CHALLENGE

​Think Globally, Build Locally 🌍➡️🏙️

​At JEWEL CITY HACKS 5.0, we’re challenging you to design technology that empowers your city, neighborhoods, and local business communities.

​YOUR OBJECTIVE: Create technology that makes cities smarter, more connected, and more inclusive.

​Imagine if your code could help solve everyday civic challenges:

​Could a live transit tracker help residents navigate public transportation more efficiently?

​Could a secure online voting tool make it easier for neighbors to shape local decisions?

Could an intuitive service request platform cut down wait times for permits and city assistance?

​Whether you build a mobile app, web solution, or hardware prototype, your innovation should help people and small businesses engage with their communities—and their governments—in smarter, faster, and more meaningful ways.

​Additional challenges will be provided by ElevenLabs, City of Glendale IT Department and the Glendale Fire Department.

​Remember: The best hacks not only solve problems—they inspire lasting change.

​ELIGIBILITY

​This hackathon is open to working professionals and students in the City of Glendale, Upstart Valley, and beyond!

​Space on-site is limited to 50 hackathon participants. However, this is a hybrid hackathon where remote participation is possible.

​You can apply to attend by clicking "Request to Join".

​If you are a member of the Computer Science Club at Glendale Community College, your admission is guaranteed.

If you are a high school student, please read below:

• ​You must be ages 14 or older to attend this hackathon.
• ​If you are under 18 years of age, you must have your Parent or Legal Guardian sign the Hackathon Participation Consent Form.
• ​If you are under 18 years of age, your Parent or Legal guardian must attend the hackathon checkin & checkout with you.
• ​In order to attend, all participants must be accepted through Luma AND sign the Hackathon Participation Consent Form.

​More information about the Computer Science Club at Glendale Community College can be found here.

​​SCHEDULE & WORKSHOPS

​September 26, 2026

​8:00 AM - Check-in Begins (San Gabriel Building)

​8:15 AM - Breakfast by Noah's Bagels

​8:45 AM - Project Submission Period Opens (on Devpost)

​9:00 AM - Team Building & Ideation Activity

​9:30 AM - Keynote Speaker (Math Discovery Center)

​10:15 AM - Workshop 1: Glendale Virtual Assistant Workshop & Cybersecurity Challenge with City of Glendale IT Department

​11:30 AM - Workshop 2: Robotics with Arduino

​12:30 PM - Lunch by Jersey Mike's

​1:30 PM - Workshop 3: Software Hacking with v0

​2:45 PM - Workshop 4: XR with Unity

​4:00 PM - Workshop 5: Interview/Resume Skills with LinkedIn

​5:15 PM - Dinner by Chipotle

​6:00 PM - Project Submission Period Closes (on Devpost)

​6:15 PM - Demo Expo

​7:15 PM - Closing Ceremony & Prize Distribution

8:00 PM - Check-out Ends

​Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included. Snacks will be provided throughout the day.

*The schedule is subject to change.

​MENTORSHIP & HARDWARE

​Throughout the day, you’ll have access to powerhouse mentors from Hacker Fund—think leaders from Apple, Google, Amazon, Meta, Tesla, SpaceX, and more—ready to share their wisdom and help you level up your ideas.

​You will have access to hardware for the hackathon that includes:

VR headsets for demo

​Microcontrollers (arduinos) and sensors

Desktop computers (PC)

If you do not have a machine, you will be able to access one in the Math Discovery Center.

You are allowed to bring your own hardware which is limited to VR headsets, microcontrollers, sensors and laptop computers.

For the hackers and mentors who are unable to attend on-site, you will be able to participate in the hackathon through Google Meet and Discord.

​​JUDGES

​Our judges are from the top technology companies in the world. They will be evaluating the project demos based on a set of criteria below:

​Technical Execution - 40%

Does the prototype function as intended?

Social/Local Impact - 20%

How does this solution benefit the local community?

Presentation Skills - 15%

Is there clarity in storytelling and visual design?

​Creativity - 10%

Is the idea original or novel?

Feasibility - 15%

Could this idea realistically be implemented, if funded?

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​PRIZES

​The full list of prizes will include a combination of grant support, professional services, and cutting-edge equipment to help you continue building your projects beyond the hackathon.

​All participants will also receive Certificates of Achievement to recognize their creativity, resilience, and completion of the hackathon.

​GRAND CHAMPION

Awarded to the team that creates the most impactful and innovative solution addressing local municipal challenges. The Grand Champion embodies the “Think Globally, Build Locally” spirit by building a project that is scalable, functional, and community-driven.

​BEST HARDWARE HACK

Recognizes the team that integrates hardware tools (e.g., VR headsets, Arduino microcontrollers, sensors) into their project in the most innovative and effective way.

​BEST SOFTWARE HACK

Awarded to the team that builds the most elegant, user-friendly, and technically robust software tools.

​TOP 5 HACKATHON HACKERS

Honoring the five standout participants who demonstrated exceptional communication skills, professionalism, and leadership throughout the hackathon. These hackers set the bar for creativity, execution, and effective communication.

• Technical Execution
  Does the prototype function as intended?
• ​Social/Local Impact
  How does this solution benefit the local community?
• ​Presentation Skills
  Is there clarity in storytelling and visual design?
• ​Creativity
  Is the idea novel or original?
• ​Feasibility
  Could this idea realistically be implemented, if funded?