The Interact2Hack Hackathon is organized by the Interactive Media Design program at Universidad San Francisco de Quito (USFQ) as a unique event to promote creativity, innovation, and digital transformation.
With support from academia and industry, students and professionals from various disciplines are invited to create projects that provide transformative solutions to social problems using emerging technologies over the course of two days.
Be part of the creation, design, and development of solutions that will change the world!
FAQ
A hackathon is a collaborative event where people from diverse backgrounds come together to work on creative projects, usually related to technology and innovation. Here are some frequently asked questions about how a hackathon works:
-
What exactly is a hackathon?
A hackathon is an intensive event where individuals or teams work together to develop innovative solutions to specific problems within a limited period of time, typically from one to several days.
-
How does a hackathon unfold?
Typically, a hackathon starts with an opening session where the challenges or themes to be addressed are presented. Participants then form teams and start working on their projects. During the event, there are mentoring sessions, workshops, and activities to foster creativity and collaboration. Finally, the developed projects are presented to a panel of judges.
-
Who can participate in a hackathon?
Hackathons are usually open to anyone interested in participating, regardless of their experience or background. Participants can include programmers, designers, business experts, students, professionals from different industries, among others.
-
Do I need technical skills to participate in a hackathon?
Not necessarily. While some technical skills like programming or web design can be useful, hackathons value a diversity of skills. For example, skills in product design, marketing, project management, among others, can be needed.
-
How are teams formed?
Participants can form teams before the event or during the opening session. Often, forming multidisciplinary teams is encouraged to tackle challenges from different perspectives.
-
What is the typical duration of a hackathon?
The duration of a hackathon can vary, but it generally lasts from 24 to 48 hours, although there are hackathons that extend over several days or even weeks.
-
What types of projects are developed at a hackathon?
Projects can vary widely, from mobile applications and software to hardware, web solutions, open-source projects, among others. The nature of the projects depends on the challenges posed by the organizers or the ideas proposed by the participants.
-
Is the use of pre-existing code allowed in projects?
It depends on the rules set by the organizers. Some hackathons allow the use of pre-existing code, while others require that all work be done during the event.
-
What happens after the hackathon ends?
After the development period ends, teams present their projects to a panel of judges and often to the public. Awards are given to the most innovative or promising projects. Additionally, some projects may continue to develop outside the hackathon if there is interest and available resources.
-
What are the benefits of participating in a hackathon?
Hackathons offer a unique opportunity to learn, collaborate, develop skills, meet new people, work on exciting projects, and in some cases, even win prizes or recognition for the work done.
In summary, a hackathon is an exciting event that brings together creative and passionate people to work on innovative projects in a collaborative and high-energy environment. If you're curious about trying something new, consider participating in a hackathon near you!
Regulations
-
Registration and Participation:
- All participants must register in advance to take part in the hackathon.
- Each participant can only be part of one team.
-
Themes and Challenges:
- The projects developed during the hackathon must be related to the themes or challenges specified by the organizers.
- Participants are encouraged to address the proposed problems creatively and innovatively.
-
Duration and Schedule:
- The hackathon will have a specific duration, which will be announced at the beginning of the event.
- The work schedule and breaks will be established by the organizers and must be respected by all participants.
-
Resources and Tools:
- Participants can use any available resources or tools, including hardware, software, or prototyping materials.
- The use of copyrighted materials is allowed as long as intellectual property laws are respected and the source is properly cited.
-
Project Presentation:
- All teams must present their projects at the end of the development period to the panel of judges.
- Presentations should be clear, concise, and focused on highlighting the most relevant aspects of the project.
-
Ethics and Legality:
- All participants are expected to act ethically and respect local, regional, and national laws.
- Any project that promotes illegal activities or violates human rights will be disqualified.
-
Awards:
- Projects will be evaluated by a panel of judges appointed by the organizers.
- Awards will be given to the most innovative, creative, and viable projects according to the established criteria.
-
Code of Conduct:
- All participants must adhere to the hackathon's code of conduct.
- Participants are expected to treat each other with respect and contribute to creating a collaborative and positive environment.
By adhering to these regulations, participants ensure a fair and equitable development of the hackathon, promoting creativity, innovation, and teamwork.
Code of Conduct
A hackathon is an event that fosters creativity, collaboration, and teamwork. To ensure that all participants feel safe and respected, it is essential to establish a clear and enforceable code of conduct. Below is an example of a code of conduct for a hackathon:
-
Mutual Respect:
All participants must treat each other with courtesy, respect, and consideration. They are expected to communicate respectfully and avoid any form of harassment, discrimination, or offensive behavior towards other participants.
-
Inclusive Environment:
The hackathon strives to be an inclusive space where all people, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religion, physical ability, or any other characteristic, feel welcome and valued.
-
Collaboration:
All participants are encouraged to collaborate with each other and share knowledge, skills, and resources openly and transparently. Unfair competition or any form of sabotage will not be tolerated.
-
Consent and Privacy:
Consent must be obtained before photographing, recording, or sharing information about other participants. Privacy and confidentiality of information shared during the event must be respected.
-
Safety:
All participants are expected to contribute to creating a safe environment. If anyone feels threatened or unsafe, they are encouraged to report it to the organizers so that appropriate measures can be taken.
-
Rule Compliance:
All participants must comply with the rules established by the hackathon organizers. This includes respecting schedules, using provided resources appropriately, and following the guidelines set for the projects.
-
Incident Reporting:
Any incident that violates the code of conduct must be reported immediately to the hackathon organizers. All complaints will be investigated confidentially, and appropriate actions will be taken as necessary.
By adhering to this code of conduct, participants contribute to creating a positive and productive environment at the hackathon, where everyone can feel safe, valued, and able to contribute to their fullest potential.
Volunteer Registration
Becoming a volunteer for Interact2Hack is an excellent way to actively participate in this event and support innovation and creativity. Follow these steps to become a volunteer:
-
Registration:
Complete the registration form or follow the steps indicated to express your interest in volunteering. Make sure to provide accurate and updated information.
-
Communication:
Stay in touch with the hackathon organizers. They will be happy to hear from you and may have more details about the volunteer responsibilities.
-
Availability:
Make sure you are available during the dates and times of the hackathon. Some events may last several days, so check your availability before committing.
-
Responsibilities:
Learn about the specific tasks expected of you as a volunteer. You may be involved in participant registration, event logistics, technical assistance, among others.
-
Active Participation:
During the hackathon, be proactive and willing to help wherever needed. Maintain a positive and collaborative attitude at all times.
-
Follow-Up:
After the event, thank the organizers for the opportunity and request feedback on your performance as a volunteer. This will help you improve in future volunteer opportunities.
By following these steps, you will be well on your way to becoming a valuable volunteer and contributing to the success of an exciting hackathon.
