Hackathon

From the 11th to the 13th of October 2024 you will have the opportunity to compete against your fellow students in a Hackathon.

Your team's work will be judged based on functionality, aesthetics, ease-of-use and overall feel by a selected jury. This is a great opportunity to apply the knowledge from your studies in practice.

Hackathon FAQ

What is a hackathon?

A hackathon is an event in which software developers, designers and other creative minds come together and work on an idea for a few days.

What can I build?

You will develop a web application. We will provide proposals for projects and you can choose the idea that you like most.

Can I submit my own idea for a web application?

Contact us at hackathon at vis.ethz.ch to submit your idea.

When and where can I register?

The registration will open soon. You will be able to sign up on the VIS website.

How much does it cost?

The entry fee is 10 CHF.

How many people are in a team?

A team will consist of four to five people.

Can I participate if I don't have a team yet?

You can just sign up alone. Teams are formed at the event.

Can I sign up for my whole team if I already have a team in mind?

You all have to sign up individually. Teams are formed at the event.

Can I help out?

We are always on the lookout for helpers and we'd be glad to have you with us. We will publish a registration link soon.

Can I join the VIScon Committee?

We need your help to make VIScon an amazing experience. If you'd like to help, don't hesitate and contact us at viscon at vis.ethz.ch to join our team in the area of your choice (Operations, Symposium, Hackathon, Infrastructure, Marketing or Catering).

What do I need to bring?

Your computer (laptop or desktop), chargers, toiletries and a sleeping bag or blanket and pillow.

Which kinds of accommodation will there be?

We will provide a resting zone and showers.

What do the mentors do? How will mentoring work?

We have mentors to support you during your development process. Team mentors are there to help you throughout the entire hackathon. Topical mentors can provide advice regarding specific topics like database engineering, UI/UX design, etc.

Who will rate our final pitches?

Your pitches will be rated by a jury, which includes the team mentors as well as stakeholders and active VIS members.

Will there be prizes?

Of course.

Can I still take part in the Symposium?

Yes, you can - just make sure that your team is okay with you leaving for some amount of time. If you want to attend a workshop, you will still have to register for it on the sign up page.

Who owns the code I will create?

VIS wants to productively use as many of the hackathon's projects as possible to provide amazing services to its students. To enable that, the VIS needs the right to use, share and modify the code, and even re-license it. However, the VIS does not need exclusive rights, and the code will still be yours. So if you also want to build a fancy start-up with your code, go right ahead ;)

Can I ask more questions?

Send us an email at hackathon at vis.ethz.ch.