natHacks 2026
📅 Please note: All hacker registration for natHacks 2026 closes on October 18, 2026 at 11:59 PM MT.
natHacks 2026 is a 64-hour interdisciplinary competition that bridges learning and real-world technology development. Over 4 days, teams of students and graduates from technical, creative, and scientific backgrounds design, build, and pitch solutions within the following three themes:
Healthcare & Accessibility: Health, independence, accessible design, assistive technology, diagnostics, rehabilitation, and patient support.
Defense & Security: Cybersecurity, emergency response, resilient systems, remote sensing, privacy, infrastructure, and public safety.
Construction & Manufacturing: Automation, worker safety, quality control, robotics, monitoring, materials, supply chains, and predictive maintenance.
Participants will integrate hardware, including biosensors, motion detectors, and remote sensing devices, alongside advanced computing approaches such as AI, machine learning, and data analytics to develop functional prototypes. Mentorship and workshops are provided to support their ideas. Participants can join the competition through:
Standard Division: Participants in this division can choose through their own projects and form their own teams (5-6 people).
Problem Provider Division: Participants will work alongside community challenge providers by submitting a Problem Interest Form to indicate their preferences for the available real-world problems. Teams will be created based on these preferences.
Over $25,000 in seed funding and in-kind support is available for winning teams to continue developing their projects beyond the event.
Participants gain hands-on experience with emerging technologies, strengthen their teamwork and communication skills, and build confidence and interest in pursuing post-secondary education or careers in STEM and entrepreneurship.
👥 Who Can Apply
Students and recent grads from all backgrounds. No technical experience required!
📅 IMPORTANT Event Timeframe & Location
Panel & Workshop Day: October 23 & 30, 2026 [4:30 - 8:30 PM MT]
Networking Mixer: November 6, 2026 [3:00 - 5:00 PM MT]
Main Competition: November 6 2026 [6:00 PM MT] - November 9, 2026 [6:00 PM MT]
Main Competition Venue: Donadeo Innovation Centre for Engineering (DICE) 8th floor, 9211 116 St NW, Edmonton, AB T6G 1H9
💸 Hacker Fee
Participation in natHacks 2026 requires a partially refundable $50 deposit, which consist of:
$25 non-refundable program fee. This program fee covers the cost of the following:
8+ meals,
Snacks and coffee throughout the hackathon,
Access to hacking space,
NAT merchandise
$25 refundable portion, which may be returned under the conditions set out in the hacker registration rules.
We want natHacks to be accessible to everyone, regardless of financial barriers. For a limited number of applicants, we will waive the non-refundable $25 fee. Please note:
Requesting a subsidy does not guarantee approval
You may be asked to provide documentation of low income
All applications are reviewed on a case-by-case basis
To be considered for a subsidy, please complete natHacks 2026 subsidy Form and pay on Luma after subsidy approval.
📝 How to Apply
1. Register as a Hacker on natSite by completing the hacker nh26 hacker registration form
Participants apply individually through the natSite to complete the registration form and pay the registration fee.
Once you submit the registration form, you will see a confirmation screen notifying you that your registration was received, and directing you to the natHacks’s Luma page.
Hacker registration deadlines:
All Hackers Application Deadline: October 18, 2026 at 11:59 PM MT
2. Complete Your Luma Registration to finalize your registration and payment information.
Once you are accepted as a hacker, we will send you an email with important information and instructions.
Please note that you will not be charged the $50 deposit on Luma until your hacker application is approved.
Find more details on the following links:
Website: nathacks.ca
Rules: nat.ltd/ni26-rules