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TreeHacks is Stanford University’s premier and largest hackathon. We bring together over 2000 students to Stanford every February to build the future. Sure, you’ll be hacking for 36 hours straight. But there will be yoga breaks. And laser tag. Lightsaber battles? Maybe even puppies. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or just getting started, we’ve got your back every step of the way. *Stanford students are automatically accepted but need to RSVP

challenges

TreeHacks 2022 will be the 8th-ever iteration of TreeHacks. Our theme is hacking for the future: addressing deeply impactful problems and building creative, unique solutions. We’ve identified five global and technological challenges that we think have tons of potential for innovation. Across each of these challenges, we’ve scaffolded resources like potential project ideas, data sets, APIs and toolkits, and more to help get you get started. There isn't a strict guideline for what you should work on, but here are some of our focus areas:

privacy, security, & safety

Silicon Valley moves quickly, but at the same time, innovators have come to recognize the importance of not breaking things in the pursuit of growth. We need hackers – literal hackers – to rise to the challenge of protecting privacy, security, and free expression on the web. We must also work to preserve trust and safety on the web, mitigating the potential for these protections to be misused by bad actors.

sustainability

As the effects of climate change become increasingly pronounced, we must be thoughtful about how to care for the planet we share. The sustainability challenge urges hackers to create solutions that help individuals or businesses become more aware of the issue and more engaged in addressing it.

healthcare

Almost half a billion people across the world still lack access to basic healthcare, and even less are able to afford expensive treatments and diagnostics for more severe conditions. The healthcare challenge pushes hackers to explore accessibility of treatments, build telemedicine tools, and redefine healthcare as we know it.

web 3.0

We are in the midst of an exciting transition to a more open and fair way of participating in activities on the internet. The Web 3.0 challenge asks hackers to think about how decentralization fits into their thesis of the future and how we can leverage technology to move towards systems in which we don’t concentrate power in the hands of a few.

Past Projects

Lucid Drums

Lillian, Kevin, Laura, and Juhi built an interactive VR Oculus Quest game to improve coordination through rhythm for those suffering from motor impairment. They won the Most Creative Hack prize at TreeHacks 2020.

Catiator

Nancy, Olivia, Mitchell, and Ryan created an educational VR game that lets players battle gladiator cats by learning and practicing American Sign Language. This team won our Moonshot Prize at TreeHacks 2021.

Computertop Desk

Omar combined a webcam and projector mounted above a desk, along with a splash of OpenCV to locate all the pieces of paper and the keyboard, allowing users to set any piece of paper as a window for the computer. Omar won Most Creative Hack and Best Hardware Hack at TreeHacks 2018.

frequently asked questions

If you have a question that is listed here, please email hello@treehacks.com

What is a hackathon?

A hackathon is where you turn your crazy ideas into real projects. We provide hardware, mentors, fun activities, speakers, workshops, food, friends, and so much more. You take care of hacking; we’ll take care of you.

Is TreeHacks 2022 going to be in-person or virtual?

Due to new guidance from Stanford administration, TreeHacks 2022 will take place virtually.

Who can come?

TreeHacks applications are open to any enrolled college student (undergrad or grad) from all over the world. All current Stanford students that register by appropriate deadlines will be guaranteed admission.

What if I don’t know how to code?

TreeHacks is the perfect time and place to learn. We provide starter code “hack packs,” as well as beginner-friendly workshops and mentors to help you build something you can be proud of.

What if I don’t have a team or idea?

Not a problem! We’ll have team-forming activities to help you find teammates and idea brainstorming sessions for all our challenges. Some of our best hacks have been from teams that met and formed an idea on the spot!

What can I build?

Anything your heart desires! Hardware, web, mobile, gaming, VR...you name it, we’ll support it. We have five challenges that will have extra resources, sponsored challenges, and other events to inspire you.

What does it cost?

TreeHacks is free for all admitted hackers! It’s our pleasure to bring our virtual workshops, swag, and prizes to our hackers without any cost on your end. We're committed to making TreeHacks accessible!

What is the TreeHacks code of conduct?

TreeHacks abides by this Code of Conduct, adapted from the Hack Code of Conduct. Every TreeHacks applicant must agree to this Code of Conduct to be considered for admission. TreeHacks is a safe place where everyone is welcome <3.