Three tracks, two weeks, one fair

Pick a real challenge from a local business, build a working answer in two weeks, and show it at the fair to the judges and the whole town. Registration is free and open to anyone, and the Student track takes any student from any school.

Kickoff · Fri Jan 8
Fair · Sat Jan 23
Register to build

A place for every builder

  • Student

    Any student, any school, any grade

    Students take on a real challenge with mentors alongside, on their own or with friends. No experience required, only curiosity and time to build over two weeks.

    • Work solo or with friends
    • A parent consent form for anyone under 18
    • Your own table at the fair
    Learn more about the Student track

  • Explorer

    New to building

    First-time builders, career changers, and anyone who has been meaning to try. Learn the tools, ship something real, show it at the fair.

    • Work solo or with a team, your call
    • Room to learn as you go
    • Recognition for what you shipped

  • Pro

    Experienced builders

    Working developers, designers, and founders competing on the hardest challenges. Judged on what actually works in front of a crowd.

    • The most demanding challenges
    • Judging on the floor at the fair
    • Prizes for the top builders

Come to the fair

  • Fair-goer

    Anyone curious, no experience needed

    Spend Saturday, January 23 walking the midway, trying what builders made in two weeks and voting for People’s Choice. Admission and the evening concert are free. Minors attend with a guardian.

    Register to attend (free)

Four stops, two weeks

  1. Now

    Register

    Sign up as yourself. Most builders work solo; if you want a team, you can find one at the kickoff.

  2. Fri · Jan 8 · 6–8 PM

    Kickoff

    At Hatch Fairhope. Local businesses present their challenges live and you pick one, and only one, to build on. Anyone who wants teammates finds them here.

  3. Jan 8 – Jan 23

    Build

    Two weeks of making on your own schedule, turning your chosen challenge into a working answer.

  4. Sat · Jan 23 · Noon–7 PM

    The fair

    Set up your table, present to the judges and the community, and stay for the concert.

More than programmers

  • Developers
  • Designers
  • Business minds
  • Domain experts
  • Artists

You do not need a team to enter, and most builders go solo. Whatever you bring, someone at the fair needs it.

Before you register

Do I need a team?
No. Most builders work on their own, and solo entries compete on the same footing as teams. If you would like teammates, the kickoff on January 8 is where people find each other.
Can I work on my own idea?
No. Every entry answers one of the challenges brought by local businesses and organizations, and each builder or team picks exactly one. That is what makes the fair useful to the businesses and fair to the judges.
What if I cannot make the kickoff?
Come if you can, since that is where the challenges are presented. If you cannot, register anyway and contact us for the challenge details.
Is this only for programmers?
No. Designers, business thinkers, and people who understand the problem all build winning entries, with or without code. The art showcase needs makers who never write code.
I am a student. Can I take part?
Yes, through the Student track, whatever school or grade you are in. If you are under 18, you still register yourself, and your parent or guardian gets a consent packet by email afterward. They can also download the consent packet now, get it signed, and return it to registration@hatchathon.tech or in person at the January 8 kickoff.
What does it cost?
Nothing. Registration, the kickoff, the fair, and the concert are free.

Get your ticket

Registration takes two minutes. Pick your track, tell us what you bring, and we will see you on January 8.

Register to buildSee the Midway