Don't miss the February 2025 Hackathon!
Join us for our weekend hackathon on February 22nd & 23rd 2025!
Demo Day on Sunday February 23rd.
If you’d like to come to Demo Day only, get your tickets here!
Slide presentation with judges rubric
What you need to have ready for the presentation tomorrow:
Have your feature done by 4:30pm today if possible. You should be ready to focus on just your presentation tomorrow morning.
When you present, every person should talk, even if it’s just saying your name.
Do some practicing. You have 4 minutes! It will be timed!
Attention Minnesota technologists! Are you passionate about innovation? Curious about a career in tech, or already part of the industry? Looking to spend a weekend learning, networking, and building? This event is for you!
Join us on February 22nd and February 23rd at Osborn370 in downtown St Paul! We'll gather in downtown St. Paul for a weekend filled with creativity and collaboration. Meet fellow tech enthusiasts, connect with potential employers, and put your skills on display!
Prizes for Top Teams
Win cash prizes!
$2,000+ in cash for top three teams
Category prizes from OpenAI and Super Go Faster.
Tickets are $15/person.
Paid ticket holders get a swag bag
Everyone gets a chance at raffle prizes!
Breakfast, lunch and snacks appetizers will be provided!
Location: Osborn370, 370 Wabasha St N St Paul, MN 55102)
What Is a Hackathon?
A hackathon is a rapid innovation process aimed at developing projects, prototypes and blueprints to address a particular challenge. The Hack the Gap Hackathon is an experience to empower intergenerational teams to generate innovation.
This is a means to connect with other community members to participate in creative problem solving around a systemic and institutional issue impacting our society.
About our Hackathon
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Hack the Gap is a two-day hackathon on February 22-23, 2025, designed to create a vibrant, inclusive weekend where people from diverse backgrounds and experience levels can collaborate, learn, and build together.
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This hackathon is for everyone! We welcome idea people, designers, data experts, testers, and programmers. No coding experience? No problem—come as you are!
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To have fun, connect with like-minded individuals, and challenge yourself to create a project over the weekend with a team. Hack the Gap provides a safe and inclusive space for participants to innovate without the barriers of bias or exclusion often faced in the tech industry.
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We want to make this event accessible to all financial situations and we understand that sometimes the ticket cost--even if it's nominal--can be a burden. If you need assistance with the cost of your ticket, we have scholarships available. Please contact us: hello@hackthegap.com.
Check out the Hackathon Guidelines
Get ready to ace Hack-A-Thon with this handy guide. It's packed with easy-to-follow advice on everything from event logistics to working effectively in teams. Whether you're new to hacking or a seasoned pro, this guide has got you covered.
Event Schedule 🗓️
Kickoff + Working Session - Saturday, February 22nd
8:45 AM: Doors open. Coffee, pastries, and fruit will be available.
9:00 AM: Enjoy breakfast, connect with others, and form teams. Most participants will find teammates now, though pre-formed groups are also welcome!
9:45 AM: Begin work on projects!
12:00 PM: Lunch provided.
5:00 PM: Light appetizers provided.
6:00 PM: Wrap-up for the day.
Working Session + Demo Day - Sunday, February 23rd
8:45 AM: Doors open with coffee, pastries, and fruit available.
9:00 AM: Finalize projects!
12:00 PM: Lunch break and prep for demos.
1:00 PM: Demos begin.
2:30 PM: Prize announcements and wrap-up.
We are beyond grateful for our sponsors this year. Thank you for your support!
FAQ’s
Q: Are there prizes?
A: Yes! Cash prizes will be divided equally among team members. The exact amounts will be announced closer to the event.
Q: Who can participate?
A: This year, our hackathon is open to everyone. We uphold a strict code of conduct to ensure an inclusive, harassment-free environment. The Hack the Gap team reserves the right to dismiss any participant who violates the code of conduct. You don’t need prior tech experience to join—participants of all experience levels are welcome!
Q: Do I need to come with a project?
A: No need to bring a project! Come ready to pitch your ideas or listen to others’ ideas and join a team. All projects must be new, meaning you cannot bring something you are already working on. We encourage innovative ideas that can have a real-world impact.
Q: What if I don’t have a team?
A: No problem! You can come alone, ready to connect with others, pitch ideas, or take on a supporting role in a team. If you register as an individual, we’ll help you find a team during the event.
Q: Is there an age requirement to participate in the hackathon?
A: Participants need to be over 18 or they can attend with a parent or guardian.
Q: Are there scholarships available for the hackathon? How can I apply?
A: We offer scholarships for a free ticket. If they want one, they can reach out to us via email [hello@hackthegap.com]
Interested in Getting Involved Further?
Become a Hackathon Volunteer or Mentor! 📢
Join us as a Hackathon Volunteer or Mentor! Help make the event a success by supporting participants, coordinating activities, and fostering innovation. Sign up to contribute and be part of an inspiring tech community!
Become a Hackathon
Sponsor! 🎡
Join us in empowering the next wave of tech talent! Become a sponsor for Hack the Gap Hackathon and showcase your commitment to diversity and innovation. Help shape the future of tech—sign up now!