About the challenge

Welcome to SWECCathon - a week-long hackathon where creativity meets code! This event is your chance to develop an innovative project, learn new skills, collaborate with peers, and compete for exciting prizes. Whether you're a seasoned programmer or just starting your coding journey, SWECCathon provides the perfect platform to challenge yourself and bring your ideas to life. Form a team or work solo to build something amazing in just one week! Join us for this exciting opportunity to showcase your talents, connect with fellow developers, and potentially win fantastic prizes!

Requirements

What to Build

SWECCathon welcomes projects of all types! You can build anything that showcases your creativity, technical skills, and innovative thinking. From web and mobile applications to games, AI tools, hardware projects, or anything in between - if you can code it in a week, we want to see it!

The only requirement is that your project must be created during the hackathon period (April 23-29). You can use any programming languages, frameworks, or technologies of your choice.

Special Tracks

While you're free to build any project you'd like, we're offering special prizes for the following tracks:

Best Beginner Hack

New to coding or hackathons? This track celebrates projects created by beginners who are just starting their coding journey. Don't be intimidated - we want to see what you can build, regardless of your experience level!

Note: each member of the winning team must have SWECCathon as their very first hackathon.

Best Use of Google Cloud - Sponsored by Google

Create a project that leverages Google Cloud services. Whether you're using Firebase, Cloud Functions, BigQuery, or any other Google Cloud product, show us how you're taking advantage of cloud technology to build something amazing.

Note: we are working on getting Google Cloud API credits for hackers. Stay tuned!

Touch Grass - Sponsored by Eat Together

Build something that promotes healthy living and/or encourages in-person socializing. In our digital world, this track celebrates applications that help people connect face-to-face or improve their physical and mental well-being.

Best Game

Design and develop an original game! It can be web-based, mobile, or desktop; show us your game development skills and create something fun and engaging.

What to Submit

Your final submission should include:

  1. Project Title & Description - A clear name and concise explanation of what your project does and the problem it solves.
  2. Demo Video - A 2-4 minute video demonstrating your project in action and explaining its features. This doesn't have to be professionally produced - a simple screen recording with narration is perfect!
  3. Source Code - Link to your GitHub repository or other version control system where your code is hosted. Make sure it's public so judges can review it.
  4. Live Demo - If applicable, provide a link where judges can interact with your working project.
  5. Project Images - At least 3 screenshots or images showcasing different aspects of your project.
  6. Team Information - Names of all team members and their roles in the project.

Hackathon Sponsors

Prizes

5 non-cash prizes
Top 3 Teams
3 winners

Selection between:
- 4x Miady 10000mAh Dual USB Portable Chargers
- 4x Acer 5-in-1 USB-C Hub
- 4x MAYBESTA Professional Wireless Lavalier Lapel Microphone

Best Beginner Hack (first-time hackers only)
1 winner

"The Pragmatic Programmer" book for each member of the winning team!

Best Use of Google Cloud
1 winner

Uineer Vertical Ergonomic Mouse for each member of the winning team!

Touch Grass (by Eat Together)
1 winner

Eat Together mousepads + free meal with Eric Xiao (co-founder/director) for each member of the winning team!

Best Game
1 winner

Computer Keyboard Wrist Rest Stand for each member of the winning team!

Devpost Achievements

Submitting to this hackathon could earn you:

Judges

Idess Lee

Idess Lee
Google

Maddy Cruz

Maddy Cruz
Google

Shriraj Gandhi

Shriraj Gandhi
Google

Vyankatesh Misar

Vyankatesh Misar
Google

Doris Yang

Doris Yang
Google

Praneetha Kotla

Praneetha Kotla
ERP Smartlabs

Dishu Yang

Dishu Yang
Meta

Sakshi Agarwal

Sakshi Agarwal
Rubrik

Surya Rayarao

Surya Rayarao
SS&C Technologies

Ramneet Bhatia

Ramneet Bhatia
Netflix

Jixiao Yang

Jixiao Yang
AWS

Aishwarya Badlani

Aishwarya Badlani
The Home Depot

Judging Criteria

  • Innovation & Creativity
    How original and creative is the idea? Does the project stand out with a unique approach, or have an interesting twist on existing concepts?
  • Technical Difficulty
    How challenging was the project technically? Did the team overcome technical challenges (i.e. a beginner team learning a new programming language)? Did the team challenge themselves to learn new technologies or skills?
  • User Experience / Design
    Is the solution intuitive and user-friendly? Does the design enhance usability and provide a seamless experience?
  • Impact & Relevance
    Does the project clearly address a meaningful problem? Could the project realistically have a positive impact on the intended users or community?
  • Presentation
    Is the submission clear, complete, and polished? Does the demo effectively convey the project's value and functionality?

Questions? Email the hackathon manager

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Hackathon sponsors

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