Renovate the Future
Build innovative solutions for sustainable infrastructure, smart cities, and environmental restoration.
April 24-26, 2026
7:00 PM in Engineering VI
IDEA Hacks is the largest hackathon on the West Coast, hosted annually at UCLA by the IEEE student branch. Each year, it brings together over 500 of the brightest engineering, design, and business minds to collaborate, innovate, and build hardware-based solutions in just 36 hours.
TRACKS
Fashion the Future
Create cutting-edge wearable technology, smart textiles, and sustainable fashion innovations.
Educate the Future
Develop educational technology, learning platforms, and tools that transform how we teach and learn.
PRIZES
3D Printer
Grand Prize
Sceptre Monitor
2nd Place Overall
LEGO Gameboy
3rd Place Overall
Sewing Machine
Fashion the Future
Soldering Kit
Renovate the Future
Component Tester
Educate the Future
SCHEDULE
FRIDAY
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Set Up
IEEE Lab
6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
MAIN SET-UP
ENG 6
7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Check In
ENG 6
7:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Digikey / Microchip Workshop
Mong
8:30 PM - 9:00 PM
Opening presentation
9:00 PM - 9:45 PM
Teambuilding workshop
9:45 PM
Team Registration Closes
10:00 PM
Hacking begins
10:00 PM - 10:45 PM
Microcontroller Selection workshop
11:00 PM - 12:00 AM
Wireless Connectivity workshop
SATURDAY
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Breakfast
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Product Design Workshop
12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
Lunch
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Soldering Workshop
Makerspace
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
3D Printing / CAD workshop
6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Dinner
9:00 PM - 12:00 AM
Frog Night
SUNDAY
8:00 AM - 9:30 AM
Breakfast
9:00 AM
Hacking ends and Project submissions due
9:15 AM - 10:45 AM
Round 1 judging
11:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Judging Finals
12:40 PM - 1:00 PM
Awards and closing
SPONSORS
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FAQs
The hackathon starts at 6:00 PM on Friday, 1/12.
What should I bring?
>Bring your laptop, charger, and any hardware you want to work with. We'll provide food and drinks!
How long is the hackathon?
>36 hours from Friday 6 PM to Sunday 6 PM.
Is there a theme?
>Yes! This year's theme will be announced soon.
What are the prizes?
>Grand prize, second place, third place, and special category prizes. Stay tuned for details!
What if I don't have a team?
>We'll have team formation activities right before the event!
Is there parking available?
>Yes, there's parking available in UCLA parking structures. More details will be provided closer to the event.
Can I work on software projects?
>While IDEA Hacks focuses on hardware, software components that support your hardware project are welcome!
What hardware is provided?
>We'll have Arduino kits, sensors, LEDs, and other basic components.
Is there a place to sleep?
>No, make sure you have sleeping arrangements sorted before you come.
Interested in sponsoring IDEA Hacks?
Email us at corporate@ieeebruins.com