MURFREESBORO, TN (WGNS) - If you wandered into the MTSU Science Building atrium last Sunday, you might’ve thought you’d stepped into a tech startup convention. Instead, it was the finale of the 11th annual HackMT—now officially the biggest one yet.

Twenty-one teams, more than 153 students, and over a dozen industry pros spent 36 caffeine‑fueled hours building apps, websites, and devices that ranged from practical to downright visionary.

“This is the biggest one we’ve had so far,” said Joshua Phillips, computer science professor and event director, who noted that sponsorships nearly doubled this year with support from companies like Assurant, Asurion, CAT Financial, J&J Snack Foods, LKQ, bondware, CGI and Rōnin.

Students kicked things off Friday, Jan. 30, 2026, forming teams on the spot or expanding projects they’d already begun. Karigan Stewart of McMinnville and her classmates used the weekend to transform their recipe‑finder website, Sababa Bites, into a mobile app. They’re even planning to add a fitness AI consultant that builds custom exercise routines and meal plans. “We’re definitely going to expand this as a startup company,” Stewart said, proud of how much the team learned “on the fly.”

Other teams tackled campus life itself. Dimitri Nanmejo and his group built a mobile app to help students navigate MTSU—parking tips, study groups, GPA tracking, class chats, the works. “We felt MTSU needed a better app,” Nanmejo joked. “We wanted something down to earth to help people before we leave.”

Projects ranged from a robotic pacer for runners to a 3D modeling tool that lets users interact with virtual designs. One team even created an affordable coach‑to‑player communication device aimed at youth sports.

When judging wrapped, Team SpIQ took first place and the Hackers Choice Award for its AI‑powered communication coach that analyzes gestures, blinking, and speech pace to help users improve interpersonal communication. “It was interesting to see an idea get better and better when everyone put their insight into it,” said team member Elif Mutlu.

Team Cliniq earned second place for its AI‑driven medication conflict detection platform, and Pac‑Man Go claimed third with a motion‑controlled twist on the classic game. Scholarships went to Murfreesboro students Ayush Kamath and Kensey McDowell.

Phillips said the real win is the experience. “Everybody is producing something and they’re happy to show it off. The win is great, but it’s not about the win—it’s about the experience.”