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Clean Energy
Smarter grids, solar tooling, energy-use dashboards, and efficiency hacks.
A 24-hour sustainability hackathon where students build technology for a greener planet. Come with an idea, leave with a project — and maybe change the world a little.
Eco Nova Hacks brings together students from across Southern California for a weekend of building, learning, and problem-solving around one theme: sustainability. Whether you're a first-time hacker or a seasoned builder, you'll form a team, ship a project, and pitch it to judges — all in 24 hours.
Workshops, mentors, and starter kits mean you don't need experience — just curiosity.
Apps, hardware, data models, or policy tools — if it helps the planet, it counts.
Talks from climate-tech founders and time to meet people who care like you do.
Cash, gear, and mentorship for the projects that push sustainability forward.
Pick a lane — or blend a few. Every track has its own prize.
Smarter grids, solar tooling, energy-use dashboards, and efficiency hacks.
Marine health, water quality, conservation data, and coastal resilience.
Recycling, reuse marketplaces, food-waste reduction, and circular supply chains.
Public transit, bike-share, EV tooling, and low-carbon logistics.
Education, carbon tracking, and tools that turn data into action.
All times PT. Subject to a few last-minute tweaks.
Runner-up
Grand prize
Third place
Any current high-school or college student, regardless of major or experience. First-timers are especially welcome.
Nothing. Eco Nova Hacks is 100% free — including meals, snacks, and swag — thanks to our sponsors.
Nope. Come solo or with friends. We'll run a team-formation session at the start so no one hacks alone.
Your laptop and charger, a student ID, and anything you need to stay comfy overnight (a hoodie, toiletries, maybe a sleeping bag).
Not necessarily. We welcome designers, researchers, and idea people. Workshops and mentors will help you learn as you build.
Yes — the entire event runs in person at the Jacobs School of Engineering at UC San Diego.
Want to support the next generation of climate builders? We'd love to partner with you.
Presenting partner
Gold tier
Silver tier
Community tier
Registration is free and takes under two minutes. Spots are limited.
Applications reviewed on a rolling basis · Sept 5–6, 2026 · UC San Diego