About the Challenge Automate the Everyday

Everyday life is full of repetitive tasks, inefficient processes, and problems waiting for better solutions.

At NSH @ RPI 2027, participants will spend the weekend designing and building tools, systems, applications, hardware projects, games, or other experiences that simplify, improve, or reimagine everyday life through technology.

Projects can tackle challenges across areas such as education, productivity, accessibility, healthcare, nonprofits, business operations, personal workflows, and more.

Whether you're attending your first hackathon or you've built projects before, NSH is designed to give you the space, resources, and support to turn an idea into something real.

No team? No problem. No project idea? That's okay too. Team formation and beginner support will be available at the start of the event.

Event Schedule

January 30–31, 2027
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Schedule and programming are subject to change. Final workshop topics and activities will be announced closer to the event.

Saturday, January 30 — Day 1
Time Event
9:00–10:00 AM Participant Check-In
10:00–10:30 AM Opening Ceremony & Event Overview
10:30–11:00 AM Team Formation & Workspace Setup
11:00 AM onward Open Hacking Begins
11:30 AM–12:15 PM Workshop 1 — Beginner / NSBE & SHPE Jr. Workshop
12:15–1:15 PM Lunch
1:15–2:00 PM Workshop 2
3:30–4:15 PM Workshop 3
5:30–6:00 PM Project Checkpoint 1
6:00–7:00 PM Dinner
8:00–8:45 PM Workshop 4
10:30–11:00 PM Late-Night Snack
11:00 PM onward Late-Night Activity & Open Hacking
Sunday, January 31 — Day 2
Time Event
12:00–9:00 AM Overnight Open Hacking
9:00 AM–1:00 PM Open Hacking / Final Project Development
10:00–11:00 AM Brunch
11:15 AM–12:00 PM Workshop 5
1:00–1:15 PM Final Submission Support
1:15 PM Project Submissions Close
1:15–1:35 PM Judging Setup & Participant Transition
1:35–3:20 PM Project Expo & Judging
3:25–4:00 PM Career Panel / Judges' Deliberation
4:00–5:00 PM Awards & Closing Ceremony
Overnight Participation

Overnight participation is subject to RPI campus policies. High school participants will participate during designated event hours and will not remain overnight unless otherwise permitted by RPI.

Requirements

What to Build

Build a project that explores the theme Automate the Everyday.

Your project should use technology to simplify, improve, automate, or reimagine an everyday task, process, or experience.

Projects can include web or mobile applications, AI or automation tools, hardware projects, games, productivity tools, accessibility solutions, tools for education, healthcare, nonprofits, businesses, or anything else that fits the theme.

Be creative! Your project does not need to solve a huge problem. Even small improvements to everyday life can make a meaningful impact.

Projects should be developed during the hackathon. Existing libraries, APIs, frameworks, open-source tools, and other technologies may be used to support your project.

What to Submit

Each team should submit the following before the submission deadline:

  • Prototype — A working or partially working version of your project that demonstrates the main idea and functionality.
  • Presentation Slides — A short slide deck explaining the problem, your solution, how you built it, and the purpose or impact of your project.
  • Demo — Teams should be prepared to demonstrate their project to judges during the Project Expo.
  • Project Description — A brief description of your project, the problem it addresses, and the technologies used.
  • Team Information — The names of all team members who contributed to the project.

Teams are also encouraged to include links to their GitHub repository, deployed application, website, or other supporting materials if available.

 

Your project does not need to be completely finished. Focus on demonstrating your idea, what you were able to build during the hackathon, and how your project addresses the Automate the Everyday theme.

Hackathon Sponsors

Prizes

6 non-cash prizes
1st Place
1 winner

Awarded to the overall first-place project. Prize details and value will be announced closer to the event.

2nd Place
1 winner

Awarded to the overall second-place project. Prize details and value will be announced closer to the event.

3rd Place
1 winner

Awarded to the overall third-place project. Prize details and value will be announced closer to the event.

Additional / Special Awards
1 winner

Additional prizes and special award categories may be announced by NSH @ RPI, sponsors, or event partners closer to the hackathon.

Participant Raffle
1 winner

Multiple $30 gift cards

High School Award
1 winner

Best High School Hack

Devpost Achievements

Submitting to this hackathon could earn you:

Judges

Under Review

Under Review

Judging Criteria

  • Under Review

Questions? Email the hackathon manager

Invite others to compete

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