To follow UCLA's COVID-19 guidelines, we have had to move IDEA Hacks to a semi-remote format. Read more about how the hackathon will work below.
January 14 - 16, 2022
About
For the eighth time, UCLA IEEE and the UCLA Chapter of Theta
Tau are pleased to present IDEA Hacks, one of the few
college hackathons that provide an emphasis in hardware. At
IDEA Hacks we provide our hackers with tools, such as 3D
printers, soldering stations, and other equipment free of
charge. Not only will these hackers code, but they will also
create tangible products from scratch over the course of 36
hours.
This year’s IDEA Hacks theme is about finding ways to
enhance your experience outside. During quarantine, many
people have used the outdoors as an escape from online
schooling and meetings. We hope to inspire hackers to create
new technologies to increase accessibility to nature,
emphasize environmental sustainability, or even just improve
the outdoor experience. We believe innovations for the great
outdoors have the potential to change the way students
embrace the greater world around us.
Due to rising cases of the COVID-19 Omicron variant in Los
Angeles, UCLA is not allowing in-person events.
Unfortunately, this means we have had to transition to a
semi-remote format. The IEEE lab, located at Boelter 2825,
will be the central location for the hackathon, with our
parts checkout table along with soldering stations and 3D
printers. Hackