The Innovation Engine Hackathon is a month long, hands-on challenge for software developers, entrepreneurs, and digital creatives to build and launch meaningful, real-world solutions. Kicking off on June 1, 2025, with a Team Formation Mixer in partnership with the Charleston Parks Conservancy, participants will connect, share ideas, and form teams.

Throughout the month, teams will have access to in-person co-working sessions for collaboration, testing, and iteration. The event culminates with live presentations, judging, and awards, where teams will pitch working prototypes to a panel of community leaders and technical experts.

Participants are encouraged to use production-ready tools that enable rapid development and deployment. Suggested tech stacks include:

• Frontend: React, Vue, or Svelte

• Backend: Node.js, Django, Flask, or Firebase

• Databases: PostgreSQL, Supabase, or MongoDB

• Dev Tools: GitHub for version control; Notion, Trello, or Linear for task management

• Deployment: Vercel, Netlify, or Heroku for launching working apps

Not sure where to start? We’ve got you. Our facilitators will be available throughout the event to support ideation, technical challenges, team dynamics, and momentum. This is a learning experience as much as a building one.

We’re teaming up with local nonprofits, government agencies, and community organizations to offer real-world challenges, resources, and inspiration. These partnerships give teams access to domain knowledge and potential collaborators, amplifying the potential for impact.

New to hackathons? Start with our CharlestonHacks Explorer Kit, a guide for getting prepped, especially if you’re a first-timer.

📄 Explorer Kit 

Check out these helpful videos as well:

Level Up Your Product Game!

CharlestonHacks Workshop Product 102: From Magical Thinking to Credible Product in a Month
Planning your hack? This workshop will help you take your ideas from fantasy to feasible! Learn essential tools for:

• Planning your hackathon project
• Navigating key discussions with founders and stakeholders
• User research and interview techniques
• How to reduce uncertainty and maximize your product’s chances of success

CharlestonHacks, Product 101: Product Thinking

This is your foundational guide to digital product development. Whether you're a first-time founder or an experienced product manager, this workshop covers:

• The Four Risks of Digital Product Development 
• Value proposition and prioritization techniques
• The Jobs-to-Be-Done framework and User Empathy Tools
• Agile vs. Waterfall
• How Adoption Works: Prioritizing User Personas and Creating Pricing Strategies

Master the basics of product thinking, and get ready to build something amazing!

💬 Join us on CharlestonHacks Discord: 
📧 Contact us: hello@charlestonhacks.com