🔧 About the Challenge

UMake 2026 is UMIEEE’s makeathon (hardware hackathon), where teams design and prototype a physical project using electronics, sensors, and materials provided!

At the start of the event, teams will be given a theme that will guide the challenge. Participants will have two days to brainstorm, design, and build a working prototype that responds creatively to the theme.

Projects may involve embedded systems, robotics, sensors, interactive devices, or creative hardware builds. Teams are encouraged to experiment, iterate quickly, and build something both functional and innovative.

Throughout the event, mentors and organizers will be available to help teams refine their ideas and overcome technical challenges.

At the end of the hackathon, teams will present their final prototypes to a panel of professional judges, who will evaluate projects based on creativity, functionality, and overall impact

🗓️ Event Schedule

Refer to umake.umieee.ca for the live schedule and locations!

Requirements

🎮 What to Build

Participants will design and prototype a hardware based project that fits within one of the 3  themes announced during the onboarding presentation.

Projects should involve physical hardware and electronics, such as microcontrollers, sensors, motors, displays, or other embedded systems components.

Teams will have the duration of the hackathon to design, prototype, and demonstrate a working build related to one of these themes.

Creativity and experimentation are encouraged, the goal is to build something functional, innovative, and fun.

📦 What to Prepare

Each team must prepare the following and submit in their respective Discord team chat

1️⃣ 1 Page Project Description (PDF, Word)

  • What your project does

  • Which theme it fits into

  • The idea behind your design

2️⃣ Best Case Video (Video)

1 - 2 minute video of your project in motion or acting.

3️⃣ OPTIONAL: Technical Details (PDF)

You may include additional information such as:

  • Hardware components used

  • Schematics or diagrams

  • Code repository (GitHub)

During judging, teams will also give a short explanation and live demonstration of their prototype.

Hackathon Sponsors

Prizes

3 non-cash prizes
Extraordinary
1 winner

Most Extraordinary Design and Implementation

Efficient
1 winner

Most Efficient Design (Minimal Viable Product)

Exciting
1 winner

Most Exciting Project

Devpost Achievements

Submitting to this hackathon could earn you:

Judges

Ian Jeffrey

Ian Jeffrey
ECE, IEEE

Paul Labossiere

Paul Labossiere
MECH

David Stewart

David Stewart
ECE, IEEE

Judging Criteria

  • Creativity & Innovation
    How original and interesting is the idea?
  • Technical Implementation
    How well was the hardware and system designed and implemented?
  • Functionality
    Does the project work as intended and demonstrate a functional prototype?
  • Presentation & Demonstration
    How clearly does the team explain and demonstrate their project?

Questions? Email the hackathon manager

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