natIgnite 2026 Registration
📅 Please note: Registration for natIgnite 2026 closes on April 17, 2026 at 11:59 PM MT. Early application is recommended as spots are limited.
natIgnite is a 40-hour themed competition that matches all teams with community challenge providers, who act as mentors throughout the development process. Teams will design, build, and pitch innovative solutions, competing for over $10,000 in reimbursement-based seed funding and in-kind support to continue developing their projects.
This year, natIgnite challenges participants to design new ideas, technologies, or systems that improve accessibility. Projects may address physical accessibility, digital accessibility, financial accessibility, or more inclusive services and environments. By rethinking how systems are designed, we can remove barriers and create opportunities for more people.
👥 Who Can Apply
Students and recent grads from all backgrounds. No technical experience required!
📅 IMPORTANT: Event Timeframe & Locations
Pitch Day
Hear our Problem Providers present their real-world challenges and select the ones you’re most interested in so we can match you with a team.
📅 May 2, 2026 | 1:00–5:00 PM MT
📍 Online
Orientation Day
Meet other participants and learn how the competition works.
📅 May 4, 2026 | 4:30–8:30 PM MT
📍 ETLC Solarium, University of Alberta
Development Phase
Start planning with three short reports to help your team prepare before the competition.
📅 Due May 4, 6, and 7 | 11:59 PM
Competition
Build, test, and present your solution during the 40-hour competition with mentor support.
📅 May 8 (2:00 PM) – May 10 (6:00 PM), 2026
📍 DICE, 8th Floor, University of Alberta
Hacker Fee
Participation in natIgnite 2026 requires a partially refundable $50 deposit, consisting of a:
$25 non-refundable program fee. This program fee covers the cost of the following:
5 meals, plus snacks throughout the hackathon
access to hacking space
supplies and NAT merchandise
$25 refundable portion, which may be returned under the conditions set out in the rules.
We want natIgnite 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 fill out the subsidy request form. If approved, you will be sent a discount code to complete your registration on Luma.
📝 How to Apply
Register as a Hacker by completing the 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 natIgnite’s Luma page.
Registration deadline: April 17, 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:
Devpost: nat.ltd/ni26-devpost
Website: natIgnite26
Rules: nat.ltd/ni26-rules