April 10-11, 2026
University of Georgia
Athens, GA
Application Submission Deadline:
January 25, 2026
Hack the Language Flagship is an event optimized for discovery and creativity where Language Flagship students can propose technology-based solutions (“hacks”) that help drive innovation in language learning. This year’s Hackathon will give Flagship students the opportunity to propose innovative solutions to enhance the Flagship experience through AI.
Application submission deadline: January 25, 2026
Notification of participation: February 17, 2026
Apply
The 2026 application for the eighth annual Hackathon is available here.
Flagship students and alumni are welcome to apply!
Programming or coding experience is NOT necessary to participate in the Hackathon.
Application Instructions
When you are ready, click on the button below to fill out your application form. Please note that the application also asks for some demographic information.
Read and respond to the following prompts in a concise and detailed manner. Consider the evaluation criteria listed here when writing your responses. Be creative in your responses. Please do not include external links or graphics in your application. We encourage you to use your own words and draw on your experience to complete this section.
Part 1. Challenge
Advanced proficiency, which is required to become a global professional, includes the ability to communicate with individuals of different ages and roles in different situations and contexts (e.g., formal and informal). Given your language learning experience, provide an example of when you navigated an uncertain situation. How did you respond, what perspectives did you learn, and what did you take away from the experience? (maximum 300 words)
Part 2. Proposal
How do you propose AI tools could be used to help us navigate or prepare for such a situation in the future? (maximum 500 words)
Our Guide to Technology Innovation:
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About “Hack the Language Flagship”
“Hack The Language Flagship” is an amazing opportunity to become involved with a group of like-minded peers who have original ideas and want to drive the language technology innovation agenda together. Imagine the possibility of changing the world of language education over one weekend!
The Flagship Hackathon is a fast-paced event optimized for discovery and creativity. Use your experience and seek advice from experts in the field of language technology to propose technology-based solutions (“hacks”) that may impact the future of language learning.
2026 Hackathon
The Tech Center will hold its 2026 Hackathon, Hack the Language Flagship, in April on the campus of the University of Georgia. The event is designed to engage Flagship students from across the United States in ideation of new technologies to support or enhance their language learning experience. Flagship students and alumni collaborate in teams to design and pitch their ideas. A winner is selected by a panel of experts in language learning.
Learn More
10 Reasons to Participate
1. You’ll Learn Something New.
This Hackathon event will give you an opportunity to develop skills and perspectives for problem solving and becoming an innovation leader.
2. You’ll realize what you do know, and teach others about what you know.
You don’t need to be a tech expert to contribute. Whatever skills you have, you’ll discover their value and share them with your team. Using hackathon solutions as a starting point, you’ll explore new challenges and see how your knowledge can make a difference.
3. You’ll create something new before you leave.
Well, yes. It will most probably be a rough plan but it will also add a line to your résumé and will get you an electronic badge that proves you were there.
4. You’ll get to team problem-solve on real issues.
THIS can be an invaluable line to put on your résumé! We challenge you to find an employer that does not find this type of experience valuable.
5. An unforgettable experience.
An opportunity to develop and grow professionally.
6. A shot at changing the world of language learning!
How many of your Flagship colleagues have the chance to creatively apply their expertise, experiences, interests, and skills to find technology solutions for the Flagship? You’ll gain fame as “the one who took part in the Hackathon”!
7. You’ll meet many interesting, motivated people.
Who goes to hackathons, if not motivated people who think it’ll be fun to work intensively on building something for the common good?
8. You’ll make new friends.
Hackathons are fast-paced, collaborative competitions with unexpected challenges and changes. This makes for great bonding experiences with other Flagship peers.
9. You’ll grow.
Besides what you will learn about teamwork, you’ll also learn a lot about language and technology and many interdisciplinary connections just from interacting with team coaches and Tech Center faculty.
10. You’ll build practical, resume-ready skills.
Gain hands-on experience in ideation, design thinking, prototyping, and pitching — skills valued across academic and professional contexts.
What to Expect
Community Building
“Hack The Language Flagship!” is designed to build an energized community of student innovators and ideators across the Flagship community. Join interdisciplinary teams with Flagship students from multiple institutions and language programs, expanding your academic and professional network. Receive guidance and feedback from professionals with expertise in applied linguistics, instructional design, and AI-supported learning.
Coaches
A group of language technology experts will coach your team to take an idea from a creative spark to potential implementation in the Flagship program.
Design Thinking
Using design thinking to guide co-creation and problem-solving, you will work on a team with fellow-Flagshippers to synergize your ideas for technology solutions that can enhance language learning and drive innovation in the Flagship community.
Taskmaster
In individual challenges, you will get a chance to demonstrate out-of-the-box thinking, pushing yourself to new limits and skill-levels!
Pitch Training
Following a business model canvas, your team will learn the nuts and bolts of how to pitch your ideas for feedback and evaluation from our coaches.
Badges & Awards
Secure yourself a Hackathon badge for the skills you acquired in the competition and showcase the badge on your resume. And who knows… you may be in for other awards at “Hack The Language Flagship!”
