IceHacks 2026 is a fully virtual hackathon hosted by CodeStarters, a student-led nonprofit dedicated to making computer science and AI education more accessible. Designed for student builders, creative thinkers, and first-time hackers, this event invites participants to turn ideas into real projects from anywhere in the world.
Whether you are building your first website, experimenting with AI, developing an app, or solving a problem you care about, IceHacks provides a space to create something cool. No prior experience is required; all that is needed is curiosity, creativity, and a willingness to build. The event runs from November 8–17, 2026, with the active hacking period taking place from November 8 to November 15.
Who Can Participate? IceHacks welcomes curious minds, aspiring developers, designers, and student innovators of all experience levels. Participants must be students aged 13+. Teams can consist of 1 to 4 members, and each person may join only one team. Previously developed projects cannot be submitted as entirely new work, but the use of open-source libraries, templates, APIs, and AI tools (including generative AI) is permitted and encouraged, provided they are credited.
What to Build Participants have limited time to develop software, web or mobile apps, games, or hardware projects that solve a problem they care about. Submissions must include a demo video (3 minutes or less), a project write-up, code or a live link, and a list of technologies used.
Prizes and Tracks IceHacks does not award cash prizes. Instead, winners receive sponsor credits, subscriptions, scholarships, and other non-cash rewards. Projects can apply to multiple tracks but will win only one prize based on the highest placement. Available tracks include: * Overall: Best overall project judged on technical execution, creativity, impact, design, and presentation. * Best AI Hack: Best use of AI tools, models, APIs, and agents. * Best Hardware Hack: Best project with a physical part (PCB, robotics, IoT). * Best Design & UX: Best UI/UX and visual design. * Best Deployed / Shipped App: Best live, publicly usable project.
Judging occurs asynchronously from November 15 to November 17 based on five equally weighted criteria: Technical Execution, Creativity & Originality, Impact & Usefulness, Design & User Experience, and Presentation.