What is the purpose of a hackathon?

Hackathons are not single-purpose events, but rather multifaceted opportunities for both the host organization(s) and participants to achieve a diverse set of objectives. Some of the most common applications for the host(s) include; discovering business solutions, accelerated product/service launch, staff training and engagement, canvassing for new talent, and improved developer relations.

What happens during a hackathon?

A hackathon is a versatile competition that brings together creative thinkers to solve various problems in a predetermined (typically short) amount of time. There is a wide variety of hackathon event structures but the typical framework is as follows; 1. The event challenges, objectives, rules, parameters and timelines are clearly defined by the host organization(s), 2. Members from ideal/target demographics are invited and encouraged to participate, 3. Participants form teams of 4-6 people, 4. Teams work to find creative solutions to the challenge and build a prototype of their concept, 5. Once complete teams demonstrate their product to a panel of expert judges, 6. Winners are announced and prizes awarded, the organizer announces the winning team

Why is it called a hackathon?

The term “hackathon” is an amalgamation (more formally known as a portmanteau) of the words “hacker” and “marathon”. A “hacker” generally refers to computer programmers, designers, innovators, and other domain experts. The marathon component is derived from the short time frame in which most hackathons are structured. Challenges typically push participants to work for extended hours without sleep in order to complete their prototype. The term hackathon was first coined in Calgary, Canada, on June 4, 1999 for the OpenBSD Hackathon. Check out our article What is a Hackathon?

How long is a hackathon?

Typically hackathons run for 24-48 hours depending on the expected outcome, however some extend beyond this typical frame if more extensive prototyping is needed.

How do I prepare for my first hackathon?

1. Study and explore previous hackathons by the host organization and winning solutions. These insights will help you to anticipate the types of challenges you’ll face, 2. Determine where to find the resources you will need during the hackathon, 3. Learn how to effectively work in teams, by attributing the right task to the individual with the correct skillset, 4. Explore and research the host organization’s industry

Are hackathons worth it?

Hackathons offer added value to both organizers and attendees. They are a great option when looking to find and assess business solutions, work with startups, train your staff, build a talent pool or launch a new product/service. As an attendee it’s a chance to network with others in similar fields, bring your ideas to life, learn new skills, or push outside your comfort zone and improve your skills.

Who can take part in Hackathon?

Each hackathon is unique and may or may not have specific prerequisites. Some events are open to anyone interested, while others may be specific to students, those with particular certifications or credentials, for example. It’s best to explore the guidelines before registering.

How Hackathons can Unleash Your Team's Creativity

Posted on

September 1, 2022

At least a thousand hackathons are happening every year. In a study, 80 percent of Fortune 100 companies host a hackathon to promote their business and invoke corporate innovation. However, as hackathons happen worldwide (in-person and online), how does it help students become better at what they do? How do hackathons unleash a team’s creativity in a team sport for intelligence?
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1. Encourages Collaborations

At a hackathon, you are not building a product or a service. You solve a problem, create a solution, and make a product. You can’t solve something unless you know how it works.

Hackathons are great opportunities for networking, learning, and interacting with the technology industry. Get to know people who can help you in your career. It is the perfect opportunity to collaborate with like-minded individuals to build something and see it come to life.

2. Pushes People Out of Their Comfort Zones

In hackathons, you could face many challenges from the start: competing with other people, living under time pressure, getting unfamiliar with the technology, fundraising, making decisions quickly, and leadership. It pushes you out of your comfort zone.

A lot of students would freak out because unexpected challenges could happen. One may get stuck with a minor problem or end up with something that you are not proud of. But the biggest surprise is in the end, you will feel proud of yourself because you have accomplished something nobody else did.

Hackathons do not permit you not to think. On the contrary, they encourage you to use your brain.
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3. Promotes Socially Diverse Inputs

Although you might be the best at coding, you should never underestimate the value of communication and social skills. Hackathons usually provide their participants the chance to mingle with many people as there are many times teams would have to shuffle around for various reasons.

Hackathons are an excellent opportunity to expand your network, learn new skills, and meet new people. You know a lot from the interaction. Become a socially diverse individual who can work well in a team. Being in a team depends on how well you communicate with your teammates.
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4. Produces Innovative Products

In hackathons, you have a concise amount of time to build something that brings value. You don’t want to waste your time on a product that no one will want to use. Your product must be beneficial, innovative, and it must be something that can make money.

Hackathons are a perfect place to practice how to think out of the box to produce something different and unique. Through building a product, you become more confident and can tackle real-world challenges, such as the ever-changing technology and the changing market.
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5. Develops Talents, Skills, and Abilities Real-Time

A hackathon is a perfect place to practice real-time problem-solving skills. It will push you to the edge of your abilities, and you have to be ready, willing, and able to work as hard as you can and quickly execute ideas.

Hackathons are not only for people who are interested in technology. These hackathons can help students improve their skills and learn about new technology and technology-related fields. Now that every industry depends on technology, organizations are looking to hire knowledgeable students in computer science and computer engineering.

Hackathon.com is the best way to find a hackathon worldwide. We help participants find a local or online hackathon, making the process more accessible than ever before. Check out the upcoming hackathons near you today!

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