Darlene Marchan
Director
WHAT IS SPARKHACKS?
SparkHacks is the University of Illinois Chicago's 24-hour hackathon where students create technology based projects. Starting in 2023, SparkHacks has become one of UIC's most active student-led tech experiences.
SparkHacks was initially started by Women in Computer Science (WiCS) at UIC in 2022.
It was inspired by WiCS' annual tradition: the Scavenger Hunt. Students could compete against fellow students and professors for a chance to win prizes.
People enjoyed the community, competitiveness, and problem solving. WiCS wanted to replicate that same energy but at a larger scale.
Teamed with ACM, SWE, LOGiCA, NSBE, and many more student organizations, this event has been brought to life by the hard work and dedication of so many people.
Since then SparkHacks' purpose has been to promote diversity, creativity, and innovation.
Fun Facts! SparkHacks was originally hosted in Student Center East (SCE) for the 2023-2024 iterations. It moved to the Academic & Residential Complex (ARC) in 2025, and finally in the Computer Design Research and Learning Center (CDRLC) in 2026!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q. Who can participate in SparkHacks? >> A. Currently, only University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) students can participate in SparkHacks. While we would love to extend outside the university, at this current time, it is not possible. However, any student regardless of experience, major, or year are able to participate!
Q. Do I need a team to participate in SparkHacks? >> A. Yes, a team is absolutely necessary for participation. Individual participation is not allowed due to devpost rules, and the event's nature is not conducive to solo participation. There are scheduled times to help with team formation to help find potential teammates.
Q. Can I participate in SparkHacks virtually? >> A. Unfortunately, SparkHacks is an in-person only hackathon.
Q. Is SparkHacks free to attend? >> A. Admission is free and includes mentors, food, swag, resources, and so much more!
Q. I want to attend, mentor, sponsor, or present at SparkHacks. How do I learn more? >> A. Check out our social medias for the latest information on our events! Additionally, get in touch with us at sparkhacks@uic.edu for involvement or questions regarding SparkHacks.
APPLYING FOR SPARKHACKS
Information regarding deadlines for applications vary each year. Please keep an eye out on our social media for the latest information about applications!
Apply as a HACKER
- Applications for participants open during the spring semester to any UIC students regardless of major, year, gender, or prior experience.
- First-time hackathon goers and those with little to no expereince are encouraged to apply.
- Applications are reviwed anonymously and are not reviewed on a first-come-first-serve basis.
- Please apply through the dashboard, as any status updates will be communicated on the dashboard.
- Please note that while we wish we can accept everyone, due to limitations, there is a limit to how many hackers we are able to let into the event.
Apply as a BOARD MEMBER
Applications for the board open up after each SparkHacks event.
There are six different roles within SparkHacks:
- Directors -- Overseeing and organizing the team, ensuring deadlines, and leading team coordination.
- Communications -- Connect and coordinate with sponsors, mentors, judges, and volunteers.
- Experience -- Planning tracks, workshops, and the overall event experience to make the hackathon engaging.
- Logistics -- Managing funds, securing assets, and tracking inventory.
- Outreach -- Designing the visuals and graphics of posters, banners, swag, social media posts, and more.
- Web Development -- Developing, maintaining, and improving upon the website, dashboard, and archives.
SAGAS FROM THE SPARKHACKS BOARD
Huda Syed
Outreach 2026
It was so fun being a part of the board and seeing all our designs come to life at the hackathon!! I loved being able to get creative with all of the designs from the merch to the insta posts. My fav moment was the board photoshoot we organized together!
Stanley Huang
Logistics 2026
goated
Kaito Sekiya
Director 2026
Hallo
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Contact us at sparkhacks@uic.edu