Submitted 3 Hackathons in 2 Months
My blog has been quiet for the past two months. That’s because I was busy learning and coding using my own available free time. To prove my credibility, here is the project I have submitted. Feel free to play around with the demo link.
This post is not to brag about any of the success (as do I know about the result yet), but to share the journey of picking hackathons, coming up with ideas, and finally implementing them.
Let’s start going in backward order this time.
Most engineers I know would not have a problem learning a new tech stack and implementing the solution. There is always “Google” to help when we are lost. Also, most development platforms and framework doesn’t start fresh. Be it for blockchain smart contracts or add-on apps. Most of it comes with some form of transfer knowledge of building web or mobile applications. It is not that difficult to hack or develop some form of POC.
The challenging parts would be dealing with the unknowns or understanding how to optimize them. The more practical hands-on you have the better you are at learning the tools and optimization.
Why do I like to learn through hackathons? Personally, most of the hackathons I joined so far have a dedicated “hackathon” channel in either discord or slack. I get better responses and help for newbie questions here. 😛
Next, come up with ideas.
These are where people with a little more creativity are able to shine. Of course, there is a structured way to derive ideas/solutions. You’ll need teammates to bounce ideas or brainstorm the requirements with processes such as “Design Sprint”.
I prefer solo by going through the previous submissions of related hackathons. While at it, try to mix with my own experience to come out with an innovative idea. At least I have the luxury of “time” and not feeling pressured. And, if there isn’t any idea worth working on, I’ll skip it.
Finally, pick a hackathon to join.
My criteria are simple. Suppose you’re going to spend the time and effort to work on something. At least try to work on something that can bring benefit to you. It can be learning new technology such as blockchain, AI, etc. Or joining for the prize. Enjoy the process and have fun. Never have high expectations, as international competitions usually are tough.
Of course, there is some cheat code that I have to learn through joining many hackathons. If you want to increase the odds of winning, join a hackathon that has lesser participants. Project submission is usually about 10% of the total participant. And also join those that have split their prizes into more categories. Those numbers are visible and indirectly help a little or two.
End.
Last but not least, learn some video editing skills. Since hackathons have gone online, video plays an important part in making your project look attractive. That’s it from me. I hope this helps you stay motivated and experience some fun of joining hackathons.
Update
I have won 2nd place and Best Sustainability Use Case for XRPL Hackathon: Creating Real World Impact.