Students coding during Hack the Valley

Date TBD • Bakersfield, California

Build. Create. Innovate.

Join 50 students for 1 day (8 hours) of hacking, mentorship, and breakthrough projects in Bakersfield's intimate, community-focused hackathon.

Register Now Explore Event
50
Students
$500
Grand Prize

Event Overview

Hack the Valley 2026 is a free, high-energy innovation day where students team up to solve real problems with mentorship from industry leaders.

Students collaborating at Hack the Valley

What to Expect

  • • 8-hour access to mentors, workshops, and office hours
  • • Free meals, snacks, swag, and collaborative hacking spaces
  • • Networking with local tech professionals and mentors
  • • Project expo, judging, and awards before close
Date
TBD
Location
Bakersfield, CA
Format
1-Day Sprint (9 AM - 5 PM)
Admission
100% Free

Why Attend

Built for beginners and experienced hackers alike.

Build Real Projects

Ship something meaningful in a focused one-day sprint.

Learn From Experts

Join technical workshops and mentor sessions throughout the event.

Build Your Network

Connect with local tech professionals, mentors, and fellow hackers.

Compete for the Grand Prize

Present your best project for a $500 overall winner award.

Food and Swag Included

Meals, snacks, and event merch are included for all participants.

Boost Your Resume

Showcase your work and stand out in internship and job applications.

Sponsorship Opportunities

Partner with Hack the Valley to support the next generation of innovators and connect with 200+ talented developers in the Central Valley.

Sponsors engaging with students at Hack the Valley booth
🎯
200+
Engaged Students
Direct access to top tech talent from regional universities
🚀
8 Hours
Brand Exposure
Full-day immersion with your brand front and center
💼
10+
Touchpoints
Multiple interactions: swag, workshops, demos, judging, social
💚
Community
Individual Supporter
$100
❤️ Unlimited spots
  • 📜
    Name on supporters wall
    Listed on website and event signage
  • 📱
    Social media thank you
    Personal shoutout on our channels
  • 🎫
    VIP event access
    Front row at awards, meet the teams
🥉
Bronze
Foundation Partner
$250
📊 10 spots available
  • 🖼️
    Logo on website
    Sponsors section placement
  • 📱
    Social media recognition
    Tagged posts across platforms
  • 📋
    Event day signage
    Logo displayed at venue
  • 🎁
    Swag table presence
    Distribute branded materials
🥈
Silver
Growth Partner
$500
📊 5 spots available
  • ✨ All Bronze benefits included
  • 🖼️
    Prominent logo placement
    Larger size, better positioning
  • 💼
    Recruiting table access
    Connect directly with students
  • 📱
    Dedicated social post
    Full sponsor highlight
  • ⚖️
    Judge participation
    Evaluate final projects
🥇
Gold
Premier Partner
$1,000
⚡ Only 3 spots
  • ✨ All Silver benefits included
  • 🖼️
    Premium logo placement
    Top-tier visibility everywhere
  • 🎓
    Workshop opportunity
    Host a technical session
  • 🎤
    Opening remarks
    Address all participants
  • 🍕
    Branded meal sponsorship
    "Lunch by [Your Company]"
  • 🎁
    Swag in every bag
    Your merch to all participants

Interested in Sponsoring?

Help us create an unforgettable experience for student innovators while connecting with top talent from universities across the Central Valley.

contact@hackthevalley.org

What Hackathons Build

Real outcomes from real hackathons. Companies founded, jobs landed, careers launched.

Watch: LA Tech Week 2024 Demo Day

Top 8 teams pitch their inventions to VC investors at Google • Hacker Fund

Vrban - VR Urban Planning
🚀 YC Company

Vrban

VR meets urban planning. Built at TechCrunch Disrupt 2014, became YC-backed Resolve.

Angel Say • Columbia University
Tred - VR Immersion Experience
💼 Job Offers

Tred

Walk in VR without a controller. LA Hacks 2014 Grand Prize winner.

UMD Students • Tinder Grand Prize
Talk To Sign - Sign Language Translation
🏆 Olympics Track Winner

Talk To Sign

Sign language translation tool. Won LA28 Olympics track at LA Tech Week 2024.

USC Students • Considering Incorporation ▶ Watch Demo
AI Commentator - Sports Commentary
🏢 Startup Potential

AI Commentator

AI-powered sports commentary. Grand Champion at LA Tech Week 2024.

USC + Pro Team • Considering Incorporation ▶ Watch Demo
Our Green City - Sustainability Project
🎓 Internships

Our Green City

Sustainability project from Jewel City Hacks 2025. Team received internship offers.

Glendale CC Students View Event →
✨

Your Project Here

Join Hack the Valley 2026 and build something that matters.

Register Now

Projects from Hacker Fund events including Hackathon by the Sea, Recyclathon, Vision Hack, and Compton Tech Week.

Challenge Tracks

Build in any track and pitch your best project for the grand prize.

🏆 GRAND PRIZE

$500

Overall Winner

Best overall project wins the top honor based on impact, execution, and innovation.

AI and machine learning track

AI and Machine Learning

Create intelligent products using models, data pipelines, and automation.

Open to all teams

Social impact track

Social Impact

Develop solutions that support communities and improve quality of life.

Open to all teams

Education track

Education

Build tools that enhance learning, accessibility, and educational outcomes.

Open to all teams

Schedule

Date TBD • 1-day schedule (9:00 AM - 5:00 PM)

Event Day Schedule

9:00 AMCheck-in and opening ceremony
9:30 AMHacking begins
11:00 AMMentor office hours
12:30 PMLunch + networking
2:00 PMProject check-ins
3:30 PMProject submissions close
4:00 PMLive demos and judging
5:00 PMAwards and closing

Register for Hack the Valley 2026

Spots are limited. Registration is free for accepted participants.