National Security Hackathon · Sept 25, 2026 · IDEA Center, Room 109
One night to bring a real defense problem to life — or find the team that will build it with you. No idea, no team, and no technical background required. Just show up ready to work.
RSVP NowThink Speed Pitch Night and matchmaking, rolled into one evening. Got an idea? You’ll get sixty seconds on the mic to pitch it to the room. Don’t have one yet? Work one of the open challenge tracks brought by defense and industry partners instead. Either way, you leave having joined a team — and with six weeks to build before you show it off.
Bring your own idea to the mic, or choose from open problem tracks sponsored by defense and industry partners.
Cadets, engineers, MBAs, and first-time founders team up on the spot — no team required to walk in the door.
Every team is matched with a Startup Coach and gets the chance to practice at Friday Pitches along the way.
Present your work at the Defense Innovation Challenge Demo Day, part of a national security conference at Mendoza.
Awarded to the top challenge team at Demo Day.
Every team is automatically entered — the hackathon is your entry point into Notre Dame’s largest venture prize pool.
ROTC cadets, student veterans, engineers, Mendoza students, ESTEEM students — or anyone curious about national security innovation. Bring a fully-formed idea or just your curiosity.
Every team gets a Startup Coach, and you’ll be mentored throughout the build by veteran entrepreneurs, including Jim Hunt of Lavrock Ventures.
Sept 25, 2026 · 5:30–7:00 PM · IDEA Center, Room 109. RSVP below to hold your seat — walk-ins are welcome too.