Hackathon

From the 10th to the 12th of October 2025 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.

Do I need prior coding experience to participate?

No, prior coding experience is not strictly required, but it will certainly help. Hackathons are a great opportunity to learn new skills, and there will be mentors available to support you. If you're a beginner, consider teaming up with more experienced participants.

What technologies or programming languages can I use?

You are free to use any programming languages and frameworks that suit your project. However, since you’ll be developing a web application, JavaScript, HTML, CSS, and frameworks like React, Vue.js, or Angular might be useful. Backend technologies like Node.js, Django, Flask, or Ruby on Rails are also commonly used.

Keeping in mind that your application will need to be deployed to our infrastructure. We will provide you with a Linux Virtual Machine for deployment, so ensure that your tech stack is compatible.

Can I use existing code or open-source libraries?

Yes, you can use open-source libraries and frameworks to build your project. However, your core contribution should be original and developed during the hackathon.

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 in September. You will be able to sign up on the VIS website.

How much does it cost?

The entry fee is 20 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?

Yes, after signing up you can look for fellow teammates on the official hackathon discord channel.

Each team member must register individually. While official team formation happens at the event, you are welcome to coordinate with your teammates in advance.

What do I need to bring?

Bring your computer (laptop or desktop), chargers, and toiletries. If you plan to rest during the event, you’ll need a sleeping mat or mattress, along with a sleeping bag or a 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 staff 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 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).

Can I ask more questions?

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