📅 Dates and Times

Innovation Engine will run through June 2025:

  • June 1 (Launch & Team Formation)  5:00–7:00 PM @ Charleston Parks Conservancy

  • June 27 (Project Submission Deadline) 11:59 PM

  • June 29 (Awards Ceremony)  5:00–7:00 PM @ Charleston Parks Conservancy

Participants will kick off their projects at the Opening Event on June 1. From there, development begins immediately and runs until the submission deadline on June 27. We’ll close with an in-person awards ceremony on June 29.

💻 Recommended Prototype Hosting Platforms
Project Type Recommended Platforms
Web Apps Vercel (Next.js), Netlify, Glitch
Backend/Full-Stack Render, Heroku, Replit
Mobile Apps Expo (React Native), TestFlight, Firebase
Hardware/IoT Hackster.io, video demo
UI/Design Prototypes Figma, Framer
  🎓 Eligibility

Innovation Engine is open to all skill levels and backgrounds, including:

  • Developers

  • Designers

  • Entrepreneurs

  • Students

  • Subject matter experts

  • Business professionals

Facilitators will help participants form teams during the launch event. This is an in-person hackathon, remote submissions will not be accepted.

🏆 Prizes

Prizes will be announced during the Awards Ceremony on June 29.

🧭 Code of Conduct

We are committed to creating a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment for all participants. Everyone is expected to treat others with respect, kindness, and professionalism.

✅ Expected Behavior

  • Communicate openly and respectfully.

  • Collaborate before escalating conflict.

  • Be inclusive and helpful to all.

  • Report dangerous or inappropriate behavior.

  • Look out for fellow participants.

🚫 Unacceptable Behavior

  • Harassment or intimidation of any kind.

  • Discriminatory jokes, slurs, or hate speech.

  • Inappropriate physical contact or sexual attention.

  • Posting others’ private info without consent ("doxing").

  • Sustained disruption of talks or events.

  • Any form of violence, threat, or intimidation.

One strike and you're out.

📣 Reporting Violations

If someone makes you feel unsafe or violates this Code of Conduct:

Please report it immediately to an organizer or reach out directly:

Our staff will make sure you are safe and supported. You will not be asked to confront anyone, and your privacy will be respected at all times.

This Code of Conduct is adapted from the Geek Feminism wiki and is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License.