STEMist Education · online hackathon

Build a real STEM project in a weekend.

STEMist Hacks IV is an online hackathon for students ages 11–18. Come with an idea in code, hardware, or CAD, and leave with something you actually built. No experience needed.

Register on Devpost See what you can build

Build almost anything STEM

If it touches science, tech, engineering, or math, it counts. A few directions to get you started:

  • Apps & websites
  • Games
  • Hardware & Arduino
  • CAD & 3D design
  • AI & data tools
  • Robotics

Judges score every project on four things: originality, effort, impact, and whether it works.

How it works

  1. 1

    Register

    Sign up on Devpost, fill out the short form, and join the Discord for announcements and finding teammates.

  2. 2

    Build

    Work on your project across the weekend. Industry mentors are available if you get stuck, plus a workshop and a game night.

  3. 3

    Submit

    Post your project to Devpost before submissions close on Sunday afternoon.

  4. 4

    Get judged

    Judges review every submission and choose winners in each prize track.

New to hackathons? There's a dedicated Best Beginner track. Register on Devpost →

Built at past STEMist Hacks

A few of the 41 projects submitted at STEMist Hacks III (2024). Registration numbers below are from Devpost, not verified attendance.

980 registrations across Hacks I–III

  • Smart Irrigation Hardware

    Arduino garden watering that adjusts to live sensor data.

  • SpeechSync AI

    A language-learning assistant for practicing speaking.

  • ResQ Social good

    A chatbot that guides people through natural disasters.

  • Impromptu Web

    A tool that lets anyone compose music, whatever their background.

  • The Pet Sentinel Hardware

    A monitor that helps owners keep an eye on their pets.

  • Inner Voice AI AI

    A companion built to support mental-health conversations.

  • 2022 Hacks I 137 registered
  • 2023 Hacks II 623 registered
  • 2024 Hacks III 220 registered · 41 projects

More in the Hacks III project gallery.

Weekend schedule

Times are Pacific. The Devpost page lists them as PST.

Fri · Jul 31

  • 6–7 PM Opening ceremony
  • 7 PM Submissions open

Sat · Aug 1

  • TBA Build Your Tiny GPT workshop (30 min)
  • 8:30 PM Skribbl.io game night

Sun · Aug 2

  • 3:30 PM Submissions close
  • 4–6 PM Judging
  • 6:30–7:30 PM Closing ceremony

The workshop time is still to be announced.

Prizes & sponsors

Winners get credits, subscriptions, domains, and hardware from our sponsors, not cash. A cash prize for Best Overall is still to be confirmed. Full values, quantities, and eligibility are on the Devpost page.

Competitive awards

Judged tracks.

  • Best Overall — subscription bundle + a $100 AoPS gift card. Cash prize pending.
  • Best Beginner — Scrimba 1-year subscriptions, while supplies last.
  • Best Vision & Hardware — OpenMV camera boards. Ships to the U.S. only.
  • Best AI/LLM — Tavily API credits.

Sponsor challenges

Use a specific tool to qualify.

  • Best use of Render — Render credits. Must use Render Workflows.
  • Cybersecurity prize (TryHackMe) — TryHackMe Premium. Category to be confirmed on Devpost.

Participant giveaways

Limited quantities, not everyone.

  • Tool bundle — up to 10 recipients (Wolfram|One, n8n Pro, Tavily, Render credits).
  • .xyz domain — up to 350 recipients, one free year.
  • Interview Cake license — up to 50 recipients, while supplies last.

See all prizes and full terms on Devpost →

In-kind sponsors

Projects are judged by engineers from Land IQ, Lyzr AI, EA, and Caterpillar. Want to mentor, judge, or sponsor? Email team@joinstemist.org.

FAQ

Do I need coding experience?

No. There's a Best Beginner track, and mentors are available during the event to help you get started.

Who can join, and what does it cost?

Students ages 11–18, from most countries (standard Devpost exceptions apply). Participants under 13 need a parent or guardian to sign up on their behalf. It's free to enter.

Solo or team?

Either. Enter on your own or in a team of up to four.

Are the prizes cash?

Mostly credits, subscriptions, domains, and hardware. A Best Overall cash prize is still to be confirmed. See Devpost for the latest.

Can I enter the same project in another hackathon?

Yes, if both events allow it and the work is done during hack hours.

How do I register?

Sign up on Devpost, complete the form, and join the Discord.

Register for STEMist Hacks IV

Jul 31 – Aug 2, 2026 · Online · Ages 11–18 · Free

Register on Devpost Join the Discord

Then complete the registration form. Questions? team@joinstemist.org