A one-day hardware hackathon
BuildHacks
uild
acksJanuary 16, 2027 · Location TBA
In person · Teams of 3 to 4 · $50 parts budget
Theme: engineering support for disabilities
About
One day in the shop to build something for a person with a disability.
You get a team, a parts budget, the shop's 3D printers, and mentors who can help with CAD, wiring, and code. Lunch is on us. At the end of the day every team shows the judges what they made.
- 1day, in person
- 3–4people per team
- $50for parts, per team
- 5+1minutes to pitch, then questions
Theme
Engineering support for disabilities
Build something that monitors, prevents, or helps manage a disability or medical condition. It needs a physical part or an app. If you mostly write software, try CAD or fabrication with a mentor, or at least show how your device would be used with a drawing or animation.
Some ideas
- Pill reminder that lights up and buzzes
- Cane that senses things at head height
- Spoon that steadies a shaky hand
- Badge that shows live captions
- Fall alert for someone who lives alone
- One-handed jar opener
Schedule
The day
Times after the opening will be posted closer to the event.
- Check-in
- Opening, rules, and a Kahoot (until 9:45)
- TBATeams form
- TBAHacking starts and the shop opens
- TBAWorkshops: CAD, fabrication, microcontrollers
- TBALunch
- TBAProjects due
- TBAPresentations
- TBAAwards and closing
Shop and budget
$50 per team for parts
What you can buy
Microcontrollers, wood sheets, acrylic sheets, and 3D printer filament. Each has a set price. Some materials are free within reason.
3D printing
First come, first served. Email your CAD file to nuevailab@nuevaschool.org to get in the queue, and wait an hour before sending another. Max print length is TBA.
Shop rules
Ask a shop manager before you use any tool or machine. You'll get the full rules at check-in.
Sponsors
We're looking for sponsors
Sponsorship pays for parts, food, and prizes.
Partner
Lead sponsor
Gold
Major support
Silver
Supporting sponsor
In-kind
Parts, tools, food, or credits
FAQ
Questions
Who can come?
Students of any skill level. We'll post the exact eligibility soon.
Do I need a team?
No. Teams of 3 to 4 form at the start of the day, so you can come by yourself.
Do I need to know how to code or build?
No. There are workshops on CAD, fabrication, and microcontrollers, and mentors walking around all day.
I only know software. Is that okay?
Yes. Your project needs a physical part or an app. Try some CAD or fabrication with a mentor. If that doesn't work out, show how your device would be used with a drawing or animation.
What does the $50 cover?
Parts from the shop, each with a set price: microcontrollers, wood sheets, acrylic sheets, and 3D printer filament. Some materials are free within reason. The amount may change.
How are projects judged?
Each team gets 5 minutes to present and 1 minute of questions. The criteria aren't final yet. Right now they are: how much it helps the person it's for, how well the prototype works, how easy it is to use, and how clear the presentation is.
Can I ask for accommodations?
Yes. Tell us when you register or email buildhacksca@gmail.com. That can be sign language interpreting, captions, a quiet room, help getting around, food needs, extra time, or anything else. We'll work it out with you before the day.
Is the venue accessible?
We'll post details on step-free access, elevators, restrooms, parking, and a quiet room once the venue is confirmed. Service animals are welcome.
What should I bring?
A laptop, a charger, a water bottle, and any parts or tools you like working with.
Can I make this site easier to read?
Yes. Press Alt + A on a keyboard. You can make text bigger, change the font and spacing, switch to dark or high-contrast colors, have the page read aloud, add a reading guide, stop animations, and more. There are quick presets for low vision, dyslexia, seizure safety, focus, and motor needs.
Registration opens soon
Come build something.
January 16, 2027 · Location TBA