🚀 About the Challenge

Join us for an exciting 6-hour hackathon exclusively for CMU Silicon Valley students. Innovation meets real-world startup problems here!

Partner startups will provide curated problem statements, and student teams will choose one startup track to work on. This is a fast-paced, hands-on opportunity to build solutions that matter — directly aligned with actual startup needs.

💡 What to Expect

  • Team-based Hacking: Form your own team of 2–4 members or find one during the networking session at the start of the event.
  • Real Problems: Tackle actual challenges currently faced by our partner startups.
  • Founder Mentorship: Get direct check-ins and guidance from startup founders and industry experts throughout the day.
  • Final Demos: Pitch your solution to a panel of judges at the end of the sprint.

🏆 Why Participate?

  • Direct Hiring Pipeline: Winning teams get a chance to interview with their respective startup.
  • Career Opportunities: Potential for internship or full-time hiring offers.
  • Real Experience: Build portfolio-ready projects that solve genuine business pain points.
  • Networking: Connect with founders, engineers, and fellow CMU builders.
  • Perks: Free food/drinks 🍕 and exclusive CMU & Startup Swag 🎁.

📅 Event Schedule

11:30 AM: Check-in

12:00 PM: Opening Ceremony & Startup Pitches

1:00 PM: Hacking Starts! 👨‍💻

5:30 PM: Submission Deadline & Code Freeze

6:00 PM: Final Demos & Judging

7:00 PM: Winners Announced & Networking

Requirements

What to Build

Teams are expected to develop a functional prototype or a detailed technical solution that addresses the specific problem statement provided by their chosen startup track. Your solution should demonstrate both technical feasibility and business value.

What to Submit

To be eligible for prizes and interviews, all teams must submit the following on Devpost by the 5:30 PM deadline:

  • Project Overview: A clear title and a brief description of how your solution works.

  • GitHub Repository: A link to your public code repository for technical review.

  • Demo Media: Your presentation slides.

Hackathon Sponsors

Prizes

1 non-cash prize
Interview Chance
2 winners

The winning team will receive a chance to interview with the startups.

Devpost Achievements

Submitting to this hackathon could earn you:

Judges

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Judging Criteria

  • Technical Execution
    How technically impressive is the solution? Did the team successfully build a functional Minimum Viable Product (MVP)?
  • Problem-Solving Fit
    Does the project effectively address the specific problem statement provided by the startup? How viable and practical is the solution for real-world application?
  • Innovation & Creativity
    How original is the approach? Did the team use creative thinking or novel technologies to solve the challenge in a unique way?
  • Pitch & Demo Quality
    How clearly did the team communicate their vision and results? Was the demonstration smooth and the presentation persuasive?

Questions? Email the hackathon manager

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