What is a Hackathon?
A hackathon is an event where newbies and seasoned veterans alike spend the weekend building meaningful and/or crazy projects.
The term "hack" is used to describe how multiple technologies can be used together in a new & innovative way. Sleeping is optional, but trying to make awesome things is not.
What’s in it for me?
Learning new skills, looks good on your CV, networking, winning cash prizes, working as a team, meet great people, have great food and having fun!
What kind of ideas/outputs are expected?
We’re welcoming all ideas aimed to boost and strengthen the event theme - which is varied from hackathon to hackathon based on partners involved as well as global agenda. The intent of this hackathon is to develop ideas that are “prototypeable” in four days. You are expected to have a minimum viable product during presentation.
Where will the hackathon take place?
On Zoom! The hackathon is completely virtual, so you can participate from anywhere as long as you have a laptop and wifi.
Can I join if I’m not a developer, UX/UI designer or an engineer?
YES! Only with visionaries, idea owners and experts from all the various fields we can truly optimize the solutions built throughout the hackathon. Whether you are a designer, project manager, marketeer or a field expert - we need your ideas and your expertise!
Do I have to pay to register?
No, participation is completely free of charge!
How do teams work?
A team can have up to 4 members. You are randomly assigned to each group. You are required to elect a team leader. Note that at least one team member must be present throughout the competition.
Will hardware be provided?
Unfortunately, we will not be providing any hardware this time given the logistical issues in delivering hardware to participants.
However, this does not mean that participants cannot develop any hardware-based hacks- participants are free to develop any hardware-based hacks using their own hardware!
What are the mini-events during the hackathon?
We have a lot of exciting workshops, activities and games planned that will make the hackathon just as fun and interactive as a physical event.
What are the judging criteria?
- Problem statement: Was the problem described clearly?
- Technical innovation:
- Did you come up with a good solution for the problem?
- How does the solution help to address the problem?
- How creative has you been in solving the problem?
- Realistic: Is the solution realistic and can be developed using current technology?
- User-centeredness:
- Did you understand the user’s needs?
- How much do you involve end users in the development?
- Execution:
- Does the hack work?
- Is the hack testable, and can you show the minimum viable product?
- Design:
- Did you think about the user interface (UI) and user experience (UX)?
- How well designed is your demo?
- How are the graphics, or how is the human-computer interaction?
- Is it easy to use or does it require a lot of training to master the demo?
- Business model (sustainability): Is the idea feasible, does it have economic and societal value, and is it sustainable?
- Pitch:
- Was the content of the presentation clear?
- Was the presentation smooth and engaging?
Can we use any programming language?
Yes.
Is there support available?
The environment at the hackathon is designed specifically to encourage everyone to have fun and help each other. If you’re ever stuck on anything, speak to a committee member who is online at Telegram, they might be able to help. Team mates and other participants are on hand too, as this is a collaborative environment.
I have a question or concern what should I do? / I have another question that is not answered in your FAQs, what should I do?
Contact us at ryena_84@um.edu.my. Don’t be shy! We are here to help and create a great atmosphere.
Who is keeping the intellectual property of my solution?
The team that develops the project is the owner of the intellectual property and project. We do encourage making the code open source or sharing of code with others in the community, but it is not required to participate in the event. Before the Presentations our technical team will do a quick technical check to make sure that you created your project at the hackathon. You are allowed to use open source libraries, your own libraries etc. to develop your solution!
What about confidentiality of information?
If you don’t want to distribute your code base that is ok, if you don’t want to present your project, then a hackathon might not be the ideal place for you to work on that idea.
Is there a Code of Conduct?
You can find our Code of Conduct here.
How much time is given during the final presentation?
5 minutes.