HackHounds 2026

HackHounds ’26 is Loyola University Maryland’s annual 24‑hour hackathon where students from any school come together tobuild, learn, and create. Whether you’re a first‑time hacker or an experienced developer, HackHounds is designed to be welcoming, beginner‑friendly, and packed with opportunities to explore new technologies, meet collaborators, and ship something you’re proud of.Across a full weekend of hacking, workshops, speakers, and community events, participants choose from six tracks —Finance, AI/ML, Health, General, Hardware, and Cybersecurity— or build anything they’re passionate about. With mentors on site, hands‑on sessions, and a supportive environment, HackHounds empowers students to experiment boldly and bring ideas to life.What makes HackHounds special is its culture: a high‑energy, student‑run event built around collaboration, creativity, and accessibility. From late‑night game tournaments to industry speakers and a full project expo, the experience is designed to be both fun and impactful. And with prizes across every track — plus awards for Best Overall and Best Everyday Use — there’s room for every kind of builder to shine.Event ScheduleSaturday, April 11Morning8–9 AM — Check‑In9–9:30 AM — Opening Ceremony9:30–10 AM — Team Formation10 AM — Hacking Begins10 AM — Speaker #1:Miles Hall & Kelechi Opurum — “AI / Vercel”Afternoon12–1 PM — Brunch1–2 PM — Speaker #2:Quiana Bannerman — “The Future of Work & Learning with AI”2:15–5 PM — WorkshopEvening6–7 PM — Dinner7–8 PM — Speaker / Panel9 PM–12 AM — Nintendo Game Night + Board Games + HackingLate Night12–12:30 AM — Midnight Snack1–7 AM — Overnight HackingSunday, April 12Morning7–8 AM — Breakfast8–10 AM — Final Sprint10 AM — Hacking Ends10–10:30 AM — Submissions & Presentations10:30 AM–12 PM — Project Demos12–1 PM — Lunch12–2 PM — JudgingAfternoon1–2 PM — Career Center Workshop3–4 PM — Awards Ceremony4:15 PM — Event Ends