NewHacks

24 Hour Beginner Friendly Hackathon

University of Toronto, Bahen Centre for Information Technology

October 25-26, 2025

About us

Join 300 hackers at NewHacks to transform your ideas into reality! In this 24-hour event, you and your team will build a project from scratch. Afterwards, you will present your project to a panel of industry judges to compete for prizes. This year's themes are Personal Wellness, Finance, and Travel/Tourism!

Our hackathon is designed for anyone to participate, regardless of whether or not you have a technical background. To help facilitate your learning experience, we will host workshops throughout the event featuring speakers from some of the top companies in the industry. This hackathon will be in-person at the University of Toronto!

Registration Opens In

Days

skyline

Schedule

Saturday

8:30AM

Participant Registration

9AM

Opening Ceremonies

10AM

Hacking Begins!

12PM

Lunch

1PM

Workshops & Activities

6PM

Dinner

Sunday

8AM

Breakfast

10AM

Hacking Ends!

11AM

Lunch

12PM

Judging

3PM

Closing Ceremonies

FAQ

What is a hackathon?

A hackathon is a sprint-like design event wherein computer programmers and others collaborate intensively on software projects.
Where is NewHacks taking place?

NewHacks is taking place at UofT in the Bahen Centre for Information Technology. As a hacker, please be sure to sign-in in the atrium (located at the front doors facing St.George St.) of Bahen Centre.
Who can join?

Our hackathon is only open to those who are 18+ or who are attending a post-secondary institution. So, if you are in 1st year and are in a post-secondary institution, you are still welcome to apply!
I don't have a team, what do I do?

All teams competing must have 3 or 4 members, but you do not need a full team to apply. We have a team formation channel on Discord as well as a team formation event scheduled before hacking starts, so you can connect with other participants that don’t have a team yet.
How do I apply with a team?

You only need to fill out your individual application, receive an acceptance, and form a team with other accepted hackers. Teams are not required in advance; you're welcome to form a team with other hackers on the first day of the event! When you demo, you will provide the names of all of your team members.
What if I have no experience? Can I still come?

Yes! NewHacks is for everyone, especially for beginners. You will have the opportunity to learn technical skills from industry mentors. Also, if you ever get stuck on your project just ask one of the mentors!
How much does it cost to participate?

NewHacks is an event for new and inexperienced hackers that has no entry fee. It is your choice If you would like to buy and bring your own hardware and equipment to the event. For those who do not already have there own hardware and equipment and do not want to buy it, equipment will be available at the event for borrowing, however must be returned at the end of NewHacks.

When is the deadline to apply?

Applications open date is to be determined and will be announced on our Instagram.
What is the difference between the registration and application period?

During a registration period, you are only able to register an account for Newhacks. Once application period starts (we usually announce this on our Instagram), you will login into your account and fill out the application form.
When can I expect to hear back?

Acceptances will be sent out on a rolling basis, so apply early!
What is the minimum and maximum size of a team?

To compete you must be in a team of 3 or 4 members including yourself.
Is this hackathon in-person?

Yes, this hackathon will be hosted completely in-person at the University of Toronto.

Sponsors

MLH Code of Conduct

If you'd like to sponsor us, feel free to reach out: business@ieee.utoronto.ca

Want to see past projects? Check out our devpost