What actually is a hackathon?

No matter your age or experience level, attending an EasyA Hackathon is for everyone.

Do not let my title of Head of Events at EasyA mislead you into thinking I am an expert. I am just like you! I attended my first ever EasyA x Stacks Hackathon in November 2023 as a complete newcomer.

HOWEVER… I came out of this experience enlightened, mesmerised and enthusiastic to learn. The best part?

YOU CAN TOO and it is completely FREE!

I feel like the term Web3 has a lot of confusion around it… what really is it?

Well, in my opinion… Web3 is the future.

If ‘Web1’ was the internet and ‘Web2’ was the internet’s coming of age with the creation of companies like Spotify, YouTube and Zoom, then Web3 is the means to unlock the internet's full potential.

In this blog I aim to help you…‍

1. Understand the true nature of hackathons and debunk common misconceptions.

‍For example: Hackathons are not what they seem at first glance. They involve more than just hacking and offer tons of unique learning and networking experiences for participants.‍

2. Realise that Hackathons do not require advanced programming skills or technical knowledge.

For example: They offer opportunities for technical and non-technical participation. In fact, EasyA hackathons always have a dedicated track for non-technical participants where anyone can pitch a business idea and win funding to launch their project! (Absolutely no code required!).‍

3. Find out what a Hackathon actually is.‍

In short: Hackathons are one to two day events involving networking, team formation, workshops… and a TON of fun!

Shall we start with the misconceptions?

“I study History… why would I spend two days competing against a bunch of computer science students?”

The author of this testimonial? That would be me.

Oh how naive I was. It pains me to think I was ever this narrow minded.

Here is what I have learnt with age.

Like any great professional, there is a first time for everything.

Let’s take your favourite footballer. Ronaldo, Messi, Zidane (No, this is not a GOAT debate). There would have been a moment in their life where they were the newcomers. THEY were the odd ones out. However, this never stopped them from stepping on the football pitch.

Perhaps people don’t believe this is a valid comparison as football is way more accessible than Hackathons? WRONG.

You don’t have the money? Our hackathons are completely free.

You don’t have a friend to go with? EasyA hosts weekly networking sessions so YOU can meet your next building partner.

You don’t have the time? Do you really need to go clubbing every Friday night or watch your football team put in yet another substandard performance on the weekend? (Yes, I do support Manchester United for those wondering).

HEY. You don’t even have a laptop to get started? I will personally lend you a laptop for the weekend (Actually, maybe let me clear the search history first).

If you are reading this right now…

Please PLEASE do not be like I was and just go and try ONE out.

It might just change the direction of your career.

MORE.

It will probably change your life.

Why attend a hackathon?

Okay. So. Since you are now reading this section I am going to presume you are coming? RIGHT?

Good.

YOU are entrepreneurial. YOU are suffering from career confusion (don’t worry, we all do). YOU are looking to learn a new skill. YOU need an extra 50k (nice for some, eh?).

These are all reasons, which you may or may not not have thought of, to come to our next Hackathon!

Oh, I almost forgot.

My favourite part… The people you get to meet.

How heartwarming of me, I know!

On a serious note. You’ll meet some amazing friends. You’ll meet employers for some of the biggest companies in the world. And…

You may just meet your next co-founder.

I ask you this…

What’s not to love?‍

BUT, how do I win?

Earlier on I mentioned that hackathons present an opportunity for both technical and non-technical participants alike. Technical or not, everyone can do with some advice.

BUT

Don’t take it from me. That would be stupid. Take it from an expert - Phil Kwok.

I sat down with Phil, our co-founder, to find out his top tips for winning a hackathon - read below! (And yes, he’s won many in the past!).

Essential tips for winning a hackathon revealed by a hackathon veteran.

- Winning a hackathon isn’t just about coding or presentation.

- The 'lockbox method' contributed to the success of a team that won three hackathons in a row. This team's startup was funded by top VCs including a16z and is now valued at millions of dollars.‍‍‍

Winning a hackathon: essential strategies for success

- Focus on inspiring judges and the audience with your project.

- Build impressive and valuable projects to win.

- Utilise the Lockbox and AA methods for success.

- Come up with your idea before the hackathon as time is limited.‍

Time management and meeting deadlines

- Start coding or working on your project as soon as possible.

- Utilise your time effectively to maximise coding output.

- Submit the project before the deadline to maximise you chance of success!.‍

Hackathon success tips‍

- Focus on idea experimentation.

- Don't worry too much about the final product.

- Craft a set of slides explaining your idea clearly!

Final inspiration‍

Let me tell you a quick founder story. Once upon a time (2019 to be exact), there were two young men who had this crazy idea to start a not-for-profit tutoring company. They built a community of over 300,000 students by allowing students to take a picture of a question using their app, connecting them with a tutor who can provide assistance within minutes.

But then… something INCREDIBLE happened.

Full transparency, I was not here for this. I am also not a playwright. But, this is how I imagine their conversation went…

(stay tuned for part two in this blog post series coming soon)

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If you've got this far, you're probably wondering how you can prepare for our next hackathon. Luckily, we built the EasyA app as the perfect place for you to get ahead and get ready for our next hackathon. Download the EasyA app now!