Hack the Future 2024
This is the Hack the Future 2024 welcome page. It is only shared with hackathon participants, so please do not share it with those not participating in the hackathon.
Welcome to Hack the Future 2024
Thank you for signing up for the 2024 Hack the Future hackathon! Hack the Future is an online hackathon for Grade 8-12 girls, young women, and non-binary youth. Our aim is to foster a safe and inclusive learning environment centered on creativity, collaboration, and knowledge sharing. We welcome participants of all levels of expertise, whether you are new to coding or have some coding experience!
PLEASE READ: Hackathon Checklist
Please see below for a list of things you need to do/know to ensure successful participation in the 2024 Hack the Future hackathon. All details, documents, forms, and links mentioned in the checklist are included on the welcome page, so please make sure you scroll to the end and review all the presented information.
Review community guidelines
By joining the Hack the Future hackathon, you are considered to be in agreement with our virtual community guidelines. We will take the appropriate actions if any of the guidelines are violated. Depending on the situation, this may result in revoking participation in the hackathon, including future ones.
Fill out the check-in form by March 9 (Sat) at 11:00 am PT
The check-in form will be available a day before the hackathon. You must fill out this form to confirm your participation by March 9 (Sat) at 11:00 am PT. If you are joining the hackathon as a team, the team captain is responsible for filling out this form.
Join hackathon Discord channel
We strongly recommend joining the hackathon’s Discord channel before the hackathon begins. The Discord channel is a convenient platform that allows you to interact with your team members, peers, and hackathon organizers.
Join the opening ceremony over Zoom
The organizers will be going over important information about the hackathon and will reveal the hackathon theme. Please make sure you join the opening ceremony on time.
Take note of the hackathon theme
Your project must reflect the hackathon theme. We will reveal the hackathon theme during the opening ceremony over Zoom. Please make sure you join the opening ceremony on time.
Review presentation guidelines
You must prepare a three-minute flash talk (inclusive of project demo) to be considered for prizes.
Submit your project by March 9 (Sat) at 3:00 pm PT
The project submission form will be available on the day of the hackathon.You must fill out the project submission form by March 9 (Sat) at 3:00 pm PT to be considered for prizes. If you are joining the hackathon as a team, the team captain is responsible for filling out this form.
Join project presentations over Zoom
Project presentations will take place on March 9 (Sat) at 3:15 pm PT over Zoom. Each participant or team must prepare a three-minute flash talk (inclusive of project demo). You must participate in project presentations to be considered for prizes. Please make sure you review the presentation guidelines and join the presentation session over Zoom on time.
Announce prize winners by end of March 11 (Mon)
Prize winners will be announced by the end of March 11 (Mon). We will inform you if this announcement will be delayed.
*The Google Docs version allows you to make a copy and keep track of your own checklist. Please note that you need to sign into your Google account to make a copy.
Hackathon Schedule
Check out the finalized hackathon schedule below. Please note that all times are in Pacific Time.
Important Links
Please do not share the following links with those who are not participating in this hackathon!
Presentation Guidelines & Tips
Project presentations will take place on March 9 (Sat) at 3:15 pm PT over Zoom. Each participant or team must prepare a three-minute flash talk (inclusive of project demo). You must participate in project presentations to be considered for prizes.
Please see presentation guidelines and tips below:
Your flash talk should not exceed 3 minutes. Please be aware that due to time constraints, we may request you to conclude your presentation promptly at the 3-minute mark.
Begin by introducing yourself and/or your team.
Everyone should contribute in the presentation.
Be prepared to demo your project and if time permits, answer questions posed by the judges and/or audience.
Tell us how your project reflects the hackathon theme.
Remember to test your tech before the presentation. This includes checking your microphone, webcam, and the share screen function to share your screen for demonstrating your project.
Be respectful of the judges, hackathon organizers, other hackathon participants, and your team members. We are all here to learn!
Check out the How to Present Your Project slide deck and watch the How to Present Your Project video before the hackathon.
Hackathon Theme
LEAP
What does LEAP mean to you? Leap into the future? An abbreviation for something? A special object? Be creative! We are excited to see what you will create!
Prize Categories
Best technical
The Best Technical award recognizes the team or individual that demonstrates the highest level of technical skill and innovation in their project. Whether it’s through complex algorithms or intricate coding techniques, the winner of this category impresses judges with their technical prowess and the effectiveness of their solution.
Most creative
The Most Creative award celebrates the team or individual that brings fresh ideas, unconventional approaches, and imaginative solutions to the table. This prize acknowledges innovation, originality, and the ability to think outside the box. Whether it’s through unique design elements or innovative problem-solving methods, the winner of this category showcases creativity in its finest form.
Organizer’s choice
The Organizer’s Choice award is a special recognition chosen by the hackathon organizers based on various criteria such as teamwork, perseverance, community impact, or overall inspiration. This prize is not bound by specific technical or creative criteria but rather celebrates the team or individual that captures the spirit of the hackathon, embodies its values, and leaves a lasting impression on the organizers. It reflects a combination of exceptional effort, dedication, and contribution to the hackathon experience.
Other Prize-related information
All participants will be awarded a certificate of participation to recognize their involvement in the hackathon.
Winners in each category will receive a certificate acknowledging their achievement, along with exclusive SFU merchandise and/or valuable software subscriptions as part of their prize package.
The projects of all winners will be showcased on the organization’s website, providing visibility and recognition for their work.
Learning Materials & Resources
Click on the buttons below to check out learning materials and resources on various topics!
Contact
For more information, please contact saadmin5@sfu.ca.