Outside of the Bergeron Centre on a sunny day

UNHack 2023

Join us as we develop solutions to create a sustainable future.

October 27 – October 29

University Registration

What’s in it for you?

Discover your passion
Learn how you can make a difference
Connect with like-minded people
Identify problems and develop solutions to solve it
Understand desirability, feasibility and viability concept
Foster teamwork and leadership skills
Build your network with students, mentors and advisors
Explore future career paths

Students collaborating and working on their laptops

Program Schedule

DAY 1

Friday, Oct 27th

5:00 pm – 10:30 pm

check icon Introduction

check icon Opportunity discovery

check icon User need

check icon Root cause analysis

DAY 2 am

Saturday morning, Oct 28th

8:30 am – 1:00 pm

check icon Formulate a “How Might We” statement

check icon Solution ideation

check icon Solution selection

DAY 2 pm

Saturday afternoon, Oct 28th

1:30 pm – 9:00 pm

check icon Solution validation/prototyping

check icon Pitch & get feedback from mentor

check icon Refine solution

check icon Pitching

DAY 3

Sunday, Oct 29th

8:30 am – 4:00 pm

check icon Preliminary pitches and feedback

check icon Final judging

check icon Closing ceremony and prize announcement

A few takeaways from UNHack 2022 participants

Aleena Aleem

(1st-year, Computer Engineering)

“I learnt that I need to take charge in a team because I possess good ideas. I also learnt how to further strengthen my collaboration skills as well as manage my time effectively. I realized that as engineers we are able to make a difference in the world in any SDG. Engineers are an important part of society as they are able to apply their knowledge to make a difference in the world.”

Mahip Ahluwalia

(Civil Engineering)

“I got to learn about my strengths and weakness by working in a team with like-minded individuals trying to solve a global challenge during which I also improved on my problem solving and communication skills.”

Wamiq Lakha

(General Engineering)

“This was technically my first hackathon, and the idea of being able to focus on problems and implement different strategies to focus on the problem that you truly want to focus on was fascinating. I got a different perspective on how I should be viewing the world or looking at problems when trying to come up with ideas for the solution.”

Iyinoluwa Olu- Alabi

(Software Engineering)

“My biggest takeaway from this experience was learning I could think so critically. The questions on the miro board really challenged me. I have never been to an event like this so it was a good first experience. It was also nice because i was in an all-girls group and we tackled the issue of gender inequality and women in STEM.”

Victoria Sza

(Design)

“The biggest takeaway from being in UNHack 2022 was being able to work with new people with similar interests, and working together has been a wonderful experience. In the span of three days, I’ve learned a lot about what it is like to work within a short timeframe and identifying the steps of a design sprint before working on a final product.”

Osayande Asemota

(Undeclared Engineering)

“I learnt a lot about teamwork through this experience. My team members and I had to work together for long periods of time in order to finish the Miro design template. I learnt that I work better in an environment where my views and ideas are considered and taken into account. Working with my group members from UNHack, made me realize how creative I can be when brainstorming ideas together. Brainstorming ideas could help me become a better problem solver and an overall better thinker.”

Maya Shamir

(Computer Science)

“My biggest takeaway from this experience was that entrepreneurial startups involving engineering concepts are very complex and require a lot of breaking down and constant constructing and deconstructing in order to yield a good result. In terms of skills, I have learned that my personal ability to collaborate with people has improved, and that I am capable of presenting my ideas in an articulate manner when needed.”

Muhammad Basit

(Undeclared Engineering)

“My biggest takeaway from this experience is the techniques applied in Miro. A problem can branch off to many smaller problems with their own unique solutions and those solutions can be wedged into one effective solution. I can apply this technique to other parts of my life to find better solutions.”

Caryll Ann Bertumen

(Undeclared Engineering)

“My biggest takeaway from this UNHack event was to focus more on what the problem is before looking for the solution. Identifying what really is the problem and what’s the root cause of it is actually hard and needs a lot of time to figure it out. But with different thoughts and opinions from my group helped us identify the root cause of the problem. And with that, it would be much easier for us to look for the solution. And to add, being cooperative and confident to share your ideas will help your work fast and easier.”

Jordan Li

(Undeclared Engineering)

“My biggest takeaway from this experience would be regarding myself and my leadership. I have learned about the need to properly manage the time, energy and health of my groupmates. During this event, we were tasked with completing a large project given a very limited amount of time. This meant that our group was under constant pressure and often did not feel well. As a result, I now better understand the need to take consistent breaks to refresh the team, maintain effienciency and preserve the overall mental health of the group.”

More UNHack Testimonials

What’s the Design Sprint?

Learn about SDGs

Challenges

1. How might we streamline and publicize social services to ensure they are easily accessible and navigable for those in need?

1. How might we leverage technology to connect local farmers with nearby schools and communities to ensure regular access to nutritious foods?

2. HMW ensure better access to affordable food and bolster food security on campus?
Proposed by YorkU Food Services

1. How might we develop strategies to better protect older people and individuals with disabilities during extreme climate events like the “heat dome”?

2. How might we assist students in identifying and addressing mental health issues more proactively?
Proposed by Student Counseling, Health & Well-being (Michael Sa’d)

1. How might we design safer online learning products for children that prioritize their privacy?

2. How might we establish a system for university students to discover career opportunities based on their digital portfolios?

