Black Futures Month Fundraiser and Hackathon
Ethọ́s Lab in Mount Pleasant has launched its annual Black Futures Month fundraiser and the return of its flagship hackathon event for teens on February 27, 2026.
Black Futures Month Fundraiser
- Donate online
- Proceeds from the Black Futures Month fundraiser will go towards increased staff and programming, to better meet the needs of community participants. The goal of raising $150,000 by the end of February is already underway, with $50,000 secured by early program and project funders like the NBA Foundation and Tropicana.
Families can experience the type of innovative programming Ethọ́s Lab offers at their weekly clubs. Currently on offer are the Gaming Club and the AI Experimentation Club, which is run in partnership with BC + AI Ecosystem.
February programming will unfold alongside Ethọ́s Lab’s expansion into a renovated space in its current Mount Pleasant building at 177 East. 3rd Ave, at 221A’s Cultural Amenity Space. This will be celebrated with a week-long open house starting March 14th, during Spring Break. Ethọ́s Lab and its partners will offer workshops and demos for teens, youth, and their families. The summer program calendar will also be announced.
The new 2,700-sq.-ft. space will be shared with two critical community partners: Hogan’s Alley Society and UBC Geering Up. This marks the official start of the organization’s next phase as a larger innovation hub. The renovations and expansion will see the addition of a performance area, production space, sound booth, workshop, and a lounge for youth and artists to gather.
Blackathon Hackathon
- Date: February 27, 2026 8:30am to 3:30pm
- Location: Microsoft Vancouver Campus (725 Granville St)
- Registration:
- Register as a team or individual
- In order to participate, youth must register for one of the three advance Blackathon readiness workshops, which will take place on January 17, January 31, and February 7, 2026.
Each “Blackathon” — as it is called by participants and Ethọ́s Lab — is a design jam and immersive experience that blends historical enlightenment with contemporary innovation. Over the course of the event participants will learn about a Black Inventor and hack their invention. This year, participants will dive into the world of artificial intelligence and, using equity, critical thinking and design, will reimagine Hogan’s Alley.
Each group will have access to a mentor from Microsoft, EA or Centre for Digital Media, who will help them complete the project. The winning team will win prizes curated by event partners.
This unique event has drawn over 300 participants over the last three years. Follow on Instagram for updates.
Follow Miss604 on:
