This focused day of building with venue-only workshops, mentors, and live judging. Check in at 10:00 AM; demos begin near closing.
Heads up: The Build challenge prompt is revealed at the opening ceremony (ET). Live demos presentations are required; no live demo presentations = 0 points. RSVP on Bevy Calendar event for automatic email updates.
Event Details
Plan for:
- Check-in + kickoff (10:00 AM)
- Mentor rounds and checkpoints
- Submission window opens ~9:00 PM
- Live demos and awards near close
Themes
Open WorldwideAll MajorsAll UniversitiesLearners 16+Veteran Health & ServicesDefenseTech & Dual-UseCybersecurityEmergency ResponseLogistics & Mobility
Venue & Check-In
- Please bring a photo ID for check-in.
- Wi-Fi will be provided on site.
- Food served during lunch and dinner windows.
- Respect venue policies and MLH Code of Conduct.
Registration Steps - Session B
- RSVP on MLH Event Portal
- RSVP on Bevy Event Ticket
- Register on OneStopForm for tools/perks
- Register on Devpost for submissions
- Join Code Crunch Discord (check mentorship channels & schedules)
- Read Hacker Guide & Toolkit
- Read Event Agenda
- Create your GitHub repo and make your first commit
- Submit final links by Nov 15 @ due time submission
Check-in Steps
- Check-in with your Ticket on MLH Event Portal
- Check-in with your Ticket on Bevy Event Ticket
- Complete the Check-in Form
- Add team members on Devpost (edits allowed before deadline)
- Create a PUBLIC GitHub repo and make your first commit
- Check mentorship channels & schedules on Discord
- Attend workshops (see agenda)
- Submit your project (see agenda)
- View the Live Demos Presentation Order (see List)
Resources
- Agenda & checkpoints
- Hacker Guide & Toolkit
- Mentor Directory & Office Hours (Find them on Discord Mentorship channels)
- No Cost Subscriptions/APIs/Perks
- Devpost (submissions)
Tracks & Judging
General Build [Track # 1]
Use software, data, or hardware prototypes to tackle real challenges faced by veterans, military families, or crisis responders — from secure communication and mental health support to logistics, training, or disaster response. Build something practical that could be piloted in the real world within 3–12 months.
- Develop a mission-ready prototype that boosts resilience, improves response time, or enhances quality of life for those who serve.
- Create tools that help military families stay connected — logistics planners, check-in systems, or secure communication dashboards.
- Build systems that empower crisis responders with predictive analytics, safer workflows, and rapid-deployment tech.
- Design solutions that simplify veterans’ access to healthcare, benefits, housing, or education using automation and smart design.
- Propose cybersecurity helpers, supply-chain monitors, threat-detection dashboards, or emergency response assistants.
Deliverables: README, short demo video, and a live link or screenshots. Read the Hacker Guide for full detailed instructions and requirements.
Tech Unicorn (Pitch) [Track # 2]
Design a no-code startup or venture that delivers a scalable solution for veterans, defense, or public safety — such as a platform, marketplace, training program, or service model. Clearly define the problem, target users, business model, and how you’d realistically launch and grow it.
- Pitch a no-code venture with a high-impact solution for veteran or defense pain points — ready to launch in 2025.
- Design a scalable program that supports veterans transitioning to tech, healthcare, business, or skilled trades.
- Create a public-safety or crisis-response startup — training academies, AI-guided decision tools, or prep services.
- Propose a business addressing gaps in mental health, family support, financial planning, or mobility.
- Build a venture powered by partnerships — community networks, governments, nonprofits, or corporate sponsors.
Deliverables: pitch deck, short video, and a brief executive summary. Read the Hacker Guide for full detailed instructions and requirements.
Prizes & Awards
- Each track will have a 1st Place Winner announced after the live closing ceremony.
- Visit the Devpost submission portal to view the “Prizes” card located on the top-right section of the page.
- The prize list and descriptions are subject to change based on:
- Partner sponsorships and contributions
- Available funding and event resources
- Check the Devpost page regularly for updates leading up to the event start.
- The Project Gallery tab on Devpost will display all submitted projects once the gallery opens before the live demos at the closing ceremony.
- If your project does not appear in the Project Gallery, you may have missed a required step on Devpost.
- It is your responsibility to ensure that:
- All required Devpost information fields are completed.
- Your project is submitted correctly and marked as “Published.”
- If any issue arises, please reach out to the event organizers via LinkedIn ahead of time for assistance.
Judges, Mentors & Speakers
- The official list of judges, mentors, and speakers is displayed on the Devpost event page.
- To view them:
- Open the Devpost submission portal.
- Scroll to the bottom of the page to find the Judges section.
- Speaker and mentor details are also displayed in the same area.
- These listings are updated frequently to reflect:
- New confirmations
- Schedule adjustments
- Partner or organization updates
- For the most accurate and recent information, always check Devpost.
Partners