Description
Hard Hack is UCSD’s premier hardware-focused hackathon, bringing together engineers, developers, and innovators to build tech for tomorrow. This year’s theme, "Home Improvement" challenges participants to develop solutions in healthcare, security and convenience—tackling real-world issues with cutting-edge hardware and software.
What makes Hard Hack special?
- Hardware-focused: Unlike traditional hackathons, Hard Hack emphasizes hardware innovation. Teams will have access to development boards, sensors, and other tools to bring their ideas to life.
- Industry Support: Engage with mentors from top tech companies, attend exclusive workshops, and receive feedback from industry professionals.
- Beginner-Friendly: Whether you're a seasoned hacker or a first-timer, our team and mentors will support you every step of the way!
Requirements
To be eligible for judging, teams must submit the following on Devpost:
✅ Project Name & Description – Explain the problem you’re solving, how the problem ties to our home improvement team / selected track, and your approach.
✅ Code Documentation – Provide a GitHub link or equivalent. List any libraries, API, platforms etc. you utilized
✅ Hardware Diagram – Provide a sketch of your hardware wiring and annotate the parts used.
✅ Presentation – A presentation to present to judges for the 3-minute presentation. Upload as PDF. Please use this template and make a copy of this: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1izqurHy-yeRRhhSTXM2-bo_JchGb5ZNglOw05Dd6C9k/edit?usp=sharing
Prizes
Best Convenience Hack - Amazon Gift Cards
Best Security Hack - Amazon Gift Cards
Best Healthcare Hack - Amazon Gift Cards
[MLH] Best Use of Gemini API
Prize: Google Swag Kits
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?
Links:
- https://mlh.link/gemini-quickstart
[MLH] Best Use of Solana
Prize: Ledger Nano S Plus
The world of development is evolving fast and Solana is leading the charge with a network built to handle all of your infrastructure needs. Forget high fees and slow confirmations, it's time to build applications that are fast, efficient, and scalable.
Harness Solana's core advantages like blazing fast execution and near-zero transaction costs to make your hackathon ideas become real world projects. With Solana, the possibilities are endless.
- Create a game, social app, or consumer product that relies on instant, high-frequency transactions.
- Design a sophisticated trading, lending, or decentralized exchange (DEX).
- Build a prototype for supply chain, identity, or payments that can handle massive, real-world volume.
Show us how you can innovate with Solana for a chance to win some cool prizes for you and each member of your team!
Links:
- https://mlh.link/solana
[MLH] Best Use of DigitalOcean
Prize: Retro Wireless Mouse
DigitalOcean offers a reliable and easy-to-use cloud platform for every stage of your project. Leverage core services like Droplets, Managed Databases, and App Platform to build, deploy, and scale your application effortlessly. Building with AI? DigitalOcean Gradient™ AI enables you to build, train, and deploy machine learning models, including access to GPU infrastructure and serverless inference!
Sign up for DigitalOcean today and get $200 worth of free credits that you can use towards building your next great hack. Build with DigitalOcean's robust cloud infrastructure for a chance to win some great prizes for you and each of your teammates!
Links:
- Claim $200 with valid payment method: https://mlh.link/digitalocean-signup
- http://mlh.link/digitalocean
[MLH] Best Use of ElevenLabs
Prize: Wireless Earbuds
Deploy natural, human-sounding audio with ElevenLabs. Create realistic, dynamic, and emotionally expressive voices for any project, from interactive AI companions to narrated stories and voice-enabled apps. ElevenLabs will empower you to build rich, immersive experiences without the need for actors or complex audio production, using simply the power of AI.
Integrate fully autonomous audio experiences into your hack with ElevenLabs and give your project a voice, along with giving your team the chance to win some wireless earbuds!
Links:
- https://mlh.link/elevenlabs
- Get promo code at https://www.mlh.com/events/hard-hack/prizes
[MLH] Best Use of Snowflake API
Prize: Arduino Tiny ML Kit
Play with industry-leading LLMs on a single account using the Snowflake APIs. Adding AI capabilities into your application can be as simple as a single CURL command to Snowflake’s REST API.
Build customized applications, RAG powered chat bots, or embed AI-powered features into your app in half the time with half the hassle. Get started for free with a special, student 120-day Snowflake trial and check out this repository for an example of the Snowflake REST API in action.
Links:
- 120 day free trial: https://mlh.link/snowflake-signup
- https://mlh.link/snowflake-tutorial
- https://mlh.link/snowflake
[DigiKey] Sponsorship Prize
DigiKey DKS-TK1 Tool Set and Arduino UNO Q.
[DigiKey] Partner Prize
Arduino Plug and Make Kit and Arduino UNO Q.
Honorable Mentions
Arduino Q for each team member
Devpost Achievements
Submitting to this hackathon could earn you:
Judges
Karcher Morris
UC San Diego
YC Wang
DigiKey
Allan Sun
Alumni, Apple
Kavinder Roghit Kanthen
Qualcomm
Jeevitha Gowda Chandramouli
Qualcomm
Raheleh Dilmaghani
Naval Information Warfare Center Pacific
Noah Rubin
UC San Diego
Jack Silberman
UC San Diego
Judging Criteria
-
Technical Implementation
Scores range from minimum functionality (1) to professional execution (5) -
Creativity / Originality
From a direct implementation of a common tutorial or a well-known concept(1) to truly groundbreaking (5). -
Impact / Problem Fit
From solving a minor problem (1) to addressing a critical global issue(5). -
Use of Hardware
From superficial use (1) to masterful optimization (2). -
Presentation / Demo
From pitch is confusing (1) to inspiring and professional.
Questions? Email the hackathon manager
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