The essence of a hackathon

So, what is a hackathon? A hackathon is an organized event, during which specialists of mainly one field (but not necessarily) form teams and solve a specific problem or develop an effective solution in a limited time.

Depending on the complexity of the problem, it can be announced directly at the beginning of the hackathon, or people are told of the directions in which it will be necessary to prepare solutions in advance. Experienced mentors help the teams: they answer questions and give advice.

All teams present their ideas to the jury during the pitching. The winners usually receive valuable prizes, as well as various kinds of support to bring their project to life (from advice and mentoring to financial assistance).

Types of hackathons

By the type of participants, hackathons are divided into external (in which anyone interested in the topic can take part) and internal (which are organized for the closed community of a particular company or organization).

According to the format, hackathons are divided into offline and online.

Offline, all participants gather in one place with round-the-clock access and spend all the time of the hackathon there. The organizers usually provide them with everything they need (food, office supplies, convenient places) so that the teams can work on the task without being distracted.

Considering that the duration of hackathons starts from 24 hours, the question arises, how to sleep. People tend not to sleep, and it’s not a joke. At the hackathon, it is really customary to try your best and devote all the time to work on the project, so few are those who manage to sleep.

During online hackathons, all processes – from team formation to pitching – take place online and do not require the physical presence of the participants. All interaction takes place either through special platforms for holding hackathons or through separate online tools.

Speaking about the pros – there can be many more participants in such an event, the participants may be from all corners of the world. But it is much more difficult to stay awake when you are sitting in bed at home than when you and your team are working together in a room.

Hackathons are completely different in terms of topics. At first, they were held only for IT specialists who got together for a group programming session, today hackathons are held in almost all professional areas and solve the most diverse problems.

What does a hackathon usually consist of?

• First of all, all the participants are registered and teams are formed.
• At the second stage, the problem to be solved is presented. All the details are discussed (timing, etc.).
• Some lectures are held with the aim of inspiring participants.
• At the next stage, teams talk to mentors, discuss their ideas and ask for recommendations.
• Working in teams. This stage usually lasts quite long, until the problem is solved.
• Project defense. All the ideas are presented and the winners are awarded.

The structure may be different, depending on the place and field. For example, in some cases there is no educational block.

Why participate in a hackathon?

So, we have found out what a hackathon actually is. Now let’s talk about how you can benefit from participation.

The chance to create something new

A hackathon is a great opportunity to work on a brilliant idea that has been spinning in your head for a long time. The daily routine often leaves no time to do something interesting. At the hackathon, you can plunge into work. Besides, you will not be alone there: you will be in a team of like-minded people, which can be assembled right at the event.

If you have no idea, but the topic of the hackathon is interesting, you are also recommended to come. Participants work in teams, and everyone contributes. For example, one person knows how to quickly write code, another one constantly generates ideas.

The ability to exchange useful contacts

At the hackathon, you can meet people you might not have met under other circumstances and exchange contacts with them.

For students and novice programmers, hackathons are a chance to express themselves, try their hand at, and add to the resume such an experience. Participation in hackathons may convince the employer that you want to develop and gain new knowledge. By the way, some of the participants find work precisely because of hackathons.

A chance to find potential investors

Startups can not only announce their project at a hackathon but also find investments. Cash prizes are often awarded to the winners. You can also get the support of mentors.

The possibility to broaden your horizons and get a boost of motivation

At the hackathon, you can get a unique experience that you can share with your colleagues, demonstrate in an interview, or use at the next event, where you will already be an experienced participant, not a beginner.

New acquaintances, solving interesting problems, communicating with mentors and investors, master classes help broaden horizons and give a boost of motivation and inspiration.