Construction + Sustainability Tech
Safer job sites, stronger infrastructure, and cleaner ways to build and power the places we live.
Capital Hacks 5.0 · formerly Hornet Hacks
Build what matters.
In the capital.
A three-day, student-led build sprint at Sac State. Form a team, pick a real problem, and pitch what you built for a share of $3,500 in cash prizes.
Hacking starts in
--days
--hrs
--min
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$3,500in cash prizes
$1,500grand prize
$500per track winner
2–6people per team
3days of building
[01] About
A hackathon for everyone who wants to build.
Capital Hacks is a collaborative initiative from the Carlsen Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship and ACM Sac State. It brings together students with a passion for hacking, building, AI, and making an impact.
Pick one of four tracks and build a solution to a real-world problem. How you innovate is up to you: explore creative approaches and cutting-edge tools to bring your idea to life. On the final day, every team pitches to a panel of judges who score projects on innovation, applicability, technical proficiency, and potential impact.
New name, same hackathon. Hornet Hacks is now Capital Hacks. This is our fifth edition.
- When
- Fri, Nov 6 to Sun, Nov 8, 2026
- Where
- Carlsen Center, Library 1520
Sacramento State - Who
- All students, 18+, every skill level
- Teams
- 2 to 6 members. No team yet? We'll help you find one.
- Cost
- Free. Meals and snacks included.
- Prizes
- $3,500 in cash plus in-kind awards
[02] Tracks
Pick a problem. Build the first fix.
Choose the track that fits your idea. Each track winner takes home $500, and the best project overall wins the $1,500 grand prize.
Health + Accessibility Tech
Better care, smoother clinical workflows, and tools that open doors for people of every ability.
Civic + GovTech
We're in California's capital. Build tools that help government, public services, and communities work better.
Open Tech (Wildcard)
Got an idea that doesn't fit anywhere else? Bring it, and make the case for why it matters.
[03] Format + Schedule
Three days. One shared sprint.
Come with an idea or find your team on day one. The Carlsen Center is your workspace all weekend, with meals, guest speakers, and mentors on hand.
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Day 1 9 AM – 10 PM
Meet + team up
Orientation on the competition, rules, and guidelines. If you don't have a team, there's dedicated time and space for team formation. Scheduled meals with guest speakers from industry.
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Day 2 9 AM – 10 PM
Build + iterate
A full day of hacking at the Carlsen Center. Mentors and subject-matter experts join in person and virtually to help you get unstuck and make connections.
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Day 3 9 AM – 2 PM
Ship + pitch
Final touches, then pitch your project to the judges. Winners take home a share of $3,500 in cash prizes plus in-kind awards.
The full season
Workshops lead up to the hackathon. Pick a highlighted date for details.
[04] Pre-event workshops
Warm up before the weekend.
Free, in-person sessions at the Carlsen Center. Get feedback on your idea, meet potential teammates, and grab some free pizza.
Oct13Tue
Find a Winning Hackathon Idea
5:30 – 6:30 PM · Carlsen Center, Library 1520
Learn from Carlsen Center executive director Cameron Law and the hackathon organizers how to find and evaluate winning hackathon ideas, and what judges are looking for.
Nov4Wed
How to Win a Hackathon
11:30 AM – 12:30 PM · Carlsen Center, Library 1520
A panel of past hackathon winners, organizers, and student entrepreneurs in residence share their tips and tricks for winning hackathons and what judges look for.
[05] How to sign up
From sign-up to pitch day in four steps.
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1
Register on Luma
Request your spot on our Luma page. Registration is free and approved by the organizers. You must be 18 or older.
Open registration → -
2
Join the Discord
Event announcements, updates, and a place to find teammates and ask questions all live in our Discord server.
Join the server → -
3
Find your team
Teams are 2 to 6 people. Meet teammates at a pre-event workshop, on Discord, or during team formation on Day 1.
See the workshops → -
4
Show up and build
Doors open Friday, Nov 6 at 9 AM. Bring your laptop, charger, and any hardware you plan to use. We'll handle the food.
Need an accommodation? Let us know at least two weeks before the event at c.law@csus.edu so we can have it ready.
[06] Past winners
Four editions. Four winners. Still building.
Our past first-place teams didn't stop at the pitch. Here's what they built, and where they took it next.
Spring 2026 · Healthcare + Overall
SecureScribe
Team Veridian
Private, on-device clinical documentation for behavioral-health nurses: document an event once, review the structured record, and keep patient data local.
Fall 2025 · Wildcard + Overall
Helping Hand
Team Helping Hand
A low-cost robotic arm and AI-powered web app that gives real-time, 3D feedback on ASL handshapes and gestures.
Spring 2025 · Education + Overall
GuLP AAC
Team Diversity Hires
An AAC app built around gestalt language processing, with meaningful phrases, scripts, audio, and video instead of a one-size-fits-all grid.
Fall 2024 · 1st Place
HeadShotX
Team TopCode
Smart headgear that monitors impacts in real time and uses AI to warn fighters before accumulated hits reach dangerous levels.
[07] Get involved
Help students build what's next.
Capital Hacks runs on people who show up for students. If you'd like to give a weekend, an hour, or a prize, fill out our quick interest form and the team will get back to you. Questions? Email c.law@csus.edu.
Mentor
Drop in on Saturday, in person or virtually, to help teams get unstuck.
Sign up ↗Judge
Score Sunday pitches on innovation, applicability, technical skill, and impact.
Sign up ↗Sponsor
Fund a prize, a meal, or a track, and meet Sac State's most motivated builders.
Sign up ↗Volunteer
Students: help run check-in, meals, and logistics over the weekend.
Sign up ↗Organized by
Who can participate?
Capital Hacks is open to all students who are 18 or older, from any school and any major. Every skill level is welcome, from first-time hackers to experienced builders.
How much does it cost?
Nothing. Capital Hacks is free, and meals, snacks, and drinks are provided throughout the weekend.
How do I register?
Request a spot on Luma. Registrations are approved by the organizers, so sign up early in case spots are limited.
Do I need a team before I arrive?
No. Day 1 includes time and space for team formation. Teams need at least 2 and at most 6 members. You can also meet teammates at the pre-event workshops or in the Discord.
What should I bring?
Your laptop, charger, a notepad, and anything else you need to work comfortably, including any hardware you plan to build with.
Where is it held?
The Carlsen Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship, on the first floor of the University Library (Library 1520) at Sacramento State, 6000 J Street.
Can I arrive late or leave early?
Yes, you can come and go. Your project must be submitted before the deadline to qualify for prizes, and we recommend being there for most of the event. Past winners made full use of the mentors and resources on site.
Can I use existing code, libraries, or AI tools?
Yes. Open-source libraries, APIs, frameworks, and AI tools are all fair game, as long as you disclose what you used in your presentation.
How are projects judged?
Judges score projects on innovation, applicability, technical proficiency, and potential impact. We'll share a recommended pitch template at the start of the event.
What are the prizes?
$3,500 in cash prizes: $500 for each of the four track winners and a $1,500 grand prize, plus in-kind awards.
What happened to Hornet Hacks?
It grew up. Hornet Hacks is now Capital Hacks, run by the same Carlsen Center and ACM Sac State team. This November is our fifth edition.
I need an accommodation. Who do I contact?
Email c.law@csus.edu at least two weeks before the event so we can have it ready.
Bring a problem. Build the future.
November 6–8, 2026 · Carlsen Center · Sacramento State