HackIndy is Purdue University in Indy's first hackathon, taking place from March 27–30, 2025. Join us for three dynamic days of collaboration, innovation, and hands-on learning as you work on projects that push the boundaries of technology.

What to Expect

  • Inspiring Keynotes & Workshops: Learn from industry professionals through interactive sessions on emerging tech topics, including AI/ML and data governance

  • Overnight Hacking: Fuel your creativity with round-the-clock hacking sessions, complete with free snacks and a supportive, energetic atmosphere.

  • Team Collaboration: Whether you’re teaming up with friends or forming new alliances on the spot, HackIndy is all about building a community of passionate problem-solvers.

  • Networking & Mentorship: Connect with peers, mentors, and local tech leaders who can help elevate your project and spark future collaborations.

Event Schedule at a Glance

  • Thursday, March 27 (6:30–8:00 PM):

    • Check-in, swag distribution, and Opening Ceremony featuring keynotes, sponsor introductions, and team formation.

  • Friday, March 28 (6:00–8:00 PM):

    • Workshop sessions and dinner, followed by an overnight hacking session.

  • Saturday, March 29 (12:00–8:00 PM):

    • More workshops to enhance your skills, additional hacking time, dinner with a fun gaming competition, and another overnight hacking session.

  • Sunday, March 30 (12:00–4:00 PM):

    • Final project demos, judging by a panel of industry mentors and CS Club Officers, followed by a Closing Ceremony.

Awards & Certificates

Certificates—presented by Purdue University’s Department of Computer Science—will be awarded to the winning teams in categories such as:

  • Best Overall Hack

  • Best Presentation & Pitch

  • Best Solo Hacker

  • Best Sustainability Hack

  • Best Use of AI/ML

  • Excellence in Software Engineering

 

Whether you’re a seasoned hacker or a first-timer eager to dive into the tech world, HackIndy is the perfect place to challenge yourself, learn new skills, and create lasting memories!

Requirements

Submission Requirements

 

  1. Working Prototype or Demo

    • Provide a link (e.g., GitHub repo, live demo URL, etc.) or attach files demonstrating a functional prototype.

  2. Detailed Write-Up

    • Problem Statement: Clearly define the problem your project addresses.

    • Solution & Impact: Explain how your solution works, why it’s innovative, and what impact it could have.

    • Technologies/Tools Used: List all major frameworks, libraries, APIs, or hardware you utilized.

    • Category Selection (optional): Indicate which category you are competing in or if you are submitting a general project and would like to considered to recieve an award for all categories

  3. Project Video (3-5 minutes)

    • Demo Walkthrough: Show the solution in action - highlight key features and functionality.

    • Category Relevance: If you chose a specific category, briefly discuss how your project aligns with it.

    • Team Introduction (Optional): Introduce your team and share any challenges you overcame.

  4. Submission Deadline

    • All submissions must be uploaded to Devpost by Sunday, March 30, 2025, at 10:00 AM.

    • Late submissions will not be accepted.

Hackathon Sponsors

Prizes

6 non-cash prizes
Best Overall Hack
1 winner

Recognizing the team that delivers the most outstanding project in terms of creativity, technical execution, and impact.

Best Solo Hacker
1 winner

Awarded to an individual who demonstrates exceptional innovation, problem-solving skills, and technical expertise.

Best Sustainability Hack
1 winner

Honoring the project that shows the greatest potential to positively impact sustainability and environmental challenges.

Best Use of AI/ML
1 winner

Acknowledging the team or individual that integrates artificial intelligence and/or machine learning in a particularly effective and innovative way.

Best Presentation & Pitch
1 winner

Recognizing the team that delivers the most engaging and well-communicated project presentation.

Excellence in Software Engineering
1 winner

Recognizes the project that exhibits superior coding practices, innovative architecture, and robust, scalable design. This award honors teams or individuals who deliver clean, efficient, and maintainable software solutions that set a high standard in technical excellence.

Devpost Achievements

Submitting to this hackathon could earn you:

Judges

Ben Cochran
Indy Hackers / Data Science & ML Engineering at Crowe LLP / CTO at enhasa.io

Michael Welling
Indy Hackers | Software Engineer

Jim Ulbright

Jim Ulbright
Senior Group Lead, AI Engineering | Crowe

Judging Criteria

  • Innovation and Creativity (25%)
    How unique and inventive is the idea? Does the project address a significant challenge or opportunity?
  • Technical Implementation (25%)
    Quality of coding, architecture, and overall functionality of the prototype. Effective and creative use of tools, frameworks, or hardware.
  • Impact and Relevance (20%)
    Potential to make a difference in the real world, including scalability and sustainability. How feasible is the solution for implementation and future development?
  • Presentation and Communication (15%)
    Was the project clearly explained in the write-up and demo video? Did the team effectively communicate their solution and its benefits?

Questions? Email the hackathon manager

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