Lancaster's student hackathon

HackLancs

Lancaster University

One day to build something worth showing.

Apply Join the Discord Sponsor the event

Through the gate

About the event

HackLancs is a new student hackathon at Lancaster University. Turn up with an idea or without one, find a team, and spend the day building something you'd be proud to demo.

Software, hardware, games, tools, something strange: if you can show it by the evening, it counts. There are mentors when you get stuck, workshops if you want to learn something new, and food so you never have to leave your flow.

You don't need to have been to a hackathon before. Plenty of people ship their first ever project at one.

  • One dayFrom first idea to live demo
  • Free to attendFood and drink included
  • All skill levelsFirst-timers very welcome

Follow the path

Schedule

Provisional. Times will be confirmed closer to the event.

  1. Doors open and check-in
  2. Opening ceremony
  3. Team formation
  4. Hacking begins
  5. Lunch
  6. Workshops and sponsor challenges
  7. Dinner
  8. Hacking ends, submissions close
  9. Demos and judging
  10. Closing ceremony and prizes

The hoard

Prizes and challenges

The chests are still locked. Prizes and sponsor challenges will be revealed here as they're confirmed.

  • Overall winnerLocked
  • Runners-upLocked
  • Sponsor challengesLocked
  • Mystery categoriesLocked

Hang your banner

Sponsors

HackLancs puts your team in a room with motivated student builders for a full day. Set a challenge, run a workshop, meet the people you'd like to hire.

Get the sponsor pack

Ask a local

FAQs

What is a hackathon?

A one-day event where you team up and build a project from scratch, then demo it to judges and everyone else at the end. Think of it as a very friendly deadline.

Who can attend?

HackLancs is for university students aged 18 or over. You don't have to study at Lancaster, and you don't have to study computing.

How much does it cost?

Nothing. Attending is free, and food and drink are provided throughout the day.

Do I need to know how to code?

No. Designers, makers and people with good ideas are all useful on a team, and there will be workshops and mentors to help you get started.

What if I don't have a team?

Most people don't. You apply as an individual, and there is a team formation session at the start for anyone who wants one.

How big can a team be?

Up to four people. Working solo is allowed too.

What should I bring?

A laptop and charger, your student ID, and any hardware you want to hack on. It is a long day, so a water bottle and a jumper are a good idea.

Where is it, and how do I get there?

On the Lancaster University campus at Bailrigg, a short bus ride south of the city centre and Lancaster railway station. The exact building will be confirmed closer to the day.

What can I build, and who owns it?

Anything you like, as long as you start it at the event. Whatever you build belongs to you and your team.

I have another question.

Email hello@hacklancs.com and we'll get back to you.

Ready, player one?

Applications open soon

Register your interest and you'll be the first to know when applications open for Saturday 6 March 2027. News lands in the Discord first.

Register interest Join the Discord