About the challenge
MorganHacks is a weekend-long hackathon that would bring together hundreds of students from around the globe to work on innovative software and/or hardware projects. We are inviting students from different backgrounds to the campus of Morgan State University, the largest HBCU in Maryland, to collaborate and innovate as part of our aim to create ideas and initiatives that shape culture, on the weekend of April 26th and 27th.
This year, MorganHacks will be in-person, and from the start, students will be empowered with the resources to research and come up with exciting technology projects.
Requirements
You can hack into one of the SIX tracks or impact areas we've created. The best hack in each track will recieve a certfifcate
Additionally, there will be a 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place for overall best hacks.
TRACKS
Education
Description:
- The focus of the education track is to innovate around learning, especially by leveraging the power of technology, both for students and teachers. Projects in this track will not only define the possibilities for the future of learning but also encourage the art of learning while making education more accessible to every type of learner.
Guiding Questions:
- How can we utilize technology to close equity gaps in education i.e. support students of all backgrounds and enable universal access to quality education?
- How can we use technology to improve collaboration in schools?
- How can we make technology that enhances learning and retains the safety of students?
- How can we create technology that easily integrates remote learning with in-person learning without compromising the quality of the learning experience?
New Frontiers
Description:
This track focuses on using new and emerging technologies such as AI/ML, AR/VR, Blockchain, Web 3, Quantum Computing, and more to create innovative solutions. We expect to see the power of new technology in creating the experiences of the future.
Guiding Questions:
- How can we incorporate AR and VR into the metaverse?
- How can we make machine learning more transparent and accessible, especially to non-programmers?
- How can we develop new decentralized technologies that empower ordinary people?
- How can we make financial transactions seamless, secure and more transparent?
Health
Description:
This track is dedicated to improving the entire healthcare system. From accessibility to inclusion, health is a basic component of life and living and should be prioritized. As such, we expect to see projects that would re-imagine the current healthcare system while leveraging technology.
Guiding Questions:
- How can we close equity gaps in the healthcare industry by utilizing technology?
- How can we use technology to incorporate healthy living into people’s day-to-day life?
- How can we create scalable technology that can augment inadequate medical personnel?
Sustainability & Social Impact
Description:
There is no better time to create a better future for our planet than now. This track would address issues around creating a safe & sustainable environment. From energy to transportation, justice tech, and even climate change, there is freedom to innovate and make your project address these issues.
Guiding Questions:
- How can we use technology to monitor our habits and behaviors?
- How can we make our current technology more sustainable?
- How can we use technology to incentivize sustainable behaviors?
- How can we use technology to fight crime and advocate for justice in our communities?
Robotics
Description:
The Robotics track aims to explore advancements in robotics technology, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in automation and human-machine interaction. Participants will delve into topics such as autonomous systems, robot-assisted processes, and human-robot collaboration, with the goal of developing innovative solutions that revolutionize industries and enhance human capabilities.
Guiding Questions:
- How can robotics technology be applied to streamline manufacturing processes and increase efficiency?
- What are the potential benefits and challenges of integrating robots into everyday life, such as in healthcare or household tasks?
- How can robots be designed to adapt to dynamic environments and perform complex tasks autonomously?
- What ethical considerations should be taken into account when developing and deploying robotic systems?
Entertainment
Description:
The Entertainment track explores the intersection of technology and creativity, aiming to redefine how we consume and interact with entertainment content. Participants will have the opportunity to develop innovative solutions in areas such as gaming, virtual reality, and digital media production, with a focus on creating immersive and engaging experiences for audiences.
Guiding Questions:
- How can emerging technologies such as AR and VR be leveraged to create immersive entertainment experiences?
- What role can AI and machine learning play in personalizing content recommendations and enhancing user engagement?
- How can interactive storytelling techniques be used to captivate audiences and foster deep emotional connections?
- What are the ethical implications of using advanced technologies in entertainment, such as deepfakes or algorithmic content creation?
Prizes
First Place
$4,000 + MLH Winner Pins
Second Place
$2,000 + MLH Winner Pins
Third Place
$1,500 + MLH Winner Pins
MLH : Best Domain Name from GoDaddy Registry
Digital Gift Cards
GoDaddy Registry is giving you everything you need to be the best hacker no matter where you are. Register your domain name with GoDaddy Registry for a chance to win digital gift cards!
MLH : Best Use of MongoDB Atlas
M5GO IoT Starter Kit
MongoDB Atlas takes the leading modern database and makes it accessible in the cloud! Get started with a $50 credit for students (https://mlh.link/mongodb) or sign up for the Atlas free forever tier, no credit card required (https://mlh.link/mongodb-free). Along with a suite of services and functionalities, you'll have everything you need to manage all of your data, and you can get a headstart with free resources from MongoDB University (https://mlh.link/mongodb-university)! Build a hack using MongoDB Atlas for a chance to win a M5GO IoT Starter Kit for you and each member of your team.
MLH: Best Use of Gemini API
Assorted Prizes
It’s time to push the boundaries of what's possible with AI using Google Gemini. Check out the Gemini API to build AI-powered apps that make your friends say WHOA. So, what can Gemini do for your hackathon project? Understand language like a human and build a chatbot that gives personalized advice Analyze info like a supercomputer and create an app that summarizes complex research papers Generate creative content like code, scripts, music, and more Think of the possibilities… what will you build with the Google Gemini API this weekend? You can win a Google Backpack!
Devpost Achievements
Submitting to this hackathon could earn you:
Judges
Godsheritage Adeoye
Morgan State University
Judging Criteria
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Multi-Stage Judging
Teams are split into three groups, and then present to the judges. The top 2 are picked from each group and then present to all the judges. You will be judged in 4 different categories. 1. Tech 2. UIUX 3. Closeness to category 4. Wow factor
Questions? Email the hackathon manager
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