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EmberHacks is where innovation meets the warmth of autumn. Hosted at the University of Toronto Mississauga, this 24-hour hackathon brings together passionate students, developers, and creatives for a weekend of collaboration, coding, and community.
Whether you’re a first-time hacker or a seasoned programmer, EmberHacks is a place to learn, build, and ignite your ideas. Expect cozy fall vibes, inspiring mentors, and exciting challenges that will push your creativity to new heights.
Requirements
What to Build
This year’s EmberHacks theme is Educational Entanglements: Solving Problems in Education Using Technology.
We challenge participants to design creative, tech-driven solutions that make learning more accessible, engaging, or effective for all.
What to Submit
- Project description
- GitHub repository or project code link
- List of technologies used
- List of all team member names
Prizes
1st Place Project - FUJIFILM Instax Mini Bundle
Explore the world, experience people and nature, and capture memories of yourself and your friends!
2nd Place Project - Razer Cobra Gaming Mouse
A high-performance RGB mouse for your everyday needs, and of course, gaming.
3rd Place Project - ONN. Bluetooth Wireless Earphones
Whether you're listening to a podcast or some tunes, its always nice to have a compact pair of earphones on-the-GO... pun intended.
Best Use of Gemini API
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?
Best Use of Gemini 2.5 Computer Use
3D Printing Pen
The Gemini 2.5 Computer Use model is a specialized model built on Gemini 2.5 Pro's capabilities that powers AI agents capable of interacting directly with user interfaces (UIs).
Essentially, it enables AI agents to perform complex digital tasks by navigating web pages and applications just as a human would, by clicking, typing, and scrolling.
Use Gemini 2.5 Computer Use in your project this weekend for a chance to win some 3D printing pens for you and your teammates!
Best Use of DigitalOcean Gradient™ AI
Retro Wireless Mouse
DigitalOcean GradientTM AI is a unified AI cloud for building, training, and deploying machine learning models and AI agents. Get access to GPU infrastructure like DigitalOcean GPU Droplets and Bare Metal servers, along with serverless inference and 1-Click Models for instant deployment of your favorite LLMs!
Sign up for DigitalOcean today and get $200 worth of free credits that you can use towards building your next Gradient-powered hack. Enable your next project with DigitalOcean GradientTM AI for a chance to win some great prizes for you and each of your team mates!
Best Use of ElevenLabs
ElevenLabs Airpods
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 exclusive ElevenLabs branded airpods!
Best Use of Auth0
Wireless Headphones
Auth0 wants your applications to be secure! Why spend hours building features like social sign-in, Multi-Factor Authentication, and passwordless log-in when you can enable them through Auth0 straight out of the box? You can also secure your AI applications with Auth0 for AI Agents.
Auth0 is free to try, doesn’t require a credit card, and allows for up to 7,000 free active users and unlimited log-ins. Make your new account today and use any of the Auth0 APIs for a chance to win a pair of wireless headphones for you and each member of your team!
Best Domain Name from GoDaddy Registry
Digital Gift Card
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
Professor Rutwa Engineer
MCS
Professor Joshua Jung
MCS
Professor Hadi Ahmad
IMI
Dr. Ameya Pore
MCS
Mohammad Tahvili
ICUBE
Jason Wang
Uber
Professor Ahmad Ashraf
MCS
Professor Lueder Kahrs
MCS
Judging Criteria
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Originality
Evaluates how fresh, unique, or innovative the idea is compared to existing solutions. -
Relevance to Theme
Assesses how well the project aligns with EmberHacks’ overall theme (Educational Entanglements) and purpose. -
Technical Implementation
Focuses on the quality of the build, the technical skills demonstrated, and how effectively the project was executed within the given time. -
Practicality and Impact
Measures whether the project can be used or scaled in real-world contexts and if it addresses a meaningful problem. -
Creativity and Design
Considers the thoughtfulness of the user interface, user experience, storytelling, and overall creative presentation. -
Presentation and Communication
Examines how clearly the team explains their idea, approach, limitations, and future plans.
Questions? Email the hackathon manager
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