About the challenge

Turn your ideas into reality! Join SOSE in building apps, games, or tools that create real impact 🎉

The SOSE Hackathon 2025 is a beginner friendly hackathon where students come together to design and code projects for social good. No matter your skill level, you’ll gain hands on experience, collaborate with peers, and learn from mentors while competing for prizes. You’ll leave with a story, a team, and new skills to carry forward (and an addition to your resume)

Get started

Join our Discord to form teams and get updates. SOSE members must be registered on Matasync to join the hackathon ✨

Requirements

What to Build

You can use any coding language, framework, or engine to build something that connects to our theme of social good.
Your project should improve people’s lives or communities.

There are 3 categories you can submit to:

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Hack for Social Connection
Prompt: Build platforms that reduce loneliness and foster community.

  • Example projects:

    • Language exchange app that pairs learners globally.

    • Event recommender based on shared interests.

    • Online support group spaces with built-in wellness check-ins.

  • Resume value: “Designed a social platform strengthening global peer-to-peer connections.”

đź›° Hack the Future of Work
Prompt: Build tools that prepare people for the jobs of tomorrow.

  • Example projects:

    • AI resume coach that analyzes job descriptions and suggests improvements.

    • Virtual coworking space for remote learners or freelancers.

    • Career exploration app that gamifies skill-building challenges.

  • Resume value: “Developed an AI-powered platform supporting workforce development and upskilling.”

🤖 Hack for SOSE
Prompt: Build tech that could help the SOSE community grow and thrive.

  • Example projects:

    • Discord bot that manages events, reminders, or role assignments.

    • Member portal for project matching and skill sharing.

    • Event hub app with RSVP, feedback, and resource sharing.

  • Resume value: “Built community focused tools to strengthen student collaboration and engagement.”

What to Submit

To officially enter SOSE Hackathon 2025, you must submit before the deadline.

  1. GitHub Repo 

  2. Video Demo (max 3 minutes — judges will only watch the first 3 minutes)

Optional:

  • Screenshots

  • UI mockups

  • Design documents

Hackathon Sponsors

Prizes

3 non-cash prizes
Hack for SOSE
1 winner

Role: SOSE Hacker + trophy
Roles have unique colors so winners stand out, and trophys are exclusive to winners.

Hack for Social Connection
1 winner

Role: Community Builder + Trophy
Roles have unique colors so winners stand out, and trophys are exclusive to winners.

Hack the Future of Work
1 winner

Role: Innovation Pioneer + Trophy
Roles have unique colors so winners stand out, and trophys are exclusive to winners.

Devpost Achievements

Submitting to this hackathon could earn you:

Judges

Officers

Officers
SOSE

Surya Rao Rayarao
SS&C Technologies Lead SWE

Tejas Patel
Amazon Lead SWE

Ben Villalobos
Microsoft SWE II

Judging Criteria

  • Potential Impact
    How much impact could this project create for its intended audience or beyond?
  • Function
    Does the product work, or does it realistically seem like it could?
  • Design
    Is it user friendly and polished?
  • Presentation
    Was the demo professional, clear, and well structured?

Questions? Email the hackathon manager

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