Hook 'em Hacks 2026

What is Hook 'Em Hacks?

Hook 'Em Hacks is a 24-hour, AI hackathon where students come together for a weekend of building, learning, and creativity through technology. Participants from all majors and experience levels can form teams (or work solo), attend hands-on workshops, get guidance from mentors, and turn ideas into real AI projects across multiple impact-focused tracks. Whether it’s your first hackathon or you’ve built before, Hook ’Em Hacks gives you the support, community, and resources to create something meaningful from scratch.

300+ Hackers

50% First-Time Coders

40% Women / Non-Binary

70% Freshmen & Sophomores

25 Mentors

10K+ Impressions

Judges from

Apple · Google · Meta · LinkedIn · & more

TRACKS

AI FOR SOCIAL GOOD

Build AI-driven solutions that tackle real-world challenges in climate, education, accessibility, and civic impact.

MULTIMODAL SEARCH & GENERATION

Create AI systems that search, understand, and generate across text, images, audio, and video.

SECURITY IN AN AI-FIRST WORLD

Sponsored by IBM
Design secure, trustworthy AI systems that protect users, data, and infrastructure from emerging threats.

INTELLIGENT FINANCIAL & MARKET SYSTEMS

Build data-driven technologies for markets, trading, risk, and real-time decision making.

PATIENT-CENTERED TECH

Develop technology that improves patient care, access, and health outcomes with people at the center.

Event Schedule

FAQs

Who can attend?

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Hook 'Em Hacks is open to all current college students, regardless of major or experience level. High school students are welcome with parental consent.

How much does it cost?

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Hook 'Em Hacks is completely FREE! We'll provide meals, snacks, swag, and everything you need for an amazing weekend of hacking.

What should I bring?

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Bring your laptop, chargers, valid student ID, and enthusiasm! We recommend bringing a sleeping bag if you plan to rest during the event.

Do I need a team?

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Teams can have up to 4 people. You can come with a team or form one at the event during our team formation session. Solo hackers are also welcome!

What can I build?

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All projects must incorporate AI in some way. Choose from five impact-focused tracks—AI for Social Good, Multimodal Search, Security in an AI-First World, Patient-Centered AI, and Intelligent Financial Systems—with over $10,000 in prizes across categories.

Where do I park?

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Parking is available at Brazos Garage on the UT Austin campus. Please note that garage rates apply.

Is travel reimbursement offered?

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Unfortunately, we are not able to provide travel reimbursement at this time.

Can I volunteer to mentor?

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Upperclassmen, graduate students, and industry professionals are all welcome to volunteer as mentors! Please fill out this form. All mentors will receive swag as a token of our appreciation!