Hack The Nest

Hack The Nest v1.0 is a weekend-long hackathon taking place on November 14-15, 2026, at Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti, MI. Organized by the Google Developer Group on Campus at EMU, this event invites up to 500 hackers to participate in a 24-hour build sprint.

A hackathon is a weekend where students form teams, pick an idea, and turn it into a working project from scratch. Participants will have access to mentors, workshops, food, and prizes throughout the event. The atmosphere is designed to be pressure-free; attendees are encouraged simply to build something they are proud of, whether they are writing their first line of code or have already shipped a dozen projects.

Who Can Attend? Hack The Nest is open to all college and high school students, regardless of major or experience level. Teams can consist of up to four people, but solo participants are welcome. A team-matching session will be held at the start for those without a group. Similarly, you do not need an idea beforehand; ideas can be developed once you arrive.

Format & Expectations The event features four prize tracks (details to be revealed via social media). For first-timers, beginner-friendly workshops and floor mentors are available to guide you from idea to demo. The event is fully in-person, with exact venue details provided to registered hackers closer to the date.

Cost & Requirements Hack The Nest is completely free. All meals, workspace, swag, and necessary supplies for the weekend are covered. Attendees should bring their laptop, charger, photo ID, and personal comfort items like toiletries, a hoodie, or a sleeping bag.