Welcome to Hacktech 2025!

About Hacktech 2024

Hacktech is SoCal's premier annual intercollegiate hackathon hosted by the California Institute of Technology, fostering creativity, collaboration, and technological innovation. Whether you're a seasoned coder or a curious beginner, Hacktech invites you to join a vibrant community of problem solvers, dreamers, and builders.

Theme: Social Good

This year, our theme revolves around social good. We believe that technology can be a powerful force for positive change. Participants are encouraged to think broadly and creatively within the following three verticals:

• Sustainability: How can we create solutions that promote environmental well-being, reduce waste, and conserve resources?
• Public Health: What innovative tools can improve healthcare access, disease prevention, and overall well-being?
• Interactive Multimedia: How can technology enhance communication, storytelling, and community engagement?

The Challenge

During the 36-hour hackathon, participants will collaborate in teams of 1 to 4 members to develop projects that align with our theme. Whether you're passionate about software, hardware, or a mix of both, Hacktech provides a platform to turn your ideas into reality.

Divisions

• High School Division: Open to high school students eager to explore the world of coding and problem-solving.
• Beginner Division: Ideal for college students who are new to hackathons and want to learn and create.
• Advanced Division: For experienced hackers who thrive on challenges and want to push their limits.

Registration and Prizes

No registration fee! We believe in accessibility and inclusivity. Registration form can be found here.
Prizes: Top 3 finishers from the Advanced division, Top 2 finishers from the Beginner division, and Top 1 finisher from the High School division will receive prizes.

Hybrid Experience

In-Person: We'll select top applicants from local SoCal colleges (UCLA, USC, Claremont colleges, etc.) to attend in-person. Hacktech will be covering transportation, food, and accommodation for all hackers coming from the SoCal area.
Online: For those beyond the immediate vicinity, join us virtually and compete from anywhere.

Prizes Await!

We're excited to give away $30,000 in prizes to recognize outstanding contributions:

• Advanced - High End 4K UHD 70" TV (4 ct.)
• Advanced - High End Mechanical Keyboard (4 ct.)
• Advanced - Airpods Wireless Earbuds (4 ct.)
• Beginner - High End Gaming Monitor (4 ct.)
• Beginner - High End Gaming Mouse (4 ct.)
• High School - Apple Watch (4 ct.)

Join us at Hacktech and be part of something extraordinary!

Apply for Hacktech

Apply to Hacktech 2024 here. Registration is free!

Tip: prepare a resume!

FAQ

What is a hackathon?

A hackathon is where your ideas can come to life in a short period of time. There's food, speakers, tech talkers, recruiters, and of course, tons of building!

Is Hacktech in-person or online?

Hacktech is hybrid this year. We will be selecting some of the top applicants from the local SoCal colleges (UCLA, USC, Claremont colleges, etc.) to attend in-person.

Who can participate?

College/university and high school students.

Is there a registration fee?

No! Hacktech registration is free.

What are your prizes?

We will be giving away $30,000 in prizes!

• Advanced - High End 4K UHD 70" TV (4 ct.)
• Advanced - High End Mechanical Keyboard (4 ct.)
• Advanced - Airpods Wireless Earbuds (4 ct.)
• Beginner - High End Gaming Monitor (4 ct.)
• Beginner - High End Gaming Mouse (4 ct.)
• High School - Apple Watch (4 ct.)

Speakers

Sponsors

Special thanks to our sponsors!

Activision

Cubist Systematic Strategies

Caltech Student Investment Fund (SIF)

Judges

Special thanks to our judges!

• Rahil Bathwal, SWE @ Uplimit, Ex-Snowflake and Ex-Neeva
• Adam Blank, Academic Director of Computer Science @ Caltech
• Rosemary Macedo, Former Chief Investment Officer @ QS Investors LLC
• Eric Marshall, Director of Programs in Discovery Science @ Templeton World Charity Foundation
• Billy Zajac, CTO @ Tensor Group, Ex-VP @ VideoAmp, Ex-Warner Bros, Ex-Disney, Ex-NYSE, Ex-MP3.com

Elements

i = 0;

while (!deck.isInOrder()) {
    print 'Iteration ' + i;
    deck.shuffle();
    i++;
}

print 'It took ' + i + ' iterations to sort the deck.';