Unlike traditional software hackathons, hardware hackathons are events where participants come together to prototype and build projects using real materials. They offer an opportunity to apply electrical, mechanical, and software engineering skills to a real world project. Students will build familiarity with circuit design, soldering, working with sensors/actuators, develop skills using 3D printers, CAD software, and working with physical materials, engineering moving parts. You'll also develop programming skills for coding the logic behind microcontrollers or embedded systems.

MakeCU will take place on November 8-9, 2025 at Columbia University. More detailed schedule to come later.

We welcome all collegiate undergraduate and graduate students!

Not at all! We will provide workshops and mentors at the event to enable interested students of all levels participate.

Nope! All hardware will be provided at the hackathon.

We will do our best to provide all necessary equipment; however, you are encouraged to bring your own hardware tools, such as microcomputers, sensors, and mechanical tools, to enhance your project! Arduino kits, sensors, and more will be available. See the 'Hardware' section of the website.

Only if you want! Feel free to bring any kind of hardware or tools you want, but note that all projects must be assembled and built entirely within the duration of the hackathon to be counted for judging.

Teams must have at least 2 people and no more than 4 people.

No worries! We will make sure all participants will have a team. In person team formation will happen at the beginning of the event, and 1 week before the hackathon, we will send out links to our Discord server where members can form teams online based on similar projects and interests.