Hackathon

From the 20th to the 22nd of October 2023 you will have the opportunity to compete against your fellow students in a Hackathon.

Following the complete rebuild of our IT-infrastructure, it's now really easy to develop VIS applications. We want to encourage students to tackle real-world problems in an inspirational environment.

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.

I have an idea for a web application. Can I submit it somewhere?

When and where can I register?

The registration will open soon.

How much does it cost?

The hackathon is totally free of charge.

How many people are in a team?

A team will consist of three to five people.

I want to participate, but don't have a team yet. Any idea what to do?

We encourage you to look for a team first before you sign up, because this years registration doesn't allow you to change your sign up information yourself. But don't hold out for too long or you will miss the introductory workshops, which will happen prior to the event. You can also just sign up and then you will be either added to a team at the event or you can write us a mail at hackathon[at]vis.ethz.ch and we change your information for you.

I want to help, what can I do?

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.

I want to hack, what can I do?

Check out our Hackathon page.

Please note: If you sign up for the Hackathon, you don't have to sign up for the Symposium separately!

want to join the VIScon Committee, what can I do?

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 or Catering).

I have more questions!

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

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’s mentor as well as stakeholders and active VIS members.

Will there be prizes?

;)

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?

The 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 ;)