HARD MODE
HARD MODE
x AI Hackathon
Build the Future of Intelligent Devices
x AI Hackathon
Build the Future of Intelligent Devices
About HARD MODE
Why Join?
Master the intersection of AI and hardware through direct experimentation with the latest tools, frameworks, and systems. Learn alongside MIT researchers, industry leaders, and fellow builders defining the next wave of intelligent machines.
Explore bold ideas at the edge of human-AI collaboration. Engage with projects that reimagine how intelligent hardware can extend human perception, creativity, and capability.
Join a network of makers, researchers, and technologists dedicated to responsible innovation. Form lasting collaborations with people building the future—by hand.
Turn your prototype into a research project, a product, or a company. HARD MODE gives you the launchpad, mentorship, and connections to take your ideas beyond the weekend.
Meet the investors, accelerators, and grant programs backing human-centered AI hardware. Access resources to grow your project into its next phase.
Build AI that matters. Create hardware that amplifies human potential, supports wellbeing, and shapes a more intelligent, humane future.
Six Core Tracks
PLAY:
Create joyful hardware: interactive stories, hybrid games, AI-driven performance tools, and installations that spark wonder and shared play.
LEARN:
Reimagine how people learn with adaptive devices, generative study aids, and tools that turn abstract ideas into accessible, hands-on experiences.
WORK:
Invent AI-powered tools and processes that expand human capability: new mediums, generative hardware, and systems that help people create the impossible.
CONNECT:
Create tech that strengthens relationships and community-devices that reduce loneliness, support organizing, and help people find belonging.
REFLECT:
Design technologies that support contemplation and growth-tools for mindfulness, mood tracking, habit reflection, and understanding yourself.
THRIVE:
Build tech that boosts performance, care, and autonomy: from wearables and assistive tools to systems that help people live longer and better.
Who Should Join?
Graduate and undergraduate students from engineering, computer science, design, and related fields. Academic researchers exploring AI applications in physical systems and human-computer interaction.
Hardware engineers, robotics specialists, embedded systems developers, and makers with prototyping experience. Software engineers and AI practitioners looking to bridge into physical computing.
Interaction designers, product designers, and creative technologists focused on human-centered AI experiences. Artists and creators exploring new forms of AI-enabled expression and creativity.
Aspiring entrepreneurs seeking to validate AI hardware concepts. Product developers and innovators working on next-gen intelligent devices and looking to validate new concepts.
Hackathon Schedule [tentative]
Pick up your badge, meet the team, and explore the Media Lab facilities
Kickoff presentation, track reveals, and team formation
Connect with fellow participants and form your team
Sponsors
Platinum Sponsors
Gold Sponsors
Silver Sponsors
Prizes
*Founder-friendly investment: $50K SAFE (no cap, no discount) on incorporation of an E14-backable startup
Six Track Prizes
per winning team
Sponsor Prizes
To be announced
Organizers
MIT Media Lab
Fluid Interfaces Group
Department of Architecture
Design Intelligence Lab
MIT Media Lab
Cyborg Psychology Group
MIT Media Lab
Tangible Media Group
MIT Media Lab
Tangible Media Group
MIT Media Lab's
Advancing Humans with AI
MIT Media Lab
City Science
MIT Media Lab
Fluid Interfaces Group
MIT Media Lab
Fluid Interfaces Group
FAQ
We received more than double the applications we have space for. Our reviewers (real humans) read every application and add the most promising candidates to a waitlist in order of priority. If you're applying late, you'll be added to the same waitlist. We'll work through it and reach out as spots open up.
HARD MODE is open to students, professionals, and anyone passionate about hardware and AI. We're looking for teams between 4-6 people. You must be 18+ to attend.
We read every application and select up to 200 participants (approximately 40 teams of 5). We're looking for an ideal mix of electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, design, and computer science backgrounds. You don't need a team to apply—you can apply individually or as a team. We'll share a board with all participants, interests, and ideas. At the opening ceremony we'll have zones for each interest area to help people meet and form teams!
Bring your laptop, chargers, and any specialty hardware you want to use. We'll provide basic electronics, tools, and development boards. Please note that sleeping at the event is not permitted.
Not necessarily! While hardware experience helps, we welcome software engineers, designers, and anyone eager to learn. Workshops and mentors will be available to guide you.
You'll have access to fabrication equipment, 3D printers, electronics lab, AI compute resources, and various sensors and development kits.
No! HARD MODE is completely free. We provide meals, snacks, hardware kits, and all resources you need to build.
All projects must be started during the hackathon. However, you can use existing libraries, frameworks, and bring your own hardware components.