A 36-hour hackathon for students, by students
SMathHacks 2027: Bits & Bites
36 Hours.
300+ Hackers.
Infinite Creativity.
March 13–14, 2027
Open to high school students across North Carolina.
Registration isn’t open yet.
A place to start something
What is SMathHacks?
An annual 36-hour hackathon hosted by the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics, open to high school students across North Carolina.
Meet new people and build a project together. Talks, hands-on workshops, and mentors will help you explore new technology along the way.
Your first hackathon? You’re welcome here.
See how to join
This year’s theme
Build at the intersection of food and technology.
Track 1 · Bit’s growing corner
Societal Impact
Build technology that helps people and communities. Address challenges in accessibility, education, sustainability, health, or everyday life, with a clear focus on who benefits and how.
Example projects
- A surplus-food donation matcher
- An accessible recipe guide
- A map of affordable food resources
Grand Prize
To be announced
Runner-up Prize
To be announced
Track 2 · Amp’s workshop terrace
Hardware
Bring an idea into the physical world. Build devices, robots, or interactive prototypes using sensors, electronics, and mechanical components.
Example projects
- A fruit-ripeness tester
- A smart produce-storage box
- A compost-monitoring sensor
Grand Prize
To be announced
Runner-up Prize
To be announced
Track 3 · Bite’s play patch
Game Design
Create a game that people want to play. Explore original mechanics, interactive storytelling, or simulations, with meaningful player choices at the heart of the experience.
Example projects
- A crop-rotation strategy game
- A pantry-management puzzle
- A multiplayer food-supply simulation
Grand Prize
To be announced
Runner-up Prize
To be announced
Track 4 · The harvest ledger
AI & Machine Learning
Build tools that use AI to understand information, make predictions, generate content, or automate tasks. Make AI a meaningful part of how your project works.
Example projects
- A food-waste vision tool
- A harvest forecasting model
- An ingredient-substitution assistant
Grand Prize
To be announced
Runner-up Prize
To be announced
From last year's hackathon:
A little room for the memories. Photos coming soon.
- Your photo herePhoto slot 01
- Your photo herePhoto slot 02
- Your photo herePhoto slot 03
- Your photo herePhoto slot 04
Two ways to take part
How to join.
Join from an NCSSM campus or from home. Here’s how to take part.
On campus
In person
For NCSSM residential students
Join at the Durham or Morganton campus. Build with other participants, with free food, speakers, workshops, and time to work on your project.
From home
Virtual
For other NC high school students
Build from home. Opening and closing ceremonies, talks, and workshops will be streamed through Zoom.
- Date
- March 13–14, 2027
- Venue
- Online + NCSSM campuses
- Eligibility
- North Carolina high school students
- Cost
- FREE
- Registration
- Not open yet
Before you start
Schedule & FAQ
Event links, beginner guides, and help with software and hardware.
The schedule
Still in the making. We’ll share the schedule when it’s confirmed.
FAQs
If we haven't answered your question here, please feel free to email smathhacks@ncssm.edu and take a look here!
Are you allowed to form a team on the day of SMathHacks?
Yes, you will be able to make teams at the start of the hackathon. If you don't have a team in mind, we'll have a team formation event at the start of SMathHacks!
See last year's projects!
Explore the 2026 winners and projects, or browse earlier years in our Past Events archive.
What is a “track”, and how do I choose one?
Choose the track that best represents your project’s main goal or experience. Projects may fit multiple categories, but you may submit to only one track.
What's a hackathon?
A hackathon is an event where students work in a team, or by themselves, to build an innovative piece of software in a limited amount of time. Students will form teams around a problem or idea, and sprint to create a unique solution—these typically take the form of mobile applications, websites, or other digital solutions, however, hardware projects will also be accepted under specific regulations.
What if I’ve never programmed before?
That’s okay! This event is beginner-friendly, meaning that you don’t need any prior programming experience to participate! There will be incredible talks, workshops, and mentors available to guide you through the ideation and development process.
Where’s the schedule for the event?
The full 2027 schedule will appear in the schedule section when confirmed. Visit Event essentials for workshop and virtual-session links as they become available.
How do teams work?
You can have up to four people in a team. You can list teammates on the interest form or fill it out individually. If you don’t have a team yet, that’s okay—we’ll have a team formation event to help you find people to work with.
Can I use AI to help me brainstorm?
Yes, but you cannot use AI to program a primary part of your project. For a more detailed description, see our Use of AI Statement.
Until event day
Make something together.
A few curious minds..... and a whole lot of possibility!
Keep building after the hackathon.
Find mentorship, funding resources, and a next step for your idea.
Entrepreneurship in NC →Made with ❤️ by SMathHacks 2027