hackUMBC draws hundreds to campus for a weekend of snack-fueled, tech-inspired problem solving

Tue, 07 Oct 2025 16:17:13 -0400
coeit, compsci, dosa, hackumbc, news, science-and-tech, story

On a late September weekend, hundreds of people converged on the UMBC Catonsville campus for the 11th annual hackUMBC, a 24-hour competition where teams of students create creative solutions to problems that matter to them. Under a tight deadline that fosters camaraderie and quick thinking, teams tackle a range of challenges, some proposed by industry sponsors and others that are personally meaningful to students.
hackUMBC participants visit the snacks and drinks table. (Photo by Angel Pham)
“What makes hackUMBC great is the display of growth, innovation, and teamwork,” says Isabella Goltser, the president of hackUMBC and a junior computer science major who has been part of hackUMBC since her first year on campus. “Participants from across different universities and high schools come together for 24 hours to create amazing projects, connect with each other, and really grow as individuals over the course of a weekend.”

The competition itself has also grown over the years, from under 100 participants in the first year to 600 participants this year, including increasing numbers of high school students who get to witness and participate in the vibrant UMBC community. This year, the organizers added more opportunities for students to network and learn new skills through activities such as workshops and guest panels of tech industry professionals, Goltser says.

The event culminated with the judging expo in the afternoon of the second day, where teams presented their projects and competed for prizes. Teams were recognized for the best overall “hacks,” as well as in specific categories, such as best games, best AI/machine learning hack, best health/environment hack, and more.
hackUMBC teams gather in the UC Ballroom for the judging part of the competition. (Photo by Angel Pham)
“Seeing everyone present their projects and the proud look on their faces makes it worth spending so much time organizing,” Goltser says.

Twenty-seven UMBC students worked together for the past 10 months to pull off the event. The students divided themselves into teams that dealt with specific tasks such as securing sponsorships, marketing, designing the website and more. The student organizing team was also supported by faculty and staff throughout the College of Engineering and Information Technology (COEIT) and the university as a whole. Renique Kersh, vice president for student affairs, and Marc Olano, associate dean for academic programs and learning in COEIT served as keynote speakers at the event.

“This hackathon would not have been possible without teamwork and I want to thank everyone involved,” Goltser says.