About the challenge: SparkHacks is UIC’s annual 24-hour hackathon, organized by students for students, to fuel innovation and collaboration. This year, we’re adding a splash of adventure with an ocean-themed event! Don’t worry though—our tracks and projects aren’t limited to underwater ideas!

Get started by reading the tracks on the notion site: https://www.notion.so/HackPack-2025-16c1bf81ade280e9b4f6ea19a572a181

 

Requirements

  • Project Name & Team Members
    • Include your project name and add ALL team members emails to your submission on Devpost.
  • Project Description
    • Finish all project related questions before submitting.
  • Project Repository
    • Code Tracks
      • Provide a public GitHub repository link.
      • Include a clear README with:
        • Instructions for running your project.
        • Overview of your code structure.
    • No-Code Track
      • Submit an interactive public Figma prototype of your design.

Look at this notion page for more details: https://youthful-mayflower-02b.notion.site/Submission-Guidelines-16c1bf81ade280b8be4afd0342742eca 

Hackathon Sponsors

Prizes

10 non-cash prizes
Make It Make Sense (Sponsored by Fulcrum GT) - 1st Place
1 winner

Costway Ergonomic Office Chair + Vankyo Mini Projector

Make It Make Sense (Sponsored by Fulcrum GT) - 2nd Place
1 winner

Acer Portable Monitor

Make It Make Sense (Sponsored by Fulcrum GT) - 3rd Place
1 winner

Amazon Echo Dot

Sustainable Innovation / Environment (Sponsored by John Deere) - 1st Place
1 winner

Beats Headphones + Office Tour/Lunch with Deere Leaders + Deere Swag

Sustainable Innovation / Environment (Sponsored by John Deere) - 2nd Place
1 winner

Polaroid Printer + 1 Pack of Instant Film + Deere Swag

Small Biz, Big Impact - 1st Place
1 winner

Microsoft Prize Pack (Sponsored by Microsoft)

Small Biz, Big Impact - 2nd Place
1 winner

Insignia 32” TV

Small Biz, Big Impact - 3rd Place
1 winner

HyperX Mechanical Gaming Keyboard

Seas the Design - 1st Place
1 winner

5 Unique LEGO Sets

SparkHacks Favorite
1 winner

Sony Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones

Devpost Achievements

Submitting to this hackathon could earn you:

Judges

Boris Glavic

Boris Glavic
UIC Professor

Cody Cranch
UIC Professor

Adam Koehler

Adam Koehler
UIC Professor

Jordan Carson
UIC Professor

Sidharth Kumar

Sidharth Kumar
UIC Professor

Zhaochen Gu

Zhaochen Gu
UIC Professor

Gonzalo Bello
UIC Professor

Mike Papka
UIC Professor

Shannon Reckinger
UIC Professor

Rodney Louie

Rodney Louie
Fulcrum GT

Devendra Singh

Devendra Singh
John Deere

Heather Ramos

Heather Ramos
John Deere

Demir Temir

Demir Temir
John Deere

Peter Iordanov
Fulcrum GT

Ethan Ordentlich
UIC Professor

Judging Criteria

  • Code Tracks: Innovation & Impact
    The originality of your concept and how well it addresses a meaningful problem with real-world relevance.
  • Code Tracks: Design & Usability
    The project’s visual appeal, user experience, and overall execution.
  • Code Tracks: Technical Implementation
    The quality, reliability, and depth of your technical approach while maintaining functionality.
  • Code Tracks: Presentation & Collaboration
    The clarity and professionalism of your presentation, as well as teamwork and engagement.
  • No-Code Track: Innovation & Impact
    The originality of your concept and its potential to drive awareness or action for ocean conservation.
  • No-Code Track: Design & Usability
    The project’s visual quality, usability, and overall experience.
  • No-Code Track: Presentation & Collaboration
    The effectiveness of your presentation and the cohesiveness of your teamwork.

Questions? Email the hackathon manager

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