TechNova is bridging the gap for women+ in tech - we empower you to think about how you can use technology to solve issues during the hackathon.
This is a guiding theme applicable to every prize category so try your best to find an innovative idea to solve a problem you genuinely care about and let your creativity shine through!
Requirements
Project and Submission Requirements
ALL projects MUST be submitted to Devpost by 09:00AM EDT, on Sunday, September 28th.
We recommend you start submitting to Devpost before 8:00AM EDT, in case of any technical difficulties. How to submit onto Devpost! → HERE
- View the Rubric: Here for Rubric. This will help you identify how your team can be most successful!
- Each team MUST submit the following information.
- Answer all prompts on Devpost
- (optional) Any links/resources you would like to show to the Judges, such as Figma, Github Repositories, Business plan etc.
- Teams can submit for multiple prizes! Scroll down to have a look at our prize breakdown.
- Submit a Team Confirmation Form
- Any code/project started outside the hacking period starts will be not be allowed.
- Only original submissions will be accepted (eg. You can't have submitted the hack to a previous hackathon).
- You may only submit your hack to TechNova 2025, not other hackathons occurring concurrently.
Judging Criteria and Winner Selection
Judging will take place on Sunday, September 28th, 2025 from 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM EDT.
Prizes
Best Overall
The team that performs the best overall in both the Hack and Pitch categories. They have created a unique and innovative Hack, which encompasses the values presented by TechNova. All teams who submit a project, will be considered for this prize!
Best Overall, 1st Place (27 Inch Curved Gaming Monitor / person).
Best Overall, 2nd Place (Drone / person).
Best Overall, 3rd Place ( JBL Go 4 / person).
Best Beginner
The beginner team that performs the Hack category. They have created a unique and innovative Hack, which encompasses the values presented by TechNova. NOTE: 3/4 members MUST be first-time hackers.
Best Beginner, 1st Place (Mini Projector / person).
Best Beginner, 2nd Place (drone/person)
Female Empowerment & Gender-Equity
Best hack aimed at creating a diverse and inclusive project. Each team member receives Amazon Echo Dot
Best UI/UX
Recognizes a team that creates the best UI/UX project. Each team member receives gaming keyboard+mouse.
Sustainability
Best hack aimed at safeguarding the environment. Each team member receives velocity swag bag + 1 year subscription to NordVPN, NordPass, Incogni, NordProtect + 1GB of free Saily eSIM data
Harware Track
Recognizes the team that builds the most impressive hardware-based project—a working physical prototype that thoughtfully integrates electronics, embedded/firmware, and mechanical design. Each team member receives JBL Tune Headphones
MLH || Best Use of Gemini API || Mechanical Keyboards
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?
MLH || Best Use of Snowflake API || 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.
MLH || Best Use of MongoDB Atlas || M5GO IoT Starter Kit
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.
MLH || Best .Tech Domain Name || Blue Snowball Microphone & a Free .Tech Domain Name for up to 10 years!
Make your Team's Achievements timeless: Win a .Tech Domain Name for up to 10 years to Showcase and Expand Your Project, Plus Blue Snowball Mics for Effortless Collaboration on Zoom, empowering you to build even more cool things together!
Devpost Achievements
Submitting to this hackathon could earn you:
Judges
TechNova Judge
Judging Criteria
-
Problem
The problem is well defined and well researched. -
Solution
The solution is entirely unique and well-presented. It addresses the problem from a new angle/ on a bigger scale. -
Technicality
The project is very technically challenging. -
UX/UI
The project is well-designed. It shows a high level of concern for the user experience. No instructions are needed to navigate the application. -
Presentation
The functionality was clearly explained. Team members presented with confidence. Good volume and clarity. -
Female Empower. (TechNova Themed Cat.)
The user is able to easily consume content in another sense if they are underrepresented groups. The design is easily navigable and shows special consideration for underrepresented groups in tech. -
Sustainability (TechNova Themed Cat.)
The team shows researched evidence of why technology is an important part of the progress toward a more sustainable future. The hack innovatively and effectively solves a sustainability concern. -
Hardware Track
The hardware is safe, reliable, and well-constructed; firmware cleanly integrates sensors/actuators for a successful end-to-end demo, with simple documentation and safety notes.
Questions? Email the hackathon manager
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