.
Help ambitious students turn a surprise real-world challenge into working prototypes. We’re building partnerships that add expertise, access and momentum—not just logos.
Fund the experienceSupport workshops, tools, prizes and access.
Shape the experienceBring expertise that helps teams think further.
Grow the networkConnect students with mentors and opportunity.
Have a different idea? Start the conversation—we’re open to creative collaborations.
PARTNERSHIP INTAKE
Tell us where you see a fit. A YHacks organizer will follow up.
BUILT BY OUR COMMUNITY
