Ever wanted to build the next Snapchat? Program a drone? Build a website that connects people across the globe? Come (or should we say, log on) to HackTJ and work with your friends to build something cool, learn new tricks, and have a fantastic time!
Check out our Resources tab for FAQs and our Rules tab for our submission requirements.
Eligibility
Any student currently enrolled in high school (grades 9-12) in the United States may compete in HackTJ 8.0.
Prizes
Best Overall Hack
Our HackTJ 7.5 Grand Prize Winner! Each member of the winning team gets a choice between a $75 Amazon gift card and an item from our prize pool, as well as a one-year free trial of The Codex and direct acceptance to the Slingshot Program.
Our prize pool includes:
- Amazon Echo Dot
- Tile Mate 2020
- Fitbit Inspire HR
- MX Master 3
- JBL Flip 5
- Anker Soundcore Mini
- Vizio Soundbar
- Amazon Echo Studio
Best Beginner Hack
All team members must be in their first year of programming. Each member of the winning team gets a choice between a $50 Amazon gift card and an item from our prize pool, as well as one -year free trial of The Codex
Best Mobile App
Any standalone application. Each member of the winning team gets a choice between a $50 Amazon gift card and an item from our prize pool, as well as a one-year free trial of The Codex and a scholarship for Volare Lab's upcoming 4-week cohort program in August.
Best Web App
Any website or application that runs in a browser. Each member of the winning team gets a choice between a $50 Amazon gift card and an item from our prize pool, as well as a one-year free trial of The Codex and direct acceptance to final interviews for the Slingshot Program.
Best Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning Hack
Any standalone application with a focus on AI/ML. Each member of the winning team gets a choice between a $50 Amazon gift card and an item from our prize pool, as well as one-year free trial of The Codex and direct acceptance to final interviews for the Slingshot Program.
Best Design Hack
Each member of the winning team gets a choice between a $50 Amazon gift card and an item from our prize pool, as well as a one-year free trial of The Codex.
Best Social Impact Hack
Each member of the winning team gets a choice between a $50 Amazon gift card and an item from our prize pool, as well as a one-year free trial of The Codex and direct acceptance to final interviews for the Slingshot Program.
EastBanc Technologies: Best Vehicle Optimization Hack
Find solutions to help track and optimize anything that moves on wheels (i.e. scooters, wheelchairs, cars). The hack will be evaluated on potential world impact, the quality of your software, and the implementation of your hack. For more details, please visit http://hacktj2021.eastbanctech.com/. The winning team will receive a $125 Amazon gift card with a potential internship at EastBanc Technologies.
Lunchclub: Funniest Hack
Any hack that makes our sponsors Lunchclub laugh. Winning teams will receive $200 Amazon gift cards per member. Hacks will be judged on how funny and how impressive the hack is technically.
echoAR: Best Use of AR/VR
Sponsored by echoAR, this challenge will require you to use their AR/VR software in your hack. It can be for any application, but it must include their software. You can gain free Business tier access to their platform exclusively for HackTJ on the link listed in your student information packet. The winning team gets a $50 Amazon gift card, as well as a one-year free trial of The Codex.
MLH: Best Domain Registered with Domain.com
Register a .tech, .space, or .online domain name using Domain.com during the weekend. Each team may submit one entry per person on the team.
MLH: Best Hardware Hack Sponsored by Digi-Key
Using your preferred hardware or hardware emulator, build a hack for your chance to win a Grove Beginner Kit, with Arduino Uno R3 included. We select two winning teams for this category.
Devpost Achievements
Submitting to this hackathon could earn you:
Judges

Anton Yarkov
Judging Criteria
-
Innovation
Does your product introduce a new approach or perspective, technical, analytical, or visual? -
Functionality
Does the product function as intended? Is it robust and easy to interact with? -
Design
Is the hack aesthetically pleasing? Does the design of the hack elevate its message? -
Technical Complexity
Does the hack demonstrate good understanding of the technologies used? Did the hackers challenge themselves?
Questions? Email the hackathon manager
Tell your friends
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