UnlockedHacks

A free, one-day hackathon for high school students in Portland. You’ll team up, build a hardware or software project, and demo it to judges. No previous hackathon experience is needed.

Saturday, November 14, 2026, from 8:30 AM to 8:30 PM. It’s a 12-hour event with no overnight stay. Hacking runs from 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM, followed by dinner, judging, finalist presentations, and awards.

Any high school student in grades 9–12 is welcome. Beginners can learn as they go, and experienced builders can try something new. Mentors will be available to help with code, hardware, and project questions.

Nothing. Admission, food, snacks, and swag are covered by our sponsors. You’ll need to arrange your own transportation; travel and flight reimbursements aren’t available.

Yes. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks are provided. If you have food allergies or dietary restrictions, email directors@oregonunlocked.org before the event so we can plan for you. You’re always welcome to bring your own food, too.

You can build solo or in a team of up to three. Come with a team or meet people at the morning team-forming session.

AI tools are allowed and encouraged, and our sponsors are providing AI credits. Your project must be built from scratch during hacking hours, 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM. You can brainstorm ideas beforehand.

Bring a laptop, its charger, and a student ID or other proof of high school enrollment. If you’re planning a hardware project, bring the parts and tools you expect to use.

Plan to bring the parts and tools your project needs. If our sponsors provide shared components or tools, we’ll announce what’s available before the event.

Hardware, software, or both: an app, robot, game, assistive device, or another working prototype. Choose from Climate & Community, Health & Accessibility, Education & Learning, or Entertainment & Creativity.

Submit by 5:30 PM. Judging runs from 6:00–6:50 PM. The top 5 finalists then present on stage at 7:20 PM. We’ll share the judging format before the event. Technical execution, creativity, impact, and presentation each count for 25%.

The total prize pool is $10,000+. Specific prizes and the award breakdown will be announced soon. Each team receives at most one award; overall podium winners pass track awards to the next eligible team.

Our organizing team, adult volunteers, and mentors are on site for the entire event, from morning check-in to evening pickup. We’ll share arrival, pickup, and contact details with families before November 14.

Yes. A parent or guardian waiver is included with registration, so you’ll complete it as part of registering.

Yes. We’ll take photos and video to share what students build. The parent consent form includes a photo and media release. If you have questions or concerns about photos, email directors@oregonunlocked.org before the event.

Instrument is on the sixth floor, with elevator access from the main lobby. If you need an accommodation of any kind, email directors@oregonunlocked.org and we’ll work with you ahead of time.

Instrument, 2035 NW Front Ave, Suite 600, Portland, OR 97209. Enter the main lobby and take the elevator to floor 6. Check-in is 8:30–9:00 AM; pickup is 8:30–9:00 PM. Parking is limited, so carpool or get dropped off if you can. NW Riverscape St has free parking with no time limit. Front Ave spaces have a 2-hour limit, and the building garage is closed on weekends. For drop-off, use an open curb spot in front of the building on NW Front Ave. Bus Line 16 doesn’t run on Saturdays, so take Line 24 or the Portland Streetcar NS Line.