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# Computer-Use Agents SOTA Challenge: Hack the North + Global Online
_Published on August 25, 2025 by Francesco Bonacci_
Were bringing something new to [Hack the North](https://hackthenorth.com), Canadas largest hackathon, this year: a head-to-head competition for **Computer-Use Agents** - on-site at Waterloo and a **Global online challenge**. From September 1214, 2025, teams build on the **Cua Agent Framework** and are scored in **HUDs OSWorld-Verified** environment to push past todays SOTA on [OS-World](https://os-world.github.io).
<img src="./assets/hack-the-north.png">
## Track A: On-site @ Hack the North
Theres 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)**. Well 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**
---
## 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!)**
---
## Join us
Bring a team, pick a model stack, and push what agents can do on real computers. We cant 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 youre planning ahead, start with the Cua Agent Framework and OSWorld-Verified docs at cua.ai/docs; well share office-hour times in both Discord channels._