natHacks 2025: Alberta’s Largest Hackathon Returns
From November 7-10, the halls of the University of Alberta’s DICE and Engineering buildings will host a convergence of talent dedicated to solving real-world challenges. The Network for Applied Technology (NAT) is proud to announce the return of natHacks, Alberta’s largest Hackathon, and we’re looking for problem providers and hackers to help drive its success!
For those who don’t know, natHacks is Alberta’s largest and most comprehensive innovation sprint. Over 64 hours, hundreds of students and recent grads will prototype real-world solutions in MedTech, EcoTech, and EdTech, leveraging cutting-edge hardware and advanced AI/ML tools. Winning teams receive $30,000+ in seed funding and support to keep building beyond the event.
What makes natHacks different?
What sets natHacks apart is our Problem Provider Division: we connect hackers with industry and academic professionals who bring forward real-world challenges that need solving. If you are an industry professional, natHacks is your opportunity to find solutions for problems your organizations are facing today!
What makes this different is the direct collaboration. You'll present a challenge and then work alongside a team as they brainstorm and build, offering your expertise to guide them. It's a powerful model that creates solutions with real potential. The proof is in the follow-through: an impressive 72% of past participants either plan to or are already continuing their projects, turning a weekend's work into something much more.
Why become a Problem Provider?
Surface real challenges from your organization.
Collaborate directly with teams as they turn ideas into prototypes.
Explore emerging technologies in MedTech, EcoTech, and EdTech.
Access new talent for internships, research roles, or future hiring pipelines.
Past Problem Providers have seen projects evolve into startups, research pilots, and ongoing collaborations, turning hackathon outcomes into lasting impact.
Why become a hacker?
We’re not just looking for problem providers, we’re also looking for hackers! Each year, natHacks attracts hundreds of students and recent graduates from computer science, engineering, health sciences, and business. In 2024 alone, 307 participants submitted 43 projects, with 95% reporting learning new skills and 73% reporting building professional connections that they plan to maintain.
One participant shared: “I learned more about AI and neuroscience here than in any single course, and I met peers I’ll keep collaborating with long after the event.”
For students, natHacks offers a rare chance to work on real-world challenges with mentorship from industry professionals, access cutting-edge hardware and software, and compete for $30,000+ in seed funding to keep their ideas growing.
Teams can apply for advanced hardware such as biosensors and motion detectors through our competitive Hardware Lending program. Deposits are fully reimbursed upon safe return, with waivers available for those in financial need. Priority goes to teams that apply before the October 31 (PPD) and November 3 (Standard Division) deadlines, but our hardware station will remain open throughout the weekend for drop-in requests.
Leading up to natHacks, participants will have access to workshops covering topics from project management to AI tools. These sessions are designed to help beginners build confidence and ensure that anyone, regardless of discipline, can succeed at the hackathon
At natHacks, every discipline matters. Technical participants bring coding and engineering skills, while students in fields such as science, business, and education contribute essential expertise to ground projects in real-world contexts. Design and social science students help ensure that solutions are user-friendly, ethical, and accessible. By combining these perspectives, teams transform ideas into practical, impactful prototypes.
What to expect
The full logistics package is shared with confirmed Problem Providers, but here is what participation generally involves:
Pre-Event (October 13): Submit your challenge and connect with our team to shape problem statements.
Pitch Night (October 17): Problem Providers pitch their problems to hackers from the problem provider division. Hackers will rank their preference of problem provider pitches. Problem provider teams are created by natHacks organizers based on this preference ranking.
Hackathon Weekend (Nov 7–10): Mentor teams as they design solutions, attend key sessions, and network with Alberta’s innovation ecosystem.
Post-Event: Continue collaborating with teams through follow-up programs, funding opportunities, or research partnerships if you choose.
On average, Problem Providers spend a few hours across the weekend mentoring teams and judging prototypes, with schedules designed to fit professional commitments.
Join us
Full event details, partnership opportunities, and registration information will be available soon on our website. In the meantime, reach out to team@nat.ltd with any questions or to explore how you can get involved.
#MedTech #EcoTech #EdTech #Innovation #Hackathon #AlbertaTech
Stay connected with NAT to explore our latest developments, join hands-on workshops and competitions, and connect at networking events. Be part of our growing community and the future of emerging tech.