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Join the AEC Evolution

Upcoming events

San Francisco, USA

Fall 2026

The AEC (Architecture, Engineering, Construction) Hackathon

The AEC Hackathon was created in 2013 by built-environment professionals who are passionate about thinking differently and hacking with technology to solve their own industry challenges. This event isn't just about tech, it's about empowering architects, engineers, contractors, and all built-environment pros with access to cutting-edge tools, technologists, and collaborative innovation.

With over 60 events worldwide, the AEC Hackathon has grown over a decade into the largest global community dedicated to open innovation for the built world. It's a hands-on, minds-on experience where you tech out, problem-solve, and shape the future with those who design, build, and maintain the spaces we live and work in.

At our core, we are "for the industry, by the industry" and believe in a community-first approach. We deeply appreciate the professionals, companies, and supporters who put collaboration and impact ahead of personal gain.

A video from our community at BLOXHUB — a great overview of the magic.

Hack AEC in numbers

A decade of building together

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If you are a built-environment or tech professional, property owner, expert, student, company, conglomerate, country, alien, robot AI, or other working to improve the built environment, we look forward to seeing you at an upcoming event. Welcome to a community of passionate people improving the industries we love.

How it works

Challenges

Our challenge categories at every hackathon we sponsor. Additional supporter challenges and prizes are announced at the kickoff of each event.

Best Overall Project

The project that hits the mark on execution, utility, and technical merit.
Best Solves a Big Problem

The project that solves a meaningful problem for a built-environment profession.
Best Mashup Project

The best solution combining an event's sponsors and community supporters' tech.
Best Hack From a Past Event

Builds on a previous AEC Hackathon project or open-source projects.
Best Hack for Humans

Uses built-environment data to improve the human experience in structures and cities.
Best Startup Project^*

For teams that want to go further and pitch a second time to investor judges. *Available at select locations.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

What is a hackathon?

Hackathons have long been staple events in the technology industry since the late 1990s. A hackathon is an intense event that brings together computer programmers — software developers, graphic designers, UX specialists — alongside industry process experts and professionals to identify issues and create solutions, usually within a weekend.
Who should attend?

AEC professionals — including facilities managers, GIS specialists, public utilities, policy makers, and everyone that deals with the built environment. Tech developers — we need tech ninjas, makers, game programmers, and rebels that code. UI/UX designers — we need people like you to make everything look beautiful, work intuitively, and create a stellar user experience.
What do I bring?

This is a very hands-on and grassroots event. Bring your laptops, mobile phones, scanners, VR/AR HMDs, drones, wearable computing devices — whatever inspires you. But above all, your energy and your brain. Don't worry if you forget something; there will be tons of stuff to do.
What is the goal of the hackathon?

To create an environment that embraces new ideas and technology solutions for the AEC industry. A place where technology designers and developers can come to help the industry, and a safe zone for AEC R&D teams to geek out without worrying about failure or affecting a company's bottom line. We know it takes longer than a weekend to build great solutions, but this is enough time to form teams of good people and start creating great things.
How do I form or join a team, and why?

Teams usually form around problems expressed by participating AEC professionals or the provided hack categories. We encourage participants to start forming teams before the event — propose or join a team via our Slack workspace, our LinkedIn group, or at the Friday-evening mixer.
Are there prizes for the hack categories?

Yes — we provide gift cards and software prizes thanks to our sponsors.
Who owns my project & IP?

The team that develops the project owns the project and IP. We encourage sharing code with others in the community or making it open source, but it is not required to participate.
How do I have an AEC Hackathon in my local area?

If you want to organize an AEC Hackathon in your area or have one at your existing event, contact us at info@hackaec.com and we will let you know how to make it happen.
Is there reimbursement for travel?

No, we do not offer any reimbursement for travel expenses.
Is there a hackathon code of conduct?

Yes — see it on the About page.
How do I convince my employer to support my attendance?

Contact us at info@hackaec.com and we'll send you a letter from our founder explaining the benefits of participation.
Does your logo have a meaning?

While it has evolved over the years, our logo represents that we are an open community to any fellow set of bones equally passionate about improving the built environment and its professions.