This platform will be your go-to resource for all things hacker tracks and prizes. Each team is only able to submit one project, but the project can be submitted to as many tracks as you wish.

Please note you cannot edit your submission after submitting, so allocate enough time to finalize your project and submit it before the deadline.

Submissions are due Sunday, Dec 1 @ 9 AM ET.

If you have any questions, reach out on the Hack Western 11 Slack! Good luck hacking!

Judging Criteria

Innovation & Creativity - How unique or original is the project idea? Does it present a new solution to a problem or use technology in an unexpected way?

Technical Complexity - How technically challenging is the project? Did the team push the boundaries with complex algorithms, integrations, or hardware?

Completeness - Does the project work as intended? Are there any major bugs or broken features?

Design- How user-friendly and visually appealing is the project? Is the interface intuitive and easy to navigate?

FAQ

How many people per team?

Teams can have up to 4 members. This size encourages collaboration and allows everyone to contribute effectively.

Can hackers participate solo?

Yes, participants are welcome to hack solo if they prefer.

Can the teams be as large as they want?

No. Teams are capped at 4 members to ensure fair competition.

Can hackers crosspost to other hackathons on the same weekend?

No.

What format should submissions be in?

We recommend hosting your project on platforms such as GitHub, Repl.it, or Google Drive. Ensure your code repository includes a README that clearly explains the project, frameworks, and tools used.

Can participants make multiple projects?

No. Each team is allowed to submit one project per hackathon.

Can they submit to multiple challenges?

Yes, participants are encouraged to submit their project to multiple challenges if it fits the criteria.

When is the submission deadline?

All submissions must be completed before the event’s official deadline. Projects must be started after the hackathon begins—pre-existing work is not allowed.

Who can participate?

HackWestern is open to students only, with no participation from mentors, volunteers, or organizers as hackers.

Age Range: Typically 18+, unless otherwise specified.

Will judging be in person?

Yes, judging will take place in person.

Will it be science fair style?

Yes, participants will demo their projects in a science fair format to judges. Teams will have the opportunity to explain their projects in detail during these demos.