How It Works

Complete quests, level up, build solutions, and acquire prizes along the way. With every level completed, you can earn anything from swag to grants of up to $1,600.

Step 1
Apply To Participate
Fill out your hacker registration to get started. Click here to begin. You can register at any time in the Fall 2026 semester.
Step 2
Start Your Quests
If accepted, you will be given access to a variety of quests. Each quest will earn you the XP (experience points) needed to move on to the next level. Quests can be completed at your own pace.
Step 3
Level Up
There are a total of 6 levels, each with a recommended time to complete. Each level will help guide you through skills development, problem solving, and value creation. At every level, there are different prizes available to be won from secret treasures to big chunks of funding - finish a level, unlock a prize (prizes available while quantities last).
Step 4
Compete for the Top Prize
All hackers who complete all 6 levels by April 2027 will have a chance to win the $16k cash + $4k in resources grand prize.
Bonus
Arena Nights
Every week, meet people, show off your progress, and get the support and resources you need to make it through the levels.

Take On Quests & Level Up

Level 1

Learn

Reflect on your strengths and build essential personal skills.

Level 2

Explore

Connect with community leaders and discover impactful projects.

Level 3

Make

Gain hands-on practice with specialized technical skills.

Level 4

Build

Create meaningful, real-world solutions.

Level 5

Disrupt

Apply your expertise to innovate and drive change.

Level 6

Master

Command your tech stack and mentor the next generation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is Hack The World?
Hack the World is an annual social impact fellowship at TMU where students gain technical and professional skills that they apply to building novel solutions for real-world problems.
Who Can Join?
Open to all TMU students. To be eligible for payment, participants must be domestic students actively enrolled in a TMU degree program who have not received CEWIL funding this year. Students ineligible for funding are still welcome to participate on an unpaid basis. Regardless of funding status, all participants are eligible to compete for the $20,000 prize. Proof of enrollment is required.
What do I get If I join?
Hack the World is a multi-week fellowship. All eligible participants can receive multiple prizes from swag to financial awards of up to $1,600 (all awards will be paid through AwardSpring). Students also have access to makerspaces and other resources.
When Does It Start & End?
Hack The World starts November 2026. The program will run until April 2027. You can start at any time during the Fall 2026 semester.
Why Should I Join?
Flexible enough to fit around your classes, this fellowship lets you make a real-world impact in your free time. You'll build portfolio-worthy skills and expand your network while competing for prizes
Do I need an idea or team to join?
No. Ideas will be formed and teams will be made as you move through your quests. You won't need this prior to coming into the challenge. Forming a team is optional.
What social problem will I be solving?
Select a social problem from our provided list to address, or submit your own recommendation to tackle in the challenge.
Who do I contact if I need help or have questions?
Please feel free to reach out to Tabitha - tngrant@torontomu.ca.

Open Arena

TMU's Most Adventurous Social Impact Fellowship