Are you ready to tackle some of the world's most pressing challenges? Join us to bring bold, innovative ideas to life.
About the Hackathon
We're looking for projects that address national or global-scale problems—big, impactful solutions that can change the world. Form a team of 1-4 members and bring your vision to life.
Schedule
Friday, April 18
Saturday, April 19
• Topics: Prototyping, Dev Mode, & Slides for Demo Presentations
• 5 teams will pitch for 1st Overall Prize
Resources
Git Version Control
UI Design Tools
Web Development
Pitch Resources
Judging Rubrics
Scalability & Global Impact
Is the hack adaptable for global markets? Can the solution apply to a broader demographic beyond the scope of the hackathon?
Innovation & Creativity
How original is the hack? Does the project introduce a novel approach to solving the problem?
Relevance
How effectively does the hack address the core challenge of the track?
Design and Usability
Is the solution intuitive, accessible, and easy to use? Does the project have broad applicability across diverse users?
Technical Execution
How well is the hack built from a technical standpoint?
Project Submission Guidelines
Timeline
All project code must be written between 5:00 PM on Friday, April 18 and 4:00 PM on Saturday, April 19. Late responses will NOT be accepted — plan your time wisely, hackers!
Round 1 Requirements
Video Pitch (under 5 minutes)
Include at least 3–4 slides. Must explain the problem, your solution, and its impact. Go beyond a screen-shared demo—highlight the "why" and purpose behind your project.
Written Explanation (max 700 words)
- Project technology stack
- Project impact and importance
- Development challenges faced
Note: Aim for clarity and brevity—concise responses that directly address each point are preferred.
Team Information
Submissions MUST include all individuals involved in the submission.
Round 2 Requirements
The top five finalist teams will advance to the second round, where each group will give a 5–7 minute presentation followed by a 5-minute Q&A session.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is HOF Hackathon?
April 18-19 at HOF Capital, 1/2 Bond St, New York, NY 10012. Check-in begins at 4 PM on Friday. No overnight accommodation is provided.
What's the cost?
Admission is free and includes mentors, workshops, food, swag, resources, and an unforgettable experience!
How do teams work?
You can form a team of up to 4 people. You'll choose your teammates when you submit a project. Don't worry if you don't have a team yet - we'll have team formation events at the beginning of Friday afternoon to help you find teammates!
Will food be provided?
Yes! We've got you covered with brunch and dinner on Saturday!
Can I attend virtually?
Unfortunately, HOF Hackathon is only offered in-person.
What should I bring?
Bring your laptop, charger, student ID, and any hardware components you plan to use.
What if I'm new to coding?
No problem! We welcome participants of all skill levels. We'll have mentors available to help you learn and grow throughout the event.
Can I start working on my project before the event?
You can plan your project in advance, but all code must be written during the hackathon. You may use publicly available open-source code and libraries, but these must be clearly cited in your submission. Judges will review commit history to ensure fairness and rule compliance.
Anything else I need to know?
HOF judges strongly prefer functionality over aesthetics (although it is important too).