Build Bold. Win Big.
natHacks is a 64-hour interdisciplinary competition that challenges hundreds of students and recent grads to design, build, and pitch creative solutions.
natHacks 2025 Details
Date: November 7-10, 2025
Format: In person
Location: Donadeo Innovation Centre for Engineering (DICE), University of Alberta
Registration for natHacks 2025 is now closed, but we’re still looking for volunteers to help make the event possible.
How It Works
Why Join?
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👩💻 Challenge Yourself
Work on real-world projects in a collaborative environment. Build technical and professional skills while solving meaningful problems.
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🖥️ Build with Cutting-Edge Tech
Use hardware like biosensors and motion detectors with tools such as AI and data analytics to create a working prototype.
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💬 Network & Learn
Work with mentors from business, tech, and healthcare, and build your network by collaborating with peers and experts throughout the event.
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🌱 Compete for Seed Funding
Over $28,000 in funding and resources is available to help winning teams continue their projects.
natHacks 2025 Divisions
Problem Provider Division
You’ll work with a Problem Provider and assigned teammates to solve a real-world challenge. Teams complete 3 Weekly Development Reports before the hackathon.
Key Dates:
Request placement through the Problem Interest Form, which will be sent to you through email upon registration.
The Hardware Lending Form closes November 3, 11:59 PM MST. The hardware form ensures your equipment preferences are considered. If not submitted, your team will still get hardware, though assignments will depend on availability.
Standard Division
Form your own team and choose your challenge.
Key Dates:
The Team Formation Form will be open from October 25 – November 7, 11:59 PM MST to declare your team members, your chosen theme, and your preferred hardware.
The hardware portion of the form ensures your equipment preferences are considered. If not submitted, your team will still get hardware, though assignments will depend on availability.
natHacks 2025 Themes
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MedTech challenges focus on developing technologies that advance healthcare, from diagnostic tools and wearable biosensors to AI-driven clinical decision support. Teams explore how emerging tech can improve patient outcomes, accessibility, and preventative care.
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EdTech emphasizes innovations that transform how people learn and teach. Participants design solutions that enhance accessibility, personalization, and engagement in education, supporting learners across disciplines and life stages.
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EcoTech encourages the creation of technologies that address pressing sustainability issues, from clean energy and resource efficiency to environmental monitoring and waste reduction. Projects aim to balance technological progress with ecological responsibility for a more sustainable future.
Take Your Project Further
natHacks prizes take the form of reimbursement-based seed funding and in-kind services such as legal advice, cloud resources, business mentorship, and infrastructure to support your project's development.
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🏅 1st Place – Standard Division
3 winners (one from each theme)
$2000 CAD in seed funding and $2000 CAD in in-kind services for each winner
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🥈 2nd Place – Standard Division
3 winners (one from each theme)
$1000 CAD in seed funding and $1000 CAD in in-kind services for each winner
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🥉 3rd Place – Standard Division
3 winners (one from each theme)
$500 CAD in seed funding and $500 CAD in in-kind services for each winner
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🏅 1st Place – Problem Provider Division
$2000 CAD in seed funding and $2000 CAD in in-kind services
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🥈 2nd Place – Problem Provider Division
$1000 CAD in seed funding and $1000 CAD in in-kind services
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🥉 3rd Place – Problem Provider Division
$500 CAD in seed funding and $500 CAD in in-kind services
Volunteer at natHacks 2025!
Support participants, meet community leaders, and help us empower students and recent grads to create real-world solutions. It’s fun, fast-paced, and a great way to build your skills and connect with the NAT team and our community.
Other Ways to Participate
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Sponsor
Explore the wide range of benefits available through our sponsorship packages.
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Advisor
Support project teams through a mentorship role.
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Judge
If you are a professional in industry, academia or healthcare, evaluate projects on their technical or business prowess.
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Partner
Spotlight your organization by involving your team in mentoring, judging, or volunteering at natHacks.
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879+
Participants
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136+
Prototypes Developed
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23+
Ongoing Projects
Frequently Asked Questions
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natHacks 2025 will take place from November 7-10, 2025.
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natHacks 2025 will be hosted in person at the Donadeo Innovation Centre for Engineering at the University of Alberta.
Address: 9211 116 St NW, Edmonton, AB T6G 1H9
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Participants may be high school students, undergraduates, graduates, and recent graduates from any background, including life sciences, computer science, engineering, design, social sciences, business, and health sciences. Please note that you must be at least 16 years of age to participate.
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Participation in natHacks 2025 requires a partially refundable $50 deposit, consisting of a:
$25 non-refundable program fee. This program fee covers the cost of the following:
Meals, snacks, and coffee throughout the hackathon,
Access to hacking space,
NAT merchandise.
$25 refundable deposit, returned to you after you participate in the competition. This helps us make sure everyone who signs up contributes meaningfully to their team.
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No! We welcome participants from diverse backgrounds and skill levels. We provide hands-on training and mentorship, so you’ll learn what you need along the way.
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Make sure to bring your laptop, charger and any other required tech. If you are 18+ and interested in staying at the venue overnight, you will find it helpful to bring along key items you would bring to a sleepover: pillows, blanket, toothbrush/toothpaste, deodorant, earphones, etc.
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The final application deadline for natHacks 2025 is Oct 25, 2025 at 11:59 PM MT.
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In Problem Provider division, NAT organizers will match you with a team based on your skills and the challenges you express interest in.
For Standard division hackers, there will be opportunities for willing participants to look for, make, or join a team before and at the hackathon. This includes the natHacks Discord, which you will be invited to upon acceptance, and in person on November 7.
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In the Problem Provider division, teams are matched with a challenge based on their skills and interests.
For Standard Division hackers, a good recommendation for coming up with ideas is to think about annoyances in your everyday life that you could potentially solve. Talk to your friends and family to help you! You can also ask NAT organizers for ideas.
Still have questions? See the full FAQ
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