She Innovates

She Innovates is open to all students both undergraduate and graduate from any major. It is a 36-hour hackathon that brings together students of all backgrounds to solve real-world problems, collaborate and create new ideas, and network with their peers and industry professionals. It is a weekend of ideation, programming, bonding, and creation, with mentors from both industry and academia. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn, build, and connect!

No coding experience? No problem! She Innovates is designed for everyone. Students of all skill levels are welcome at She Innovates (even if you have absolutely zero experience)! Tons of hackathon participants are beginners, and we will have workshops and mentorship available to support you. 

She Innovates logo

She Innovates 2026

Join us for our 12th annual She Innovates Hackathon. 

Feb. 6 through 8, 2026

Connolly Ballroom, Alumni Hall

Register Now
two students in sweaters standing next to one another, one has a laptop open in their hands

Schedule

 

DayTimeEvent
Day 1: Friday, Feb. 64:30 to 6:30 p.m.Networking with Corporate Partners (She Innovates Mini Career Fair) and Check-in
6:30 to 7:30 p.m.Opening Ceremony (in person)
7:30 p.m.Team Formation
8 p.m.Hacking Begins
Day 2: Saturday, Feb. 7All dayHacking Continues
9 to 11 a.m.Breakfast
12:30 to 1:30 p.m.Lunch
3 to 4 p.m.Mocktail Hour with NCWIT
5 to 7 p.m.Dinner
Day 3: Sunday, Feb. 8 9 a.m.Hacking ends
9 to 11 a.m.Breakfast
9:30 a.m.All teams must arrive at Alumni Hall
10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.Project Expo, Judging, and Awards

Prizes

Celebrating Innovation and Creativity

1st Place
Beats by Dr. Dre Solo Buds (Transparent Red)

2nd Place
Polaroid Go Generation 2 Instant Film Camera Everything Box (White)

3rd Place
AULA S99 Wireless Gaming Membrane Creamy Keyboard, Tri-Mode Connect, Num Pad, Backlit, Media Knob - Green

Best Beginner Project
Stanley 40 oz Stainless Steel H2.0 Flowstate Quencher Tumbler Metallic Shimmer

PNC Challenge Prizes

1st Place 
Apple Airpods Pro 3

2nd Place
Yaber T1 Pro2 Mini Smartphone Projector

3rd Place
Kodak Step Instant Smartphone Printer Bundle

OCC Credit

Students can get OCC credit for attending this event by scanning the QR code below.

QR code 

Networking with Corporate Partners (She Innovates Mini Career Fair)

  • Dick's Sporting Goods
  • CGI
  • PNC
  • ISACA
  • NCWIT
  • PITT OHIO
  • NetApp
  • Aerotech
  • BNY Mellon

Frequently Asked Questions

A hackathon is an event where people come together, break into teams, and develop cool technical projects in a limited amount of time.

Yes! There will be tons of prizes and swag.

Any graduate or undergraduate college student

Students at the University of Pittsburgh own and retain all rights to their intellectual property.

No, submissions may not include any code that was written before the kickoff party.

She Innovates is a great first hackathon! Just come eager and willing to learn. Mentors will be available online to help guide you through the hacking process.

Currently, we are not able to offer travel reimbursements or housing for participants.

Yes. Unfortunately we cannot have participants under the age of 18 at this time.

Teams can be made up of 4 or less people, the maximum team size is 4.

Sponsors

Empowering Innovation
We extend a huge thank you to this year's sponsors for supporting women in technology.
 

PNC logo                   Pitt Ohio logo     NCWIT logoISACA logo

 

Additional Questions?

If you have any questions about She Innovates, please contact Mackenzie Ball, Director of Outreach and Alumni Engagement.