Central Hacks: Into the Shadows is a 24-hour hackathon hosted by Women in Technology (WiT), a Registered Student Organization at Central Michigan University, in collaboration with the Department of Computer Science. Taking place November 14–15, 2026, the event brings together students of all experience levels to design, build, and showcase innovative technology in a collaborative environment.
Inspired by this year's theme, Into the Shadows, participants are encouraged to explore the ideas that often go unnoticed—the hidden systems, overlooked challenges, and untapped opportunities that shape our world. Whether you're an experienced programmer, a first-time hacker, a designer, or someone with a great idea, Central Hacks welcomes everyone to learn, create, and collaborate.
Schedule
Saturday, November 14
| 10:030AM - 11:00AM | Registration and Breakfast | Outside PE 138 |
| 11:00AM - 12:00PM |
Opening Ceremony |
PE 138 |
| 12:00PM |
Hacking Begins |
|
| 12:30PM - 2:00PM |
Lunch |
The Eatery |
| 2:00PM - 3:00PM | W1: How Git Works | PE 422 |
| 4:00PM - 5:00PM | W2: TBD | PE 422 |
| 5:00PM - 7:00PM | Dinner | The Eatery |
| 7:00PM - 8:00PM | W3: TBD | PE 422 |
| 10:00PM | Late Night Snacks | PE 138 |
Sunday, November 15
| 8:00AM - 10:00AM |
Breakfast |
PE 138 |
| 10:00AM - 10:45AM |
W4: Project Presentations and Demos 101 |
PE 422 |
| 12:00PM | Project Submissions | |
| 12:00PM - 12:45PM | Lunch | PE 422 |
| 1:00PM - 2:00PM |
Project Presentations |
PE 138 |
| 2:00PM - 3:00PM | Judging | PE 412 |
| 3:00PM - 4:00PM |
Awards Ceremony |
PE 138 |
Requirements
Project and Submission Requirements
Your project submission consists of the following:
- Submission of electronic documents on devpost showcasing your solution (your code).
- Visual display which may consist of presentation (PowerPoint, Canva, Google Slides), video, or other form of representation.
Judging Criteria and Winner Selection
Your project must have the following components
- Exhibit Table
Please have a table to display your work for judges to look at. - Visual Component
Please have some sort of visual to represent your work. This could be your code, a prototype, or anything you think best represents your solution. - Presentation
Please have a presentation to accompany your work. This can be a PowerPoint/Canva/Google Slides presentation, a video, or other form of representation. It must include the following: - Team Overview
Brief biography information, specific skills, involvement in developing the solution. - Main Goals & Objectives
What were your goals as a team? What is your solution trying to achieve? - Intended Audience
Who will be impacted by your solution? What will the impact on these groups be? - Challenges & Obstacles
What challenges or obstacles did your team face while coming up with your solution?
Prizes
Overall Winner
Judge's Choice
Best in Category (5, one per category)
Participant's Choice
Team with most "likes" will win. People can vote once submissions are submitted. Certificates awarded.
Judges
Patrick Kinnicutt
Central Michigan University
Auto-Owners
Judging Criteria
-
Exhibit Table
Have a display set up on your assigned table in Pearce 138 with your solution that will capture the attention of the audience. -
Coded Solution
Your solution (completed program or prototype) to any one of the categories. -
Visual Component
Visual display which may consist of presentation (PowerPoint, Canva, Google Slides), video, or other form of representation. Must contain team overview, main goals & objectives, intended audience and challenges & obstacles.
Questions? Email the hackathon manager