RoadStar Hackathon 2026: Where Logistics Meets Innovation
Trucking moves almost everything you own, and most of the industry is still coordinating loads over spreadsheets and phone calls. RoadStar Hackathon is 9 days to build the software that changes that.
WHAT IT IS
A multi-day, hybrid (in-person + remote) hackathon focused on building real software solutions for the trucking and logistics industry. Students and developers will work with actual industry data to create products that solve real problems; not toy datasets, not hypotheticals.
WHAT YOU COULD BUILD
• Fleet management tools
• Freight optimization platforms
• Driver scheduling and routing systems
• Load matching and dispatch solutions
• Mobile apps for drivers and dispatchers
• AI-powered predictive analytics for logistics
• Integration tools between trucking platforms
WHAT YOU GET
📊 Real Industry Data: freight details, orders, trips, truck/trailer specs, and more
🤖 AI API Credits: Google, AWS, Anthropic, and OpenAI credits for AI-powered development
🛠️ Developer Tools: APIs, SDKs, documentation, and mobile emulators
🍔 Food & Drink: full catering throughout the event, no all-nighters on an empty stomach
💼 Job Opportunities: connect directly with participating trucking companies for jobs and internships
🎁 Swag & Prizes: $2,000+ CAD grand prize, runner-up prizes, and exclusive swag
WHO'S HOSTING
Corey Barron (Lead Host): former owner of CoreTegrity Logistics, has built 200+ software projects
Joe Smelko (Co-Host): GM at Road Star Trucking, manages 100+ power units and trailers
Abdul Aziz (Partner): AWS Student Builder Group Leader at WLU, Active Community Builder in Waterloo
Between them, the problems you'll be solving aren't hypothetical, they're pulled straight from running a fleet.
SCHEDULE
📅 Sept 5, 2026 · 4–9 PM — Meet & Greet, Introductions & Team Formation
📍 Prohibition Warehouse, 56 King St N, Waterloo, ON N2J 2X1
📅 Sept 13, 2026 · 12–6 PM — Judging & Awards Event
📍 Spur Innovation Center, 2240 University Ave, Waterloo, ON N2K 0G3
(9 days of building in between: hybrid, so you can work remotely too.)
WHO SHOULD COME
Students and developers of any experience level who want to build for a massive, real-world industry with real data behind them. No team yet? The Meet & Greet on Sept 5 is built for exactly that.
Register: https://roadstarhackathon.com/register
