Applications open for 2026 AgTech Hackathon

North Dakota State University will partner with Bayer Crop Science and the National Science Foundation AgTech Engine to host the AgTech Hackathon, a multiday competition that challenges participants to apply analytical, computational and creative thinking skills to real-world agricultural and biological data problems. The event will take place Feb. 20-22 at NDSU’s Peltier Complex in Fargo, North Dakota.

The hackathon brings together graduate students, postdoctoral researchers and research staff from diverse disciplines to work in teams on data-intensive challenges. Participants will analyze complex datasets, develop innovative solutions and communicate their results to a panel of judges representing academia, industry and end users.

“The AgTech Hackathon is designed to foster collaboration, creativity and practical problem-solving,” says Ana Carcedo, NDSU Extension broadleaf crops agronomist and event organizer. “It gives participants the opportunity to work with real datasets, strengthen their analytical skills and translate scientific insights into solutions that matter for agriculture.”

Teams will work intensively over the course of the event, culminating in final presentations, during which solutions will be evaluated based on scientific rigor, creativity and clarity.

The AgTech Hackathon is open to participants interested in agronomy, plant sciences, data science, engineering, computer science, statistics and other related fields. No prior hackathon experience is required.

More information, including application details and event logistics, can be found at ndsu.ag/hackathon-26.

NDSU Agriculture Communication – Jan. 26, 2026

Source: Ana Carcedo, 785-317-2455, a.carcedo@ndsu.edu

Editor: Dominic Erickson, 701-231-5546, dominic.erickson@ndsu.edu