Hackathon - October 24-26: Event Overview and Details
The Hackathon from October 24-26 is a weekend-long event focused on collaborative innovation and prototype development, featuring two distinct tracks: AI and Code Agnostic, with mandatory workshops and diverse judging criteria. Teams must adhere to specific rules, submission guidelines, and presentation formats, while prizes are awarded to finalists and runners-up across both tracks.
The hackathon spans from October 24th to 26th, offering participants a weekend to transform innovative ideas into tangible prototypes and solutions. It is designed for individuals of all skill levels, from experienced builders to those simply interested in AI, fostering collaboration and problem-solving within the WashU community.
Team formation is a crucial aspect, with teams capped at five students, and interdisciplinary teams are strongly encouraged. Teams must declare their members by 9:00 PM on Friday, following the provided link, which ensures proper organization and participation tracking throughout the event.
The hackathon features two distinct tracks: an AI Track focused on solutions that integrate people and AI to improve lives, and a Code Agnostic Track centered on creating experiences that promote calmness and peace of mind. These tracks provide diverse avenues for participants to explore and innovate based on their interests and skills.
Judging criteria differ slightly between the tracks, with the AI Track emphasizing impact, creativity compared to existing solutions, and user experience. Meanwhile, the Code Agnostic track prioritizes user experience, the functionality of the prototype, and the overall impact of the solution in addressing the prompt.
Workshops are a key component, offering sessions on Agentic AI, Humanizing AI, Product Market Fit with Mayfield, and AI in Public Health. Attending at least one workshop is mandatory, providing participants with valuable knowledge and skills to enhance their projects.
Final submissions are due on Sunday at 9:30 AM for the AI Track, including an executive summary and a link to a working prototype, while the Code Agnostic Track requires a 3-5 minute demo video. Top teams will present pitches, and runners-up will also showcase their solutions in brief demos.
Prizes include $1,000 for three finalists in each track, with an additional $1,000 awarded to the winner in each track after final presentations. Runners-up will also be eligible for a shared prize pool of $5,000, offering significant incentives and recognition for innovative efforts.
Key points
- The hackathon runs from October 24-26 and focuses on developing prototypes.
- Teams must consist of no more than 5 students and declare by Friday evening.
- There are two tracks: AI focused and Code Agnostic focused.
- Workshops are mandatory and cover relevant topics like Agentic AI and Humanizing AI.
- Submissions are due Sunday morning and include specific deliverables for each track.
- Prizes are awarded to finalists and runners-up in both tracks.