The Access & Impact Hackathon (A.I.)

What is it? This is not just another hackathon. (Believe me, I’ve been to, and won, several in my career). While most hackathons reward speed. This one rewards intentionality.

The Access & Impact (SCALER) Hackathon is a two-day experience where designers, developers, and thinkers come together to build solutions that:

• Expand access

• Center underserved communities

• Use AI responsibly, not recklessly

• Demonstrate ethics & intentionality

Because what we build, and who we build for matters.

[WHAT YOU’LL DO]

• Day 1, you’ll form teams around shared ideas and work to build something in a weekend

• Build a prototype, concept, or system to be presented on day 2

• Throughout, you’ll get guidance from mentors, optional add-on workshops and other learning opportunitiess

• Present your solution to a panel of judges (and be 1 of 3 top winners!)

  Projects will be evaluated on:

  • Access — Who does this include that is often excluded?

  • Impact — Is this meaningful and viable?

  • Responsible AI — Is AI used thoughtfully and ethically?

  • Execution — How well is the idea developed?

  • Storytelling — How clearly is the idea communicated?

  
  
  More details coming soon, such as: Announcement of event prizes, judge and event sponsor profiles, workshop add-ons, networking activities, and other event uniques such as live poetry/music breaks, and group cooking and learning opportunities.

Who’s it for?
Everyone and anyone working in design, tech, AI, or is a student in this space, interested in using AI and scaling tech innovations responsibly. (AKA people who care about impact, not just outcome). Never participated in a hackathon before, or consider yourself a beginner? No problem! All are welcome.

Why Attend?

These events are one of a kind, and so fun! Meet new friends (network), gain mentorship, visibility, and new pathways into future opportunities. Our panel of judges and coaches will be both local and national (from orgs like Hack the Gap, Femmecubator, State of Black Design, and NYU). Folks leave these experiences feeling inspired and activated! There’s nothing like building with like-minded people from your community.

Other perks:

• 1st Place team: $ cash prize

• 2nd Place team: $ cash prize

• 3rd Place team: $ cash prize

• Event swag + SCALER resources

• Lunch and learn opportunities

• Networking / access to local funds + people actively investing

• Slack-community to stay in touch long after the event!

When is it?
Saturday, September 12 - Sunday September 13, 2026

Where is it?
This event will either be located in Minneapolis, MN or New York City, NY. TBD. Note: There will be virtual hackathon tickets also available for those who cannot travel to the in-person venue.

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When you add to cart/purchase this ticket:
1. You will be added to the list of hackathon participants. We will reach out to confirm.
2. We’ll send you a Hackathon packet in the mail so you have it handy/know what to expect. (You can share this with your employer or school for reimbursement purposes).
3. We will be in contact with you once you confirm your spot, and add you to the community Slack channel where you can chat ahead of time with other participants, mentors, and coaches.

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Note: Spots limited (we only have space for 20 teams to present). Save the date and reserve your spot ASAP if you want to participate in this special SCALER event.