Introduction
The RoadStar Hackathon 2026 is a 9-day hybrid hackathon (September 5–13) where students, developers, and designers build software solutions for the trucking and logistics industry. Hosted by Corey Barron (former CoreTegrity Logistics owner, 200+ software projects) and Joe Smelko (GM, Road Star Trucking — 100+ fleet), it kicks off in person at Prohibition Warehouse in Waterloo with a meet & greet and team formation, runs remotely through the week, and concludes with live demos, judging, and awards at the Spur Innovation Center. Grand prize is $2,000+ CAD plus special awards, swag, and job opportunities.
Tools and Technologies
Participants get access to real trucking industry data, AI credits from an AI provider, and authentic data sets (orders, trips, freight details, truck/trailer specs, anonymized driver profiles) in CSV, JSON, and SQL formats. Mobile dev tool instructions for Android Studio, iOS Simulator are available on site. Suggested frameworks include React/Next.js, Svelt, Flutter/React Native.
Inspiration
The hackathon was born from the intersection of hands-on trucking experience and modern software development. Corey Barron ran a truck across North America as the owner of CoreTegrity Logistics, then transitioned into building 200+ software projects. Joe Smelko manages a 100+ power unit fleet at RoadStar Trucking. Together they saw an industry ripe for innovation that needs fresh eyes — people who can build connected to people who live the problems every day.
Contact Us & Support Channels
Email: corey.barron.123@gmail.com
Discord: — primary channel for updates, networking, team formation, and all remote check-ins
Twitter/X:
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/
Website contact: roadstarhackathon.com/
On-site tech support at both venues plus Discord #tech-support channel during remote coding days
Additional Resource Links
Register: roadstarhackathon.com/register
Schedule: roadstarhackathon.com/schedule
Prizes: roadstarhackathon.com/prizes
Judging Criteria: roadstarhackathon.com/judging
FAQ: roadstarhackathon.com/faq
Participant Portal: roadstarhackathon.com/portal (AI credits, integration docs, data sets, and resources after login)
Day 1 venue map: Prohibition Warehouse, 56 King St N, Waterloo, ON
Day 9 venue map: Spur Innovation Center, 2240 University Ave, Waterloo, ON