About the challenge

The Better World Hackathon is a weekend-long event aimed at creating innovative solutions to improve our climate, our lives, and our transportation systems. This is a unique opportunity for tech enthusiasts, makers, and problem solvers to come together and put their skills to the test using cutting-edge technologies.

This hackathon is designed for participants of all skill levels, and no prior experience is required. The only requirement is to produce a prototype (functional or design) for a concept that will make a better world.  

During the weekend participants will spend time designing and building with their team to build a proof of concept that can be shared during the pitches at the end of the event.  

The event will begin on Friday with team forming exercises to ensure that everyone is working with individuals who complement their strengths and share their passion. If you form your own team in advance you can work remotely and join us Saturday morning. It is strongly recommended recruit a MakeHaven member on your team with who is qualified on the tool relevant to your idea (do you need welding, sewing or some other skill?). Throughout the weekend, participants will collaborate, learn, and create innovative solutions that have the potential to change the world.

The Better World Hackathon will culminate on Sunday afternoon with a pitch competition, where participants will have the chance to showcase their projects and compete for glory. 

Get started at MakeHaven.org/hackathon

Requirements

This is an in person hackathon. On-site attendance for at least a portion, and for final pitches is a requirement.

What to Build

You can make whatever you want and win the hackathon if it impresses the judges, but we suggest 3 focus areas, and provide an optional prompt for each:

  • Artificial Intelligence - Harness the power of software intelligence to delight and improve our experience.
    • Optional Prompt: Build something delightful that could be a shared experience in the public square.
    • Suggested Resources
  • IoT - Love working with electronics, microcontrollers and wireless communications. Show us what can be done with the Internet of Things.
    • Optional Prompt: Design a system that can be deployed to inexpensively collect data on pedestrian, bike and other uses of streets and trails. (background document)
    • Suggested Resources
      • ​Helium API - Network for long range wireless data devices.
      • Microbit - Great microcontroller for beginners.
      • Esphome - Firmware for device automation using ESP microcontroller
  • Physical- If you are into robotics this is the focus for you. Design or build something mechanical, a part of something bigger or a simple product. You can work with MakeHaven members to laser cut, water jet cut, 3d print or mill the parts. You can make a fictional prototype or mock it up with foam and cardboard.
    • Optional Prompt: A device that makes the commute more enjoyable for a climate friendly trip (walk, bike, public transit, carpool).

What to Submit

An in person pitch. 

 

Hackathon Sponsors

Prizes

$500 in prizes
Overall 1st place
1 winner

Best IoT
1 winner

Best AI
1 winner

Best Physical
1 winner

Devpost Achievements

Submitting to this hackathon could earn you:

Judges

J.R. Logan

J.R. Logan
MakeHaven

Judging Criteria

  • Good
    If implemented does the impact of this innovation make a better climate, better transportation, better life or better you?
  • Innovative
    Creativity and Innovation of concept.
  • Delightful
    Was the pitch/presentation inspiring ideas of innovation delightful.
  • Skillful
    Quality and care apparent in implementation of prototype / design / proof of concept.
  • Viable
    Does the product demonstrated have the potential to grow, replicate and be sustained.

Questions? Email the hackathon manager

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