Hacking begins in

Empowering Change Through Innovation

Hack the Bias is a student-run initiative of Robogals UCalgary that challenges developers, designers, and dreamers to build tech for social justice, inclusion, and equity.

About Hack the Bias


Hack the Bias is a community-powered hackathon created for students, technologists, and activists who want to build solutions that tackle real-world issues. From racial justice to accessibility, our mission is to inspire innovation that amplifies underrepresented voices and drives positive change.

Whether you're a developer, designer, storyteller, or strategist — there's a place for you here. Collaborate, learn, and launch meaningful ideas into the world.

Event at a Glance

36 Hours, In Person @ UCalgary

Event

January 16th-18th, 2026

Date

University + High School Students

Participants

Systemic Bias, Equity, Inclusion

Focus

How it Works

From idea to impact — here's what your Hack the Bias journey looks like:

1
Pick a Challenge

Choose from a list of curated prompts focused on justice, equity, health, and accessibility.

2
Form a Team

Collaborate with passionate hackers, designers, and changemakers to brainstorm bold solutions.

3
Build & Launch

Turn your idea into reality in 36 hours. Present your project to judges and make your impact.

1
Pick a Challenge

Choose from a list of curated prompts focused on justice, equity, health, and accessibility.

2
Form a Team

Collaborate with passionate hackers, designers, and changemakers to brainstorm bold solutions.

3
Build & Launch

Turn your idea into reality in 36 hours. Present your project to judges and make your impact.

Our Sponsors

We're grateful for the support of these incredible organizations.

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Meet the Team

The passionate students behind Hack the Bias, working to create a more inclusive tech community.

Zaid Ahmed - Connect on LinkedIn
Zaid Ahmed

Software Engineering

4th Year

University of Calgary

VP Special Events Coordinator / Lead Organizer

Vivian Tat - Connect on LinkedIn
Vivian Tat

Electrical & Biomedical Engineering

3rd Year

University of Calgary

Special Events Coordinator / Marketing

Orin Zaman - Connect on LinkedIn
Orin Zaman

Environmental Science & Psychology

4th Year

University of Calgary

President / Coordinator

Nicola Savino - Connect on LinkedIn
Nicola Savino

Software & Aerospace Engineering

4th Year

University of Calgary

Special Events Coordinator / Developer

Abiya Raheel
Abiya Raheel

Software Engineering

2nd Year

University of Calgary

Marketing + Design

Joy Wang
Joy Wang

Computer Science

3rd Year

University of Calgary

Logistics Coordinator

Frequently Asked Questions

Got questions? We’ve got answers.

Hack the Bias is open to everyone! Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced developer, designer, or activist — we welcome all skill levels.

Not at all! You can register solo and join a team at our team formation event at the beginning of the hackathon.

Yes, participating in Hack the Bias is completely free. We’ll even provide meals, and some cool swag!

The theme centers around social justice and ethical innovation — building tech for inclusion, equity, and change.

Ready to Hack the Bias?

Join changemakers from around the world this January and build something that matters.

Join the Hack the Bias Community

Connect with hackers, organizers, and supporters from around the world. Stay in the loop on events, news, and updates.