May 30, 2026 • Bakersfield, California
Join 50 students for 1 day (8 hours) of hacking, mentorship, and breakthrough projects in Bakersfield's intimate, community-focused hackathon.
Hack the Valley 2026 is a free, high-energy innovation day where students team up to solve real problems with mentorship from industry leaders.
Built for beginners and experienced hackers alike.
Ship something meaningful in a focused one-day sprint.
Join technical workshops and mentor sessions throughout the event.
Connect with local tech professionals, mentors, and fellow hackers.
Present your best project for a $500 overall winner award.
Meals, snacks, and event merch are included for all participants.
Showcase your work and stand out in internship and job applications.
Partner with Hack the Valley to support the next generation of innovators and connect with 200+ talented developers in the Central Valley.
Support Hack the Valley
Help us create an unforgettable experience for student innovators in the Central Valley. Sponsorships support the event at a bigger level, and donations help cover the details that make the day actually great: meals, swag, prizes, and logistics.
Real outcomes from real hackathons. Companies founded, jobs landed, careers launched.
Top 8 teams pitch their inventions to VC investors at Google • Hacker Fund
VR meets urban planning. Built at TechCrunch Disrupt 2014, became YC-backed Resolve.
Walk in VR without a controller. LA Hacks 2014 Grand Prize winner.
Sign language translation tool. Won LA28 Olympics track at LA Tech Week 2024.
AI-powered sports commentary. Grand Champion at LA Tech Week 2024.
Sustainability project from Jewel City Hacks 2025. Team received internship offers.
Projects from Hacker Fund events including Hackathon by the Sea, Recyclathon, Vision Hack, and Compton Tech Week.
Build in any track and pitch your best project for the grand prize.
Overall Winner
Best overall project wins the top honor based on impact, execution, and innovation.
Create intelligent products using models, data pipelines, and automation.
Open to all teams
Develop solutions that support communities and improve quality of life.
Open to all teams
Build tools that enhance learning, accessibility, and educational outcomes.
Open to all teams
May 30, 2026 • Check-in opens 7:30 AM • Program runs 8:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Hack the Valley is at the CSUB Student Union MPR. Parking passes will be available for participants.
Map reference only: park in Lot K2, then follow the written route below and event signage around construction.
Park in CSUB Lot K2. We will have parking passes available for Hack the Valley attendees.
Construction is blocking the direct path from K2 to the Student Union, so do not try to cut straight across.
From K2, walk toward Runner Cafe, then take a left toward the Student Union building. Follow event signage when you arrive.
Spots are limited. Filling out the form does not guarantee entry, and registration is free for accepted participants.
We will send more details to accepted participants 1 week before the event, on May 23, 2026.