What is a hackathon?

These time-based events connect individuals and teams to find solutions to major challenges, and they’ve resulted in products like messaging app GroupMe, project workflow coordinator Zapier and Easy Taxi, which became one of Uber’s chief rivals in Latin America.

The University of Cincinnati’s 1819 Innovation Hub hosts many of the Midwest’s most significant hackathons, with its collaborative environment promoting powerful ideas. Below are just a few:

• MidwestCon Future of Data Hackathon: A transformative tech hackathon where teams use AI and data analysis to solve issues faced by local nonprofits.
• BearcatCTF: Cybersecurity-focused hackathon at 1819 with categories including cryptography, web exploitation and forensics.
• MakeUC: High-profile hackathon held at 1819 tackling green tech, education, security and social issues.
• Microsoft OpenHacks: Professional development hackathons regionally based at 1819 letting attendees innovate better using Microsoft technologies.
• NASA Space Apps Challenge: Regional host for the largest annual global hackathon, where teams build using data from NASA.
• RevolutionUC: 24-hour hackathon at 1819 that helps students “come together to build something amazing” and have fun in the process.
• UC Startup Weekend: Three-day event where students hack using 1819 resources like the Ground Floor Makerspace and connect with startup mentors.

With various hackathons on the calendar at 1819, there’s no limit to the innovations that may be developed from the heart of the Cincinnati Innovation District.

Internal hackathons are exclusive events, typically hosted by a company or organization to inspire trailblazing ideas from employees. They promote intrapreneurship where staff is encouraged to think like a startup founder while strengthening collaboration and breaking down innovation barriers.

External hackathons, on the other hand, are open to larger groups and bring together participants from multiple organizations. They often center around students and professionals to spark fresh ideas, recruit talent and showcase creativity. At UC’s 1819 Innovation Hub, many external hackathons are hosted or sponsored by partner companies seeking Bearcats for co-ops, internships and full-time roles.

Earlier this month, student teams from across the Midwest descended upon Cincinnati, racing the clock as they searched for solutions to big problems. The annual Future of Data Hackathon is part of MidwestCon, a lively tech-focused event held at 1819 and hosted by civic leader Rob Richardson.

Richardson has spent his career at the intersection of policy, education and tech, and his company DisruptionNow is a startup partner at 1819. “Cities that embrace AI will lead in innovation and job creation,” Richardson says, “and those that don’t will fall behind.”

MidwestCon and its corresponding hackathon were tied to two nonprofit organizations, the YMCA and the Wood Hudson Cancer Research Laboratory. The event’s theme, "The Human Code: Embedding Empathy Into Innovation," reflected the Cincinnati region’s commitment to deploying responsible AI at scale across all communities.

Attendees chose from two tracks to compete:

1. AI for Impact: Participants developed AI-based solutions to challenges faced by nonprofits. The target audience included data scientists, machine learning engineers, software developers and AI-focused students or professionals.
2. Data Analytics for Strategy: Participants used data analytics and visualization tools to develop strategic insights for nonprofit organizations. The target audience for this track was data analysts, business strategists, UX researchers and consultants.

Both internal and external hackathons have immense benefits for businesses, nonprofits and attendees themselves. You’ll find a couple below:

Attending your first hackathon can feel both exciting and intimidating, but there’s no reason to stress. Most are designed to welcome and support all experience levels.

Still, it’s best to come to a hackathon prepared. Here’s how to get the most out of your hackathon experience:

1. Practice coding skills: You don’t need to be a pro but do brush up on your knowledge of programming languages like Python, Java, C++ and JavaScript.
2. Look for teammates: If you have friends joining the same hackathon, consider forming a team with them. Don’t worry if you lack a team; most hackathons have time for unpaired attendees to connect and form new teams.
3. Come with ideas: Consider the hackathon’s theme and start brainstorming potential ideas for projects. You don’t need a fully fleshed out plan but at least bring your creativity. Don’t get too complicated, either; it’s best to start with a simple project and do it well.
4. Prepare to present: An underrated skill at hackathons is clearly and concisely presenting your final project before the judges. Work on your confidence and presentation abilities.
5. Cover the logistics: Figure out how you’ll get to the hackathon, pack any needed supplies and install and test any software you’ll use.
6. Set your nerves aside: Hackathons are meant to be fun, not stressful. Don’t worry about how it goes; if you have fun, learn something new and establish meaningful relationships, you’ve had a successful hackathon.

Whether you’re joining one of our hackathons at UC’s 1819 Innovation Hub or are sharpening your skill set elsewhere, you’ll have a great time. Enjoy the experience and remember that while winning is great, the most valuable takeaway will be the connections you make and the skills you learn.

Featured image at top: Students during the RevolutionUC hackathon at 1819. Photo/Daniel Vennemeyer