Online Hackathon

Online hackathons have grown in popularity as an alternative to traditional hackathons, especially during the COVID pandemic when physical gatherings were limited. They allow participants to join from any location and still collaborate on innovative solutions to challenging problems, often through livestream events.

In this article, we’ll delve into what online hackathons are, why they’ve become so popular, and how you can organize one in collaboration with us.

What is an Online Hackathon?

An online hackathon is an event where participants (often from across the globe) collaborate to come up with and create innovative solutions to complex problems. The event typically takes place via online platforms like Zoom, Google Meet, Teams, or Miro, which facilitate communication, collaboration, and sharing progress.

During an online hackathon, participants can work on a wide range of projects, from software and app development to creating hardware solutions or tackling social issues, depending on the theme of the hackathon. Essentially, everything that’s done in an offline hackathon can also be done online. However, online hackathons generally require more preparation time, as you need a tighter schedule and clearer instructions to ensure everything runs smoothly on the event day.

At Tailor Made Hackathon, we ensure participants receive an “online handbook” to guide them through the process in a structured way.

Why are Online Hackathons So Popular?

There are several reasons why online hackathons have gained popularity recently:

Accessibility
Online hackathons are accessible to anyone with an internet connection and a computer, allowing participants from all over the world to join without worrying about travel or accommodation costs.

Flexibility
Participants in online hackathons can work at times that suit them best, which is especially helpful when participants are spread across different time zones.

Lower Costs
Without the need for physical gatherings, the cost of organizing an online hackathon is typically lower. This means more budget can be allocated for prizes and rewards for the participants.

How to Organize an Online Hackathon

If you’re interested in organizing an online hackathon, here are a few steps to guide you:

Define the Objectives of the Event
Decide what your team wants to achieve with the online hackathon. Is the process (learning how to think creatively) more important, or is the end result (solving a specific problem) the primary focus?

Choose a Suitable Online Platform
Select an online platform that suits your hackathon. This could be Zoom or Google Meet for video conferencing, or Slack for communication and collaboration.

Set the Duration and Structure of the Hackathon
Decide how long the online hackathon will last and structure the event accordingly. Ensure there is enough time for participants to work on their projects and give presentations. You can also schedule activities like workshops, mentor sessions, and networking events.

Put Together a Prize Package
Consider assembling a prize package to motivate and reward participants for their hard work. This could be a cash prize or an opportunity to pitch their project to investors.

Promote the Online Hackathon
Promote the hackathon through various channels, including social media, email, and relevant online communities. Provide clear, concise information about the objectives, duration, structure, and prizes.

Prepare for the Event Day
Make sure you have all the necessary equipment and software installed and tested before the hackathon begins. Also, ensure you have a team of mentors and judges ready to support and assess the participants.

Track Progress and Evaluate Projects
Monitor the participants’ progress during the hackathon, providing feedback and support as needed. At the end of the event, evaluate the projects and be clear about what will be done with the results.

Conclusion

Online hackathons are an excellent way to drive innovation and bring participants from around the world together to solve problems.

At Tailor Made Hackathon, we can assist you in organizing a successful online hackathon. We offer advice on the best platforms and tools, help refine the structure and program, and take care of all aspects of the event, from recruiting experts and judges to finding the right speakers for online sessions. Feel free to contact us for more information on how we can support you in organizing a successful online hackathon.