Hackathon Winning 101: Insider Tips from a Seasoned Participant

Now before we begin, you might ask: Who am I? Who is this guy giving us advice? How credible is this source?

To answer these questions: I am an avid hackathon participant who began my tech journey by developing projects specifically for hackathons. All my coding skills have been honed through these intense competitions, leading me to win several national-level hackathons such as HackOn 2020, HackJaipur 2020, ETHIndia'22, and Aptos Winter School'23. Additionally, I have served as a judge in a couple of hackathons, giving me a decent understanding of the judging criteria and the factors that distinguish winning projects. Further, I've also been around many friends who are serial hackathon participants and winners. This article is an amalgamation of my own experiences and the insights I've gained from observing others.

Note - I won't repeat the obvious advice you've likely encountered on YouTube or other blogs. Instead, I'll share 5 secret ingredients and sauces that will definitely help you in cooking and winning your next hackathon 😉

1. How to Come Up with an Idea?

Don't build a project - build a product and solve a problem. The key to success lies in shifting your perspective from building a mere project to developing a product that solves a real-world problem. Think of it as creating an app or website you would want to use yourself or one that you believe others would find valuable. This approach ensures that your project is not only practical but also innovative.

2. What to Do with That Idea?

Once you have an idea, thoroughly analyze and refine it. Be 100% clear about its purpose and scope. If possible, support your idea with research materials and market data. This not only validates your concept but also demonstrates to the judges that you have considered its feasibility and potential impact. Additionally, consider the future use cases of your idea enabling you to leave it with a bigger ‘what lies ahead’ for your project. This shows that you envision it as a scalable solution.

3. Tackling Existing Ideas

Don’t be discouraged if your idea already exists in the market. There’s nothing wrong with reinventing the wheel—what matters is how you do it differently. Add unique features or improvements to set your project apart from existing solutions. This innovative twist can make a significant difference in how your project is perceived during the hackathon.

4. What to Actually Build?

Always aim to create a working prototype. Whether it’s an app or a website, ensure it demonstrates the core functionality of your idea. A tangible, functioning model greatly enhances your chances of winning. Remember the saying, “Jo dikhta hai, wohi bikta hai” or “Sell the sizzle, not the steak.” A prototype that users and judges can interact with will make a lasting impression.

5. How to Present?

Presentation is crucial. Provide detailed information about your project, including the development process, technologies used, workflow, and the rationale behind your idea. A well-crafted, concise README file that clearly explains your project is essential. It should be easy to read and understand, highlighting the key aspects and unique features of your project.

Lastly, I am also a participant like you folks, so I will keep on updating and adding to this article with more of my observations. Till then, good luck!

~ Dhruv Mehta, n&w s5