
HACKRU

ABOUT
HackRU is a 24-hour hackathon at Rutgers University. We welcome hundreds of students to join us in building awesome tech projects. Industry experts and mentors help foster an atmosphere of learning through tech-talks and one-on-one guidance.
We encourage all students, no matter their experience level or educational background, to challenge themselves and expand their creative, technical, and collaboration skills at HackRU.
- Social Good: Hacks that better the community.
- Health: Hacks that improve the mind or body, aid with health, wellness, and fitness.
- Education: Hacks that focus on building an educated community.
- Maverick: Any other hack! The opportunities are limitless.
And more sponsor prizes!
Register to attend our Fall 2026 HackRU! The hackathon will be held on October 10-11 at the Busch Student Center.
Want to help? Sign up to volunteer and/or mentor!
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SCHEDULE
FAQ
HackRU is a 24-hour hackathon at Rutgers University. We welcome hundreds of students to join us in building awesome software and hardware projects. Industry experts and mentors come from all over the country to create an environment that fosters an atmosphere of learning through teck talks and one-on-one guidance. We encourage beginner and advanced hackers alike to challenge themselves and expand their skills.
We will be accepting anywhere between 300-500 hackers based on when you register for the event. After you register, you'll get a notification 1-2 weeks before the hackathon whether we have accepted you or not to the hackathon. You will then have to let us know if you plan on coming or not and then you're all set!
Here are the Hacker Stages:
Unregistered: You haven't finished your profile! Register now for this semester's hackathon.
Registered: Thank you for completing your profile! We'll respond shortly with your status. In the meantime, make sure your teammates are registered! We admit individual hackers on a first-come, first-served basis and use team formations for waitlist priority.
RSVP: We're ready to begin moving hackers to acceptance! Please confirm your availability and let us know if you're “Coming.” We will begin moving hackers to acceptance on a first-come, first-served basis. If your teammates haven't registered yet, tell them to do so ASAP! We admit individual hackers based on FCFS priority and use team formations for waitlist priority.
Coming: Thanks for letting us know you can make it! We're slowly moving hackers into the final confirmation stage based on FCFS responses.
Confirmed: Get ready to code! You're fully signed up and ready to show up on October 10th.
Delayed Entry Waitlist: Unfortunately, we've had to place you on our waitlist. Show up closer to our delayed check-in phase where hackers will be checked in based on remaining availability! In the meantime, any confirmed teammates can wait in the venue.
Yes! We'll release more information about prizes as the event draws near.
HackRU follows the MLH Code of Conduct: "Be respectful. Harassment and abuse are never tolerated. If you are in a situation that makes you uncomfortable at an MLH Member Event, if the event itself is creating an unsafe or inappropriate environment, or if interacting with a MLH representative or event organizer makes you uncomfortable, please report it using the procedures included in the document provided below". You can read the full MLH Code of Conduct here: https://static.mlh.io/docs/mlh-code-of-conduct.pdf
HackRU welcomes undergraduate and graduate students of all majors, backgrounds, and skill level to come create. Additionally, high school students who will be 18 by HackRU are allowed to register. Unfortunately, if you are under 18, you will not be able to attend.
That's great! We'd love to have you at HackRU. Throughout the weekend, there will be workshops to get your feet wet, project ideas for you to try out, and mentors to guide you through the process.
Like the best things in life, HackRU is completely free to attend!
Hackers can(and are encouraged to) work in teams of up to 4 humans max. The knowledge you gain from teammates is invaluable, along with the opportunity to build lifetime friendships - you might leave with a new best friend! We will be having a team-building exercise after opening ceremonies for people who are looking for teammates.
Reach out to us at info@hackru.org! We'll be happy to answer.




