Powered by Meta and supported by partners like Netlify, BNY Mellon, ElevenLabs, GitHub Education, Coinbase, and MongoDB, this hackathon challenges participants to develop and ship innovative student-life tools that address everyday challenges in productivity, safety, community, and digital campus experiences. The emphasis is on thoughtful prototypes and working demos that prioritize genuine value over superficial concepts. Who Should Apply This hackathon is open to students, developers, and designers from any country. Participants can join individually or form teams of 1 to 4 members. It's an ideal platform for those passionate about solving real-world problems for students and gaining exposure to leading tech companies. Tracks & Themes The central theme is 'Student-life tools', with a focus on clarity, UX depth, and genuine value. Specific tracks include: Clarity: Solutions that simplify complex information or processes for students. Systems: Tools that improve organizational systems or workflows. Research-First: Projects demonstrating strong user research and problem validation. Safety & Wellbeing: Innovations promoting student safety, mental health, and overall wellbeing. Format & Timeline This is a fully online hackathon. Registrations officially opened on January 5, 2026. Participants will have until March 29, 2026, to submit their projects. The judging phase will conclude on April 15, 2026, with winners announced shortly thereafter. Bonus points are awarded for verified Rentits installs/signups and for including research receipts. Prizes The hackathon boasts a substantial prize pool of over $45,000, comprising cash, cloud credits, and various perks. Top-performing teams stand to win $5,000+ in cash, along with opportunities for internships and collaborations with Rentits and its partners. Eligibility Open to students, developers, and designers globally. Participants can compete solo or in teams ranging from 1 to 4 members. There are no country-specific restrictions, making it accessible to a diverse international talent pool. How to Apply Registration is free and can be completed through the official Devfolio page. Participants are encouraged to visit the HackRent website for more detailed information about tracks, timeline, and submission guidelines. Ship something students can actually use—focus on outcome over optics!
