WildHacks 2026 Judging Guide
Thank you so much for judging at WildHacks 2026. We're so excited to have you. Here are some details about how judging will work at the hackathon.
Judging takes place on Sunday, April 12, 2026.
As a judge, you'll get:
- The opportunity to see some of the most innovative projects from students at Northwestern University and dozens of other universities around the country
- A free meal if you're judging in person
- Free WildHacks swag
- A volunteer judge certificate
Thank you so much for volunteering your time to help make WildHacks a success. WildHacks is an entirely student-run volunteer-based student hackathon that aims to provide a welcoming and inclusive environment for all participants from all skill levels for free. We're glad that you can be a part of it.
How Judging Works
The way judging works is outlined on How Judging Works.
You can find the rubric on Project Evaluation Criteria.
Round 1 will be hybrid, with virtual and in-person judges reviewing video submissions. Round 2 will be solely in-person, with two rooms of presentations showcasing our top 25 teams from round 1.
Judging Technical Requirements
- All judges must have a device with a web browser to access the judging platform. We recommend using a laptop or desktop as opposed to a smartphone. In-person judges must bring their own device.
- Remote judges must have access to Zoom.
Judging Schedule
| Time | Event | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Before 10:45 AM | Arrival | [In-Person Judges] Please arrive at the ground floor of Mudd Hall (2233 Tech Drive, Evanston, IL 60201) before 10:45 AM on Sunday (4/12). Upon arrival, please text Kris at 224-392-8081, and an organizer will come guide you to the judging room. [Virtual Judges] Please join via this Zoom link. |
| 10:45 AM - 11:15 AM | Required Judge Briefing | Learn how round 1 of track judging works |
| 11:15 AM - 12:45 PM | Judging Round 1 | Each judge will be able to access their assignments directly through the dashboard |
| 12:45 PM - 1:30 PM | Lunch | Lunch will be provided! |
| 1:30 PM - 2:00 PM | Break | - |
| 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM | Judging Round 2 | Learn how round 2 of track judging works |
| 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM | Awards at the Closing Ceremony | Winners will be announced at the closing ceremony. |