Sound Credit Union (Sound) and UW Tacoma’s Milgard Center for Business Analytics (UWT) are teaming up for the HuskyHack: Turning Innovation into Trust. This fintech innovation event invites college students across Washington State to take part in a high-energy, in-person hackathon where they will ideate, design, and pitch financial technology (FinTech) solutions that improve financial health and enhance the member experience.

Students will have the opportunity to collaborate with industry mentors, present their ideas to expert judges, and gain hands-on experience in what it takes to build and pitch a fintech product from the ground up. Whether you’re a developer, designer, or strategist, this event is your launchpad into fintech innovation. Applications open September 8, 2026.

PRIZES

The FinTech HuskyHack will unfold over two high-impact phases. 

During Phase One, individuals and teams will work on building their product or prototype throughout the day. At the end of the phase, participants will submit what they have built, along with their HuskyHack one-pager, for evaluation by the panel of judges. The top three submissions will each receive a $1,000 prize for their innovation and progress. 

In Phase Two (Final Development & Submission), individuals and teams will continue refining and improving their products. Final projects will be submitted through Devpost, where judges, mentors, and industry leaders will evaluate the entries. The best overall project will receive the $15,000 Grand Prize, along with mentorship opportunities and potential partnership discussions to further develop their product. 

Winners will also receive expert feedback and coaching from industry professionals and entrepreneurs, plus a six-month membership to CoMotion Labs to help bring their product to life. 

HOW TO ENTER

College students across Washington State are invited to participate in the FinTech HuskyHack by registering through this website. All entries must be submitted by the registration deadline, and participants must check in by 9:00 AM on Hack Day to take part. Late entries will not be accepted. 

During Phase One, students may participate individually or in teams to design and build their fintech solution. Submissions will be reviewed by a panel of judges based on creativity, execution, and relevance to the problem statement. 

The top three teams or individuals from Phase One will be recognized as Phase One winners, and all participants will continue developing their projects in Phase Two, culminating in a final demo and judging session. 

Final evaluations will be based on technical execution, functionality, user experience, scalability, and presentation quality. 

Questions? Email [email protected].

• Impact on Member Safety (30%)
  · Prevents or reduces fraud losses · Intervenes early enough to make a difference · Includes recovery or member support consideratio
• User Experience & Trust (25%)
  • Easy for legitimate members to complete transactions • Clear, accessible, and non-judgmental • Works for diverse member needs and abilities
• Feasibility (20%)
  • Realistic to implement • Uses available data and technology • Could be piloted by a credit union with reasonable effort
• Innovation (15%)
  • Creative approach beyond standard warnings or fraud scores • Introduces a new way to protect members
• Prototype & Presentation (10%)
  • Clickable or visual demonstration • Shows how both members and employees interact with the solution • Clearly communicates the concept