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The CAD Designathon hosted by McMaster Design League is back again this year, fully in-person! Join us from Saturday, January 20th to Sunday, January 21st, 2024 for a weekend of problem-solving and opportunities to learn more about the CAD industry! In teams of up to 4, you will be applying your technical CAD skills to solve meaningful problems and then be able to present your ideas to a panel of judges. You will also have the chance to grow your portfolio, network with sponsors, and hear from industry speakers, all while creating an exciting new project!
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to us via email (mdlmcmaster@gmail.com) or on our socials, and we look forward to seeing you all at our event!

WHAT IS THE DESIGNATHON
Designathon is a weekend-long competition where students tackle a selection of design problems using computer-aided design (CAD) and 3D printing tools. Students generate solutions, build prototypes, and present to judges - all in the course of 24 hours.
4 FRIENDS, 3 DAYS, 1 IDEA
● FORM A TEAM
● CHOOSE A PROBLEM
● USE CAD TO DESIGN A SOLUTION
● PROTOTYPE YOUR DESIGN
● PRESENT TO JUDGES
Re-cap
DESIGNATHON 2023
200+
Paticipants from
10+ Institutions
Student Backgrounds:
Engineering, Health
Science, Physics and
many more
5+
Level of Studies
3
Design
Challenges
FAQs
MDL's CAD Designathon will be held in person from January 20 - 21, 2024. The event will be on McMaster University's campus in the Peter George Centre for Living and Learning.
When and where?
No - each individual applies on their own! You will register with your team members early during the event itself. We will have a team forming session at the event for you to meet like-minded students.
Do I need a team to apply for the event?
Registration for the 2024 CAD Designathon will close on Sunday, December 17th at 11:59 PM
When does registration close?
We are currently trying to get access to 3D printers to allow participants to rapidly prototype during the event! More information to come soon.
Does everyone get to 3D print?
No worries! We will have CAD workshops at the start of the event for students at all skill levels. We also have an enthusiastic and knowledgeable technical team that can help and guide you at every step of the way.
What if I don't know how to use CAD?
YES! The designathon is completely free for all students.
Is it free?
Select meals will be provided. Stay tuned for more info!
Will food be provided?
You will be working in a team to solve problems with some provided by our sponsors! The problems will be presented at the event.
What will I be working on?
The CAD Designathon is open to ALL students, from high school to graduate level!
Can anyone participate?
More information will be provided soon. Stay tuned!
Coming from a different school?
We don't have any restrictions on what 3D CAD programs you use! We just want to see your awesome projects!