Inviting college students of all majors to innovate and create
College students across the Marion area are invited to take part in Hack OHI/O 2026, Ohio State’s largest annual hackathon, taking place October 24-25, 2026. Designed for students of all majors and experience levels, the event offers an opportunity to collaborate, build innovative projects, develop new skills, use AI to develop apps and tackle real-world challenges. Participation is free.
This year, The Ohio State University at Marion will serve as a local Hack OHI/O satellite location on Saturday, October 24, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Science & Engineering Building on campus, providing students in the region with a convenient place to participate in the statewide event while working alongside peers in a supportive, collaborative environment.
Hack OHI/O is Ohio State’s premier annual hackathon, bringing together more than 800 students from over 60 majors to learn, create and network. Participants work in teams to develop technology-driven solutions, explore new ideas and present their projects to judges. The event is open to students from all fields of study, not just those with coding or computer science experience.
Students are encouraged to participate in teams of two to four members, although each student must register individually. Throughout the event, mentors will be available to provide guidance and support as participants move from idea generation to project development and presentation.
“Hack OHI/O is about creativity, problem-solving and collaboration,” said organizers. “Whether students are experienced programmers, first-time builders or simply curious about technology, the event provides a welcoming space to learn, innovate and make an impact.”
Operating in partnership with the central Hack OHI/O program, the Marion regional campus location allows local students to engage in university-wide challenges, workshops and judging while remaining on campus. Participants will collaborate on solutions to real-world problems, build working prototypes and present their projects for evaluation.
Hack OHI/O is part of the broader OHI/O initiative, which fosters technology, innovation and entrepreneurship among Ohio State students and surrounding communities. Students interested in participating can learn more and register at hack.osu.edu/2026. Registration is free.