HACKCUX
March 2 - 3
About
On March 2-3 2024, we will be hosting our flagship annual hackathon, HackCU X! You will have the chance to create projects in any of the provided tracks. Submit your project to win a number of special prizes, or attend a few of our many workshops and seminars. HackCU X will be hosted at the Jennie Smoly Caruthers Biotechnology Building on CU Boulder East Campus. Space is limited so register as soon as possible!
Tracks
General
HackCU's general challenge includes 1st, 2nd, and 3rd prize winners. This challenge will be evaluated based on the overall creativity of the team and their project, questions selected by HackCU organizers, as well as any additional criteria mandated by the judges.
All Beginner
Hackathons are a great way for beginners in technology—from the workshops to software resources provided by HackCU, we want first-time hackers to learn and build a project first hand. This track will assess the best hack created by a team of all beginner hackers.
Best UI/UX
No matter how complex the algorithms behind a technology are, a project has limited possibilities for success unless the user is considered. For the best engagement from users, it is necessary to have a good user interface that fits the needs of the user and enhances their experience. The track will be judged based on the aesthetic nature of the project's user design, as well as how effectively it amplifies the purpose of the project.
Games and Entertainment
Itching to bring your game ideas to life? Have the next great entertainment app idea? Want to design your own custom music platform? Then the games, music, & entertainment track is for you! Let your creative energy flow as you participate in this awesome track! The track will be judged based on the project's innovative and creative nature.
Our Story
HackCU was started in 2014 by a group of passionate students who wanted to provide other students the time and space to work on projects they don't normally work on through school. Since then we've been committed to fulfilling our mission of bringing you high-quality, inclusive events open to people of all levels of experience.
Why You?
Like to write programs? Dig into interesting datasets? Design creative works? Or maybe you've never written a line of code? We will provide the space and the resources for you to express your creativity, ingenuity, and determination to create anything you want to. Whether you're building your first website, dabbling in Photoshop, or hacking with an Oculus Rift, HackCU is for you. HackCU is for people of all backgrounds and experiences. So, come and join us!
FAQs
What is a hackathon?
A hackathon is best described as an “invention marathon”. Anyone who has an interest in technology attends a hackathon to learn, build & share their creations over the course of a weekend in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.
Who can attend?
We welcome any at the University of Colorado Boulder!
Do I need a team? How large are teams?
Don't have a team? We got you covered. We will have time before hacking begins for hackers to get together and form teams. You can have a maximum of 4 members on your team.
Will you offer travel reimbursement?
Reimbursement applications are now closed!
What if I have another question?
Tweet us at @hackcu or drop us a line at [email protected]
What if I am not a student?
Be a mentor! Help out with our hackathon! Check out the mentor window below to sign up.
Can I reuse a previous project?
You can NOT use anything that you have started prior to the event. You can think of ideas for your project, but you must start from scratch when you arrive.
Do I have to be a programmer?
Absolutely not! It doesn't matter if you are a designer, a writer, or a chemist. There is a place for you here. Prior to hacking, there will be a team formation session to help form teams.
Schedule
Day 1
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
8:00 am | Arrival and Check-In |
8:00 am | Breakfast |
9:00 am | Networking with sponsors |
11:00 am | Opening Ceremony |
12:00 pm | Lunch |
12:00 pm | Team Formation |
12:00 pm | Hacking Begins! |
1:00 pm | Workshop 1: Simple Tricks to Build Faster with GitHub Copilot |
2:00 pm | Workshop 2: Blueprint Boulder React Workship |
3:00 pm | Workshop 3: C++ Tips and Tricks |
4:00 pm | Workshop 4: Intro to AI |
5:00 pm | Workshop 5: Adobe Flash: Visuals, Vulns, and Viruses |
6:00 pm | Dinner |
8:30 pm | Game: Olympic Trivia |
10:00 pm | Movie: I, Tonya |
Day 2
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
8:00 am | Breakfast |
12:00 pm | PROJECTS ARE DUE |
12:00 pm | Lunch |
12:30 pm | Project Expo / Judging |
3:00 pm | Closing Ceremonies |
Hacker Info
Hacker Guide
You can find the Hacker Guide here: https://tinyurl.com/yr4794yy.
DevPost
We will be using DevPost to submit your projects. You can find the link here: https://hackcu-10.devpost.com/.
Prizes
| Track | Prize Name |
|---|---|
| General-1st | Power Bank |
| General-1st | Backpacks |
| General-1st | Portable Projector |
| General-1st | Echo Dot 5th Gen |
| General-2nd | Large Rocketbook Notebook |
| General-2nd | Color Changing LED Bulbs |
| Beginner-1st | Black 20oz Hydroflask |
| Beginner-1st | Cracking the Coding Interview Book |
| UI/UX-1st | Polaroid Camera |
| UI/UX-1st | Polaroid Film |
| Games-1st | Keyboard and Mouse |
