CruzHacks 2026

Founded in 2013, CruzHacks is UC Santa Cruz’s annual 36 hour hackathon that brings together more than 500 students from universities across California and the United States to build projects focused on innovation, accessibility, and social good. The event is usually software heavy, but for 2026 we are introducing expanded hardware support so students can explore electronics, embedded systems, and physical prototyping in a meaningful way.

This year, student teams will have access to the MLH Hardware Lab, which includes Raspberry Pi kits, Arduinos, sensors, webcams, breadboards, Echo devices, Grove components, and other beginner friendly tools. In addition, UCSC makerspaces will provide 3D printers, laser cutting, a soldering station, and basic electronics equipment. Students can prototype circuits, test sensors, and validate hardware ideas during the event.

On site PCB fabrication is not realistic within a 36 hour timeframe, but many teams design custom PCBs for their personal, academic, or research work throughout the year. Several groups plan to continue their hackathon projects afterward and would benefit from professionally manufactured PCBs once they refine their designs.

Support from PCBWay would allow students to move beyond breadboards and temporary wiring and learn real PCB design workflows. This helps them turn early stage prototypes into stable, production ready boards and makes hardware more accessible for beginners.

For 2026, we are introducing two to three dedicated hardware tracks that encourage students to build embedded, sensor based, and robotics focused projects. A meaningful form of in kind support would be PCBWay credits that can be awarded directly to students after the event. For example, a $200 credit per person for each winning hardware team (about $800 per team) would allow students to order proper PCBs for continued development. These credits can be delivered through gift card codes or email and would be used entirely for student projects.

Working with PCBWay would strengthen our first hardware focused track and give hundreds of students a chance to gain hands on experience with electronics, fabrication, and PCB design.