Hack Cupertino

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Hack 2025 has concluded! Check back in Spring 2026 for information regarding next year's event.

 

The Cupertino's Youth Activity Board together with the Cupertino Recreation Department is hosting <hack> Cupertino, a 13-hour overnight hackathon designed to solve a (secret) problem presented during our Opening Ceremony. We originally created this hackathon as a way for teens to destress, socialize, and flex their coding skills.

Throughout this event, participants are provided dinner, snacks, and breakfast to keep them energized. The lobby iss set up with fun recreational activities like table tennis, crafts, and video games so they can destress and socialize with their friends and peers. Exciting workshops provide participants an opportunity to learn and collaborate outside of the general parameters of the competition. Mario Kart and Ping Pong tournaments are held late into the evening to keep spirits high and provide a different source of engagement for the teens. Coding mentors put in a lot of time in the hacking room to help those struggling with their ideas or code, and judges from the Teen Commission and the private sector arrive in the morning to evaluate the awe-inspiring projects that our participants came up with.  

 

Date, Time, and Location

  • Where: Quinlan Community Center (10185 North Stelling Road, Cupertino, CA 95014)

  • When: April 12 to 13, 2025

  • Doors Open/Check-in Begins: 5:30 p.m.

  • Time: 6 p.m. to 10:30 a.m.

Please note that this event is a lock-in, if you leave the premises at any point in the evening you will not be allowed back in. 



Quick Overview

  • Registration Check-in: 5:30 p.m.
  • Opening Ceremony Begins: 6 p.m.
  • Hacking Begins: 7 p.m.
  • Dinner: 8 p.m.
  • Judging Occurs: 8 a.m.
  • Event Ends: 10:30 a.m.

Other activities include:

  • Mario Kart Tournament
  • Ping Pong Tournament
  • Recreational activities
  • Informative Workshops
  • Mentor Support

Who can Participate?

  • 13-18* years old.
  • To ensure the safety of all guests, all participants must present a 2024-2025 school ID or other proof of grade/age to be allowed into the event. 

*18-year-old guests must be in high school. 


How many people can be in my team? Can I work on my own?

You are welcome to work by yourself, but if you choose to be a part of team, please note that teams must be a maximum of 4 people.

What should I bring to be best prepared for Cupertino?

  • School ID or proof that you are enrolled in a middle/high school for the 2024-2025 school year 
  • Laptop 
  • Chargers and power strips 
  • Sleeping Bag/Blanket & Pillow 
  • Reusable Water Bottle 
  • Toiletries 
  • Medication and any personal items 
  • Food for dietary restrictions - we will only be able to provide vegetarian and non-vegetarian options  
  • Other snacks 


How do I register?

Registration detailed will be posted in Spring 2026.

Partner With Hack Cupertino

Hack Cupertino is looking for coding mentors, judges, workshop coordinators, and sponsors. If you want to support <hack> Cupertino, please fill out our partner form.

Partner Form

 

Questions?

For questions regarding the event please contact Robert Kaufman at robertk@cupertino.gov (408) 777-1303.


2025 Event Recap

On April 12 to 13, 2025, Cupertino Parks and Recreation hosted its annual overnight hackathon for aspiring coders ages 13 to 18. More than 80 participants formed 27 teams and spent 13 hours creating real-world solutions for this year's secret theme: Sustainability.

 

A big congratulations to our winners!

 

First Place – Angela+Nishka

Angela Li and Nishka Jain blew us away with their innovative project, Echo.

 

Second Place – Tech Support

Arav Bansal, Aditya Jha, and Aishani Bansal impressed with their app, Upcycle.

 

Third Place – The Pit Crew

Ishan Dixit, Nikunj Bafna, Anish Dixit, and Sai Avula created the fantastic EcoCode.

 

Thank you to everyone who participated and supported the City's young innovators. See you at next year's <hack> Cupertino!

 

Participants 1

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Back of Room

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AR Workshop

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Participants 2

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Mario Kart

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3

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Serving Dinner

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4

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Judges

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Participants 3

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2024 3rd Place

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2024 2nd Place

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2024 1st Place

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Partner With Hack Cupertino

Hack Cupertino is looking for coding mentors, judges, workshop coordinators, and sponsors. If you want to support <hack> Cupertino, please fill out our partner form.

Partner Form

 

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