BAY HACKS 2026
Bay Hacks is a 24-hour collegiate hackathon hosted by Tampa Bay Innovation, bringing students from across Florida to USF to build, compete for prizes, and pitch to a panel of judges. Every skill level is welcome, from first-time hackers to students who have shipped before. Teams can form at the event.
When: September 18 to 20, 2026
Where: USF Hall of Flags, Tampa
Cost: Free to attend
Who: Currently enrolled undergraduates, and high school students 16 and up with parental consent. Teams up to 4.
Where: USF Hall of Flags, Tampa
Cost: Free to attend
Who: Currently enrolled undergraduates, and high school students 16 and up with parental consent. Teams up to 4.
Tracks include Med Tech, Hardware, AI, a UX University data-mapping challenge, and sponsored API tracks from ElevenLabs and Render.
Register and submit on Devpost: https://bayhacks-2026.devpost.com/
RSVP on Luma: https://luma.com/91gmqv6q
RSVP on Luma: https://luma.com/91gmqv6q
A note for CISE students: this is a strong fit for anyone in the program looking to build something real over a weekend, add a project to their portfolio, and connect with local companies and other student developers.
ALSO: Q3 PITCH SHOWCASE (a couple of days before)
Separately, we're hosting our Q3 Pitch Showcase two days earlier, a live event for entrepreneurs, inventors, and startups. Founders pitch their ideas to judges and compete for a free provisional patent application from Menlo Park Patents. Students can attend to watch and network, or apply to pitch their own idea.
When: Wednesday, September 16, 2026, 5:00 to 7:00 PM
Where: House of Members (HoM), 512 N Franklin St Ste 200, Tampa, FL 33602
Cost: Free
Details and registration: https://luma.com/45vficej
Where: House of Members (HoM), 512 N Franklin St Ste 200, Tampa, FL 33602
Cost: Free
Details and registration: https://luma.com/45vficej
