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Hack University Hacker Guide

Hack Resources

Everything you need to start faster: competition paths, tools, APIs, sample starter structure, slide flow, and project ideas.

Back to Hacker Guide Submission Requirements Judging Criteria

Competition Framework

These resources support all three competition paths. Pick the path that matches your team first, then build around that story.

Technical Competition

Best for CS and engineering teams building code, hardware, AI systems, or working product features.

  • Show architecture and implementation depth
  • Ship something that works clearly
  • Make setup and demo easy to follow

Start-Up Competition

Best for business majors and entrepreneur learners building a startup concept, customer story, or venture pitch.

  • Show market problem and customer value
  • Explain business model and growth logic
  • Use a prototype or walkthrough to support the pitch

Analytics Competition

Best for learners working with analytics, dashboards, forecasting, models, or data-driven insights.

  • Explain the data source and method
  • Highlight useful insights clearly
  • Show why the result helps decisions

Tools and Technologies

You can use any stack you want, but these are good starting points for most teams.

Frontend

  • React
  • Next.js
  • HTML, CSS, JavaScript
  • TypeScript

Backend

  • Node.js
  • Flask
  • Django
  • FastAPI
  • Spring Boot

Database and Cloud

  • PostgreSQL
  • Firebase
  • MongoDB
  • AWS, GCP, Azure
  • Docker

AI and ML

  • Gemini API
  • TensorFlow
  • PyTorch
  • Hugging Face
  • LangChain

Analytics and Data

  • Python notebooks
  • Pandas
  • SQL
  • Tableau or Power BI
  • Looker Studio

Pitch and Design

  • Google Slides
  • Figma
  • Canva
  • Lucidchart
  • Miro

APIs and Development Resources

APIs and AI Tools
Analytics and Dashboards
Blockchain and Testnets
Deployment and Prototyping
Start-Up and Research Support

Starter Assets and Samples

Organize your project like this from day one so your final submission is easier to review.

Sample GitHub Starter Structure

  • README.md with problem, solution, competition type, setup, screenshots, and citations
  • /src or /app for code, notebooks, or prototype files
  • /slides for the deck export and slide link
  • /video for the 10-minute and 5-minute MP4 videos
  • /assets for diagrams, datasets, branding, and screenshots

Sample Slides Flow

  • Slide 1: project name, team, and competition type
  • Slide 2: problem and who it affects
  • Slide 3: solution, product, or insight overview
  • Slide 4: architecture, workflow, data method, or business model
  • Slide 5: impact, next steps, and citations

Project Inspiration

If your team is stuck, start from one of these directions and narrow it down.

Technical and Product Ideas

  • AI assistant for accessibility support
  • Tool that helps learners debug code faster
  • Community platform for event matching and mentorship
  • Sustainable tech product for homes or campuses

Start-Up and Analytics Ideas

  • Startup concept for career access or learner services
  • Dashboard that helps organizations understand engagement trends
  • Forecasting model for attendance, outreach, or retention
  • Data-driven tool for health, finance, or education decisions

Why Join Hack University Hackathons?

  • Building real projects gives learners proof of work they can use on resumes, portfolios, interviews, LinkedIn, and job applications.
  • Teamwork matters because most jobs require collaboration, communication, planning, and the ability to build with people from different backgrounds and skill sets.
  • Hackathons help learners develop practical skills such as problem-solving, product thinking, GitHub workflow, presenting, research, design, and decision-making.
  • This is valuable for all majors because every field now benefits from digital literacy, data awareness, communication skills, and the ability to turn ideas into solutions.
  • Learners in business, health, education, design, analytics, social sciences, engineering, and computing can all use projects to show initiative and career readiness.
  • Strong projects can lead to better internship chances, stronger job stories, more confidence, and clearer examples of what you can actually build or contribute.