The Tech
At HackUMass we not only focus on creating a collaborative environment for developers/engineers to create awesome software projects, but also give all the tools that you will need to create awesome hardware hacks! With Arduinos, Raspberry Pis, circuit components, quadcopters, Oculus Rifts, and more, we have the hardware, you have the ideas, so come bring them to life at HackUMass.
The Food
Soylent not cutting it for you? Don’t worry. We have the #1 dining service in the nation! And as a participant of HackUMass you will get access to all of our top-rated dining halls and other dining facilities. Have any special dietary restrictions? Not to worry! We accommodate all dietary restrictions.
The Venue
Tired of hacking in some old gym? Say no more! HackUMass is hosted in the Integrative Learning Center (ILC), one of the newest state-of-the-art academic buildings at UMass Amherst. Within the walls of the four-story 173,000 sq. ft. structure, the ILC provides 2,000 seats and plenty of spaces for hacking, sleeping, yoga, Super Smash Bros, and much more! As one of the largest research universities in New England, we take our hacking spaces seriously, and we hope you like it.
The Hackers
Our hackers come from all around the country and from many diverse backgrounds. Veteran hackers, first-timers, developers, engineers, entrepreneurs, and even non-tech majors -- this is who we are. Our goal is to bring together and inspire hackers from every background and provide opportunities like Ladies Storm Hackathons to continue growing in diversity. Come with friends, make new friends, join 800 other participants in one of the biggest and best hackathons in New England.
The Sponsors
HackUMass wouldn't happen without the support of our awesome sponsors. From startups to big-name brands, we work with the innovators and the makers. Workshops, tech talks, sweet prizes, swag, mini-competitions, hardware/APIs -- we partner with the best in the industry to make this event come to life.
Prizes
$32,690 in prizes
Grand Prize (sponsored by Amazon)
Each grand prize winner will receive FlashForge 3D Printers and an Amazon Echo.
Finalists
(3)
Each finalist will be awarded a 1 LHI 250mm Pro Pure Carbon Fiber Quadcopter kit, 1 Amazon Echo Dot (sponsored by Amazon), and 9000mAh Battery Packs (sponsored by KPMG).
Best AR/VR Hack
Each team member will receive 1 Asus GeForce GTX 1060 graphics card.
Best Hardware Hack
Each team member will be awarded 1 sparkfun inventors kit.
Best Mobile App
Each team member will receive 1 ZTE Axon Smartphone.
Best Website/Webapp
Each team member will receive a 1 year subscription to the JetBrains software of their choosing.
Best Documentation
Each team member will be awarded 1 Corsair Vengeance Mechanical Keyboard with Cherry MX Red key switches.
Best Robotics Project
Each team member will be awarded 1 Makeblock DIY Starter Robotics Kit.
Most Fabulous Flop
This prize will be awarded to a project that was not finished, but still demoed and showed great potential. Each team member will be awarded 1 pair of Snapchat Spectacles.
Best Audio Hack
Each team member will be awarded 1 Akai Professional MPK Mini MKII | 25-Key Ultra-Portable USB MIDI Drum Pad.
Funniest Hack
Each team member will receive 1 Star Wars Popcorn Maker with 2 pounds of Dark Side Kernels.
Kensho Most Creative Algorithm
The winners of this prize will receive a fully Sponsored On-Site Interview in Cambridge or NYC with Kensho!
Best Use of Algolia API
Each team member will be awarded 1 Picnic Wine Cooler, 1 Raspberry Pis, and Algolia Swag (fidget spinner, stickers, etc.). More info here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/15ISYarEi-UR-fX-QaAW-5Gkn_jWpk0zJvwY_lQ8aWPs/edit?usp=sharing
Best Amazon Lex Hack
Each team member will receive 1 Amazon Echo.
For more details please see the following slide for details: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1HDL1N-GO2bJC3k0K-MS4PDLNqO4daEx6/view
MassCEC Best CleanTech Hack
$1,000 will be given to the best “Cleantech” or “Water tech” friendly web or app based platform that will help consumers and businesses use energy and natural resources more efficiently. More info on challenge here: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1aDYno_p6NwBNP4M5tDCvr5j94U1Npl5XSx5qCDvPtrc/edit?usp=sharing
Best .TECH domain Hack
The winning team will receive a $300 Amazon gift card.
Lutron Sponsored Challenge
Each team member will receive Caseta Wireless Smart Lighting Kits.
Best Use of Liberty Mutual Shine API
Each team member will receive Beats Headphones for developing an idea that helps people live safer lives using the Liberty Mutual Shine API.
Optum Most Creative Health Hack
Each team members will receive Fitbits.
UMass Amherst Campus Accessibility Challenge
OPEN TO UMASS AMHERST STUDENTS ONLY. More details here: http://hackumass.com/legal/CampusAccessibilityProject.pdf
Viacom Best Life Hack
A hack that makes daily life easier or more efficient, e.g. through automation or reducing the time of daily/mundane tasks. Winners will receive a Phillips Hue Light Strips & Bridges.
MLH - Best Domain Name from Domain.com
Raspberry Pi & PiHut Essential Kit
MLH - Best Use of Amazon Web Services
$250 Amazon Web Services Credit
Berthiaume Entrepreneurship Challenge
(3)
This prize goes to the team with the most commercializable project and the desire to start a business around that project. The value of this prize is up to $1500. The team will earn that total amount as they reach milestones established by the Berthiaume Center as they progress the project. To be eligible, 50% or more of the team must be current students from UMass Amherst. Be prepared to pitch your business plan for the project during the judging process.
Verizon Communication Innovation Award
Trophies will be awarded to a team of four or fewer members that create a project that allows people to communicate with one another. Preference will be given to a project that has a positive societal impact.
MLH - Best IoT Hack Using A Qualcomm Device
DragonBoard 410C & Power Source
Facebook Prize
Facebook solar backpacks for each winning team member.
Devpost Achievements
Submitting to this hackathon could earn you:
Judges
HackUMass Judging Team
HackUMass Judging Team
Judging Criteria
-
TBD
Will be updated soon!
Questions? Email the hackathon manager
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