# Computer-Use Agents SOTA Challenge: Hack the North + Global Online

_Published on August 25, 2025 by Francesco Bonacci_

We’re bringing something new to [Hack the North](https://hackthenorth.com), Canada’s largest hackathon, this year: a head-to-head competition for **Computer-Use Agents** - on-site at Waterloo and a **Global online challenge**. From September 12–14, 2025, teams build on the **Cua Agent Framework** and are scored in **HUD’s OSWorld-Verified** environment to push past today’s SOTA on [OS-World](https://os-world.github.io).

<img src="./assets/hack-the-north.png">

## Track A: On-site @ Hack the North

There’s one global leaderboard: **Cua - Best State-of-the-Art Computer-Use Agent**. Use any model setup you like (cloud or local). After projects are submitted, [HUD](https://www.hud.so) runs the official benchmark; the top team earns a **guaranteed YC partner interview (W26 batch)**. We’ll also feature winners on our blog and socials and kit the team out with swag.

## Track B: Cua Global Online Hackathon

**Cua** and [**Ollama**](https://ollama.com) organize a global hackathon to find the **most creative uses of local and hybrid computer-use agents**. There are no geographic restrictions on who can join — this is a worldwide competition focused on **originality, impact, and inventive applications** that showcase what's possible with local and hybrid inference.

**Prizes:**

- 1st **MacBook Air M4 (or equivalent value)** + features in Cua & Ollama channels
- 2nd **$500 CAD + swag**
- 3rd **swag + public feature**

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## How it works

Two different tracks, two different processes:

### On-site (Track A)

Build during the weekend and submit a repo with a one-line start command. **HUD** executes your command in a clean environment and runs **OSWorld-Verified**. Scores come from official benchmark results; ties break by median, then wall-clock time, then earliest submission. Any model setup is allowed (cloud or local).

**HUD** runs official evaluations immediately after submission. Winners are announced at the **closing ceremony**.

### Rules

- Fork and star the [Cua repo](https://github.com/trycua/cua).
- Add your agent and instructions in `samples/community/hack-the-north/<YOUR_TEAM_NAME>`.
- Include a README with details on the approach and any required notes.
- Submit a PR.

**Deadline: Sept 15, 8:00 AM EDT**

### Global Online (Track B)

Open to anyone, anywhere. Build on your own timeline and submit through the **Cua Discord form** by the deadline.

**Project Requirements:**

- Your agent must integrate **Cua and Ollama** in some way
- Your agent must be **easily runnable by judges**

Judged by **Cua** and **Ollama** teams on:

- **Creativity (30%)** – originality, usefulness, surprise factor
- **Technical Depth (30%)** – quality of engineering and agent design
- **Use of Ollama (30%)** – effective integration of local/hybrid inference
- **Polish (10%)** – presentation, clarity, demo readiness

### Submission Process

Submissions will be collected via a **form link provided in the Cua Discord**. Your submission must contain:

- **GitHub repo** containing the agent source code and a clear README with instructions on how to use the agent
- **Explanation** of the models and tools used, and what's local or hybrid about your design
- **Short demo video** (up to two minutes)

A **commit freeze** will be used to ensure that no changes are made after the deadline. Winners will be announced after judging is complete.

**Deadline: Sept 28, 11:59 PM UTC (extended due to popular demand!)**

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## Join us

Bring a team, pick a model stack, and push what agents can do on real computers. We can’t wait to see what you build at **Hack the North 2025**.

**Discord channels**

- Join the Discord first: https://discord.gg/cua-ai
- **#hack-the-north (on-site):** https://discord.com/channels/1328377437301641247/1409508526774157342
- **#global-online (Ollama × Cua):** https://discord.com/channels/1328377437301641247/1409518100491145226

**Contact**  
Questions on Hack the North? Email **hackthenorth@trycua.com**.

_P.S. If you’re planning ahead, start with the Cua Agent Framework and OSWorld-Verified docs at cua.ai/docs; we’ll share office-hour times in both Discord channels._
