A hackathon is an engaging, creative, and collaborative event where individuals and teams come together to address a specific theme or challenge through innovation and technology. Imagine it as a brainstorming sprint where programmers, designers, and entrepreneurs connect to transform ideas into reality, usually by developing software or hardware projects. However, it's not just for those who can code. If you're someone who doesn't know how to program, you're still an essential part of the hackathon. You can contribute by pitching your innovative ideas to the judges, bringing a unique perspective that could inspire the next big solution.

Our hackathon runs for a dynamic and action-packed several hours, starting in the morning and wrapping up by mid-afternoon. It's designed to be an inclusive and supportive environment where creativity flourishes, regardless of your technical background. To keep everyone fueled and energized throughout the day, we will provide food for all participants.

Moreover, our hackathon is structured around a central theme, guiding participants toward addressing specific issues or opportunities through their projects. Whether you're here to code, design, or pitch, there's a place for your skills and ideas.

To enrich your experience further, we offer workshops and talks by guest speakers. These sessions are a fantastic way to learn new skills, gain insights into the industry, and get inspired by leaders in the field. Whether you're looking to enhance your technical abilities or learn more about turning ideas into action, these workshops and speeches are tailored to help you make the most of the hackathon experience.

In summary, our hackathon is more than just a coding event; it's a platform for innovation, learning, and collaboration. Whether you're a seasoned coder or someone with a groundbreaking idea, your contributions are valuable. Join us for a day of creativity, learning, and problem-solving, all aimed at creating something amazing.

If you're interested in participating in our hackathon but worried because you don't know how to code, there's absolutely no need to stress! Our hackathon is uniquely designed to welcome participants from all backgrounds and skill levels, with no coding experience required. We understand that great ideas and innovations aren't limited to those who can write code. That's why we've created a special avenue for participants like you.

Instead of working on software or hardware projects, you have the fantastic opportunity to compete by creating a pitch for your idea. This means you can focus on developing and presenting a compelling proposal that outlines your concept, its potential impact, and how it addresses the hackathon's theme. Your pitch will be presented to a panel of judges who are eager to hear your innovative solutions and ideas.

This approach allows everyone to contribute meaningfully, regardless of their technical skills. It's your creativity, problem-solving abilities, and passion that count. By participating in this way, you'll gain valuable experience in ideation, presentation skills, and how to effectively communicate your ideas to others. It's a great way to make your mark on the hackathon, even without writing a single line of code.

We encourage anyone with an idea they believe in to join us. You'll find that the hackathon is not just about coding; it's about bringing together diverse talents and perspectives to tackle challenges creatively. So, if you've got an idea you're passionate about, we can't wait to see you pitch it!

All middle and high school students are welcome to participate in our hackathon! To ensure a fair and enjoyable experience for everyone, we have organized the competition into two distinct divisions: the Middle School Division and the High School Division. This separation allows us to tailor the challenges and judging criteria to the appropriate age and skill levels, ensuring that all participants have the best chance to showcase their abilities. Whether you're in middle school or high school, there's a place for you here to innovate, learn, and compete. We look forward to seeing the unique ideas and projects that students from each division will bring to the table!

Prompt: In recent years, concerns about the relationship between social media usage and mental health have been brought into the public consciousness. Propose and begin developing a solution that focuses on improving the mental health of young social media users.


It's important to note that participants are not permitted to begin the actual development of their projects until the hackathon officially starts. However, this does not mean you have to wait to think about your project. From the moment the prompt is announced, you are encouraged to start brainstorming and planning your ideas. This preparation time allows you to think creatively, research potential solutions, and strategize how you might tackle the project once the hackathon begins. Remember, the pre-hackathon period is for ideation and preparation, not for coding or building. We believe this approach maintains a level playing field and fosters a spirit of fair competition.

Please feel free to email us with any questions you may have at salshacks@salesianum.org