Desert Dev Lab Hackathon 2026
Countdown to Hackathon
Desert Dev Lab is an annual hackathon hosted by NM Tech Talks. Over two days, teams will come together to tackle one of the biggest challenges in Food and Agriculture using the power of software, data, and AI to build a working MVP or prototype. We'll provide the problem statements - you solve them using any software tools you see fit!
Whether you're a seasoned engineer, a first-time hacker, or just passionate about food and agriculture innovation, this is your chance to build something that matters. All solutions will be demo'd and judged at the end of the hackathon by experienced industry professionals, VCs, and thought leaders.
Solve big problems fast with AI
We will provide a core problem in Food and Agriculture that needs to be solved. Let's get together and build!
2 days of hands-on hacking
Intensive development sessions where you'll build real solutions from concept to prototype.
Food and Agriculture challenge + real-world problem statements
Work on actual challenges in food and agriculture with guidance from industry experts.
Mentorship from experts in AI, food systems, and agriculture
Get guidance from professionals working at the forefront of food and agriculture technology.
Pitch your project to investors, founders & food and agriculture leaders
Present your solutions to decision-makers who can help bring your ideas to life.
Free meals, drinks, and coffee to keep your team going
Focus on building while we take care of keeping you fueled throughout the event.
Access mentorship from new teammates
Looking to meet new devs? Get paired with a team and unlock mentorship through a collaborative project.
Mentors
Industry mentors will be available throughout the hackathon to support your builds
Beatriz Valencia
Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs Liaison
The City of Albuquerque
Jacky So
FUSE Executive Fellow
The City of Albuquerque
Nick Bennet
Lead Instructor, Java Enterprise & Android Mobile Bootcamp
Deep Dive / CNM Ingenuity, Inc.
Vicki Apodaca
CMO & founding member
Sendturtle by Phalanx AI
Show more mentors
Robert Citek
Lead Data Science Instructor
CNM ingenuity/Deep dive
Marty Bonacci
Full Stack Web Development Instructor
CNM Ingenuity/Deep Dive
George Kephart
Bootcamp Trainer
CNM Deep Dive
Travis Neufeld
Mobile Engineer
National Audubon Society
The Deets
Who should come
Developers, designers, food and agriculture thinkers, founders, engineers, students—anyone who wants to use tech to make a difference. Come solo or with a team. We'll help you connect if you're looking for collaborators.
Location
Builders VC NM Headquarters
600 1st NW, Downtown Albuquerque, NM
(Near Wool Warehouse)
Saturday, April 18
8:30 AM – Check-in Opens
9:00 AM – Kickoff + Food and Agriculture Briefing
10:00 AM – Team Formation & Hacking Begins
All Day – Coding and mentoring
Sunday, April 19
9:00 AM – 2:00 PM – Coding
2:00 PM – 3:00 PM – Final Push
3:00 PM – 5:00 PM – Project Demos + Judging and Networking
Organizers and Sponsors
Interested in partnering or sponsoring this year's program?
Intersecting AI and Food & Agriculture
Food security and sustainable agriculture are critical challenges of our time. Desert Dev Lab is your opportunity to take action with code.
Spots are limited. Reserve your place now and be part of the movement.
Our Events
Highlights from our ongoing events and activities
We host year-round programming. Join us next time!
Desert Dev Lab 2026
April 18–19, 2026 • Downtown Albuquerque
Be first in line for the next Desert Dev Lab. Secure your spot today.
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