HackKU is the annual 36-hour hackathon hosted by students from the Association for Computing Machinery at the University of Kansas. Participants will get to spend the weekend learning and developing their programming skills while working on a new project, while also having the opportunity to attend workshops, interact with industry sponsors, receive mentorship, and participate in fun events. We’ll also have free swag and food all weekend, and lots of prizes! Work with teams of up to 4 people to create unique solutions to real-world problems. Students from all different backgrounds and experience levels are encouraged to join us and explore their interests.

Hackathon Sponsors

Prizes

$10,630+ in prizes
+ other prizes
Health and Well-Being Track (Required if Competing for THEME)
3 winners

Opt-in to this category if you are competing for the theme track. Discard if competing for General track.

Theme Track 1st Place
$800 in cash
1 winner

Nintendo Switch Lite

Theme Track 2nd Place
$320 in cash
1 winner

Fujifilm Instax Mini 11 Instant Camera

Theme Track 3rd Place
$200 in cash
1 winner

$50 Gift Cards

General Track 1st Place
$880 in cash
1 winner

Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+

General Track 2nd Place
$400 in cash
1 winner

Keychron K2 Wireless Mechanical Keyboard

General Track 3rd Place
$200 in cash
1 winner

$50 Gift Cards

Best High School Project
$110 in cash
1 winner

Anker Power Bank

Best Beginner Project (College/University)
$160 in cash
1 winner

DEIME Air Fryer

Best Hardware Project
$240 in cash
1 winner

Raspberry Pi 4 Model B

Hacker’s Choice Award
$160 in cash
1 winner

JBL Go 3 Bluetooth Speaker

Most Creative UI/UX Design
$160 in cash
1 winner

Wacom Tablet

Patient Safety Technology Challenge Sponsor Track
$1,000 in cash
2 winners

1st Place: Beats Solo 4
2nd Place: Logitech G305 Wireless Mouse

Pella Sponsor Track
$800 in cash
2 winners

1st Place: 2 Keychron K3 Mechanical Keyboard, 2 Logitech Bluetooth Computer Speakers with Subwoofer
2nd Place: 2 Keychron K3 Mechanical Keyboard, 2 Logitech Bluetooth Computer Speakers with Subwoofer

Ripple Sponsor Track
$1,500 in cash
2 winners

1st Place: $1000 USD
2nd Place: $500 USD
(prize money is split equally between team members)

Niantic Sponsor Track
$400 in cash
1 winner

$100 Amazon Gift Card per team member

Best Use of Midnight || JBL Tune 510BT Wireless Headphones
1 winner

Midnight is a data protection blockchain that offers programmable data protection capabilities powered by zero-knowledge technology to address the delicate balance between data protection, ownership, and utilization. This ensures that developers can leverage blockchain technology without exposing confidential information or losing control over their data.

To build on Midnight, all you need is familiarity with TypeScript or a similar JavaScript based library. The service is free to use and their developer documentation has all the information you need to get started. Build a DApp using Midnight this weekend for a chance to win wireless headphones for you and each of your team mates!

Best Use of Gemini API || Google Branded Backpack
1 winner

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?

Best Use of MongoDB Atlas || M5GO IoT Starter Kit
1 winner

MongoDB Atlas takes the leading modern database and makes it accessible in the cloud! Get started with a $50 credit for students or sign up for the Atlas free forever tier (no credit card required). 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! Build a hack using MongoDB Atlas for a chance to win a M5GO IoT Starter Kit for you and each member of your team.

Best Domain Name from GoDaddy Registry || Digital Gift Card
1 winner

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 some amazing prizes!

Devpost Achievements

Submitting to this hackathon could earn you:

Judges

More info coming soon!

More info coming soon!

Judging Criteria

  • Tech Stack
    The tools chosen are an ideal fit for the project, or otherwise especially impressive.
  • Learning
    Each team member learned a challenging new tool or concept relative to their previous skill level.
  • Documentation
    The project includes an informative README, and code is commented using industry-standard practices.
  • Organization
    Code is well-organized with clear documentation of dependencies, use of modules where appropriate, and good use of function and/or classes to partition data and computation in a sensible way.
  • User Interface
    UI is easy to use, user-friendly, and aesthetically pleasing.
  • Completeness
    Project is reasonably complete given the time constraints.
  • Presentation
    Presentation is informative, enthusiastic, and concise. All team members participate.
  • Novelty
    Solution is innovative, creative, and original.
  • Theme (If Applicable)
    Project is a perfect fit for the theme.

Questions? Email the hackathon manager

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