1. How might we enhance inclusivity within university environments and spaces?

1. How might we implement measures in student dormitories to promote responsible water usage and reduce wastage?

2. How might we ensure indigenous communities have consistent access to clean drinking water?
Proposed by Dr. Stephanie Gora and Reece Lima-Thompson, Lassonde School of Engineering

1. How might we transition the campus from non-renewable energy sources to more sustainable alternatives?

1. How might we simplify the process for students to find internships and job opportunities in sustainability and social impact sectors?

1. How might we ensure Canadian extractive companies maintain ethical operations and oversight when operating internationally?

1. How might we design initiatives or tools to foster a more inclusive and diverse university community?

2. How might we enhance physical accessibility for all in-person campus activities and events?
Proposed by Facilities Services / Campus Planning, Design and Construction (Johanna Classon)

1. How might we address the housing shortage influenced by foreign buyers and the rise of short-term rentals?

2. How might we incorporate sustainability considerations in the maintenance and development of university grounds and natural spaces?

3. How might we repurpose or recycle campus-generated waste materials for constructing new spaces?
Proposed by Dr. Liam Butler, Lassonde School of Engineering

4. How might we harness building data to retrofit existing structures into “smart buildings”?
Proposed by YorkU Facility Services (Bradley Parkes and Steven Prince)

1. How might we inspire organizations like KPM Power to repurpose plastics innovatively?
Proposed by KPM Power

2. How might we create systems or platforms where discarded reusable items by students are given a second life?

1. How might we develop a system to educate students about the carbon footprint of their daily activities through real-time data and insights?

1. How might we raise awareness and drive action to protect nearby freshwater bodies from pollution?

2. How might we establish effective methods to monitor and conserve aquatic wildlife and biodiversity on and around university campuses?
Proposed by YorkU Sustainability Office

1. How might we transform the university landscape to prioritize biodiversity and sustainable practices.

Join as a mentor!

Mentorship is a key part of Experiential Learning activities as it provides the most value possible to students as they gain invaluable advice from an experienced person, and build their professional networks.

Mentors reinforce the Design Sprint process, facilitate teamwork and guide students through the process.

By becoming a mentor, you gain valuable experience, build meaningful relationships with other students and will enjoy interacting with aspiring entrepreneurs.

Apply as mentor

Frequently Asked Questions

The event is designed for undergraduate university and college students. UNHack is a great experiential learning opportunity that provides a safe space for you to tackle challenges, meet new people, learn new processes and explore your passions and strengths.

Note: If you are not a post-secondary student, please contact the organizers to see how you might be able to take part in this event.

We would like students to address challenges that are aligned with the UN Sustainability Goals (SDGs). Participants can choose any challenge that aligns with the UNSDs and tackle it as a team over the weekend.
In addition, we will have some specific challenges available from our sponsors/partners. You can choose your challenge or use one of the available challenges (e.g. YorkU SDG challenges).

One of the best parts about taking part in UNHack is meeting others who are inspired to change the world; who knows, you might meet your new best friend. So, don’t worry – you do not have to come with a team. However, if you do have a team, you are welcome to participate with them.

A few days before the event, you will receive a link to provide some basic information about yourself and identify which of the UN Sustainability Challenges you would like to work on. After the opening ceremonies, you will be invited to join a group of participants who want to work on the same challenge.

Projects are judged based on the following criteria:
• Innovativeness,
• Desirability,
• Feasibility,
• Viability,
• Impact on sustainability,
• Presentation quality

The first place: $1000; second place: $500 and third place: $300.

In addition, the winning teams will be awarded to join the BEST Lab to access various resources such as mentorship, coaching, and connections to take their projects to further steps.

The $10 fee will be refunded back to the original method of payment upon completion of UNHack and Reflection Survey Submission. The fee is to ensure student commitment because there are quite a lot of teamwork activities during the event that requires your full commitment so you can create a great project in collaboration with your team.

Watch these videos to know about what UNHack Participants had to say in previous years.

UNHack 2022
UNHack 2021
UNHack2020

Yes, the event will be held fully in person at Bergeron Building. Participants are expected to attend the activities in person.

Our Sponsors

Have questions? We’ve got answers!

Email Us

UNHack 2023

October 27 – October 29

About UNHack 2023

About UNHack

What’s in it for you?

Program Schedule

Friday, Oct 27th

5:00 pm – 10:30 pm

Saturday morning, Oct 28th

8:30 am – 1:00 pm

Saturday afternoon, Oct 28th

1:30 pm – 9:00 pm

Sunday, Oct 29th

8:30 am – 4:00 pm

A few takeaways from UNHack 2022 participants

Aleena Aleem

(1st-year, Computer Engineering)

Mahip Ahluwalia

(Civil Engineering)

Wamiq Lakha

(General Engineering)

Iyinoluwa Olu- Alabi

(Software Engineering)

Victoria Sza

(Design)

Osayande Asemota

(Undeclared Engineering)

Maya Shamir

(Computer Science)

Muhammad Basit

(Undeclared Engineering)

Caryll Ann Bertumen

(Undeclared Engineering)

Jordan Li

(Undeclared Engineering)

What’s the Design Sprint?

Learn about SDGs

Challenges

Join as a mentor!

Frequently Asked Questions

Our Sponsors