NeuroHack 2025 | November 15th-16th, 2025
Hosted by NeuroTechX@UIUC

NeuroHack is a 24-hour hybrid hackathon centered on cognitive wellness, neurodiversity, and technology for mental health. We welcome students from all disciplines—computer science, psychology, neuroscience, healthcare, design, etc—to build creative solutions for human-centered problems.

Whether you're a seasoned programmer or a first-timer, NeuroHack offers opportunities for both beginner and advanced participants, with another option for non-technical project formats. This is more than a competition—it's a platform to explore how tech can support the brain, body, and community. The theme this semester will be Human-Computer Interaction!

💡 Event Highlights:

Keynote Speakers

          Dr. Craig Shultz - HCI Researcher, Entrepreneur, and Analog Signal Processing Professor

Key Elements 

          Idea Pitching, Team Formation, & Mentorship

          Technical and Non-technical Track Option

          Judging panel consisting of NeuroTechX@UIUC Exec Members & Expert(s) in Various Neurotechnology-Related Fields!

💡 Schedule (All timings in CT)
November 15th
  • Registration: 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
  • Opening Ceremony + Prompts Reveal: 11:00 AM - 11:30 AM
  • Team Formation: 11:30 AM - 12:00 PM
  • Idea Pitching: 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
  • Project Work Time: 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
  • Lunch: 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
  • Check-In: 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
  • Keynote Speaker #1: 5:00 PM - 5:30 PM
  • Project Work Time: 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM
November 16th
  • Breakfast Snacks: 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
  • Project Submission Deadline: 11:00 AM
  • Project Demos: 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM
  • Keynote Speaker #3 (Dr. Craig Schultz): 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
  • Award Ceremony: 1:30 PM - 2:00 PM
  • Closing Remarks: 2:00 PM - 2:30 PM

Requirements

To submit a project for NeuroHack 2025, your team must include:

  • ✅ A prototype : This can be a coded solution, design, or research-backed concept aligned with one of the official prompts.
  • ✅ A Devpost submission : Submit your project on Devpost before the deadline.

 

💡 DEVPOST SUBMISSION MUST INCLUDE:

 

Required for All Teams:

  • Project Title and Team Member Names (Maximum of 4 People)

  • Project Description that includes:

    • What your project does

    • Why it matters (the problem it addresses, who it helps, and how it relates to cognitive wellness)

  • Screenshots or Diagrams (mockups, workflows, sketches, UI designs, storyboards, etc.)

  • Relevant Links:

    • GitHub repository (for technical projects)

    • Notion docs, Figma boards, PDFs, or any relevant supporting files

🎥 Optional but Encouraged:

  • A 2–3 minute demo video walking through your project
    (hosted on YouTube, Google Drive, or similar platforms)

 

💡 FOR NON-TECHNICAL / RESEARCH-BASED PROJECTS:

If you're submitting a conceptual or research-driven solution with no code:

  • Include a well-researched concept supported by literature or credible sources

  • Provide a clear explanation of the problem and its relevance

  • Detail your proposed solution and its potential impact

  • Support feasibility with evidence, such as:

    • Small surveys, competitor analysis, real-world examples, or expert input

  • Present your idea using a visual storytelling format:

    • A 5–10 slide deck, storyboard, infographic, user journey map, poster, or similar

Focus on clarity, insight, and real-world potential.

 

🎯 REMINDER:

Your submission should thoughtfully address one of the NeuroHack prompts and demonstrate a clear impact on cognitive wellness. Even if your project isn’t fully finished, clear communication, insight, and creativity are key to making an impression.

Hackathon Sponsors

Prizes

3 non-cash prizes
First Place
1 winner

$75 Amazon Gift Card **OR** $50 in RunPod credits for High-Power Compute

Second Place
1 winner

$50 Amazon Gift Card **OR** $25 in RunPod credits for High-Power Compute

Third Place
1 winner

$25 Amazon Gift Card

Devpost Achievements

Submitting to this hackathon could earn you:

Judges

Sid Gurumurthi
NeuroTechX@UIUC

Judging Criteria

  • Relevance & Understanding (5 pts)
    Does the project directly address one of NeuroHack’s official prompts? Judges are looking for a clear connection and insight into the core issue.
  • Innovation & Creativity (10 pts)
    Is the idea original or presented in a fresh way? Creativity in concept, design, or use of tools will stand out.
  • Execution & Feasibility (10 pts)
    How well was the project built or supported? Tech: Functionality, stability, and completeness of the prototype. Non-Tech: Real-world viability, backed by research or user insights.
  • Presentation & Communication (10 pts)
    Is the project clearly and professionally explained through Devpost, slides, visuals, or video?
  • Devpost Submission (10 pts)
    Is the submission complete, organized, and easy to follow? Strong entries include a compelling description, visuals, and helpful links.
  • Visuals (5 pts)
    Are diagrams, screenshots, or other visuals used effectively to explain the concept?
  • Demo Video (Optional - 5 pts bonus)
    A clear and engaging walkthrough or pitch helps judges understand the project’s flow and impact

Questions? Email the hackathon manager

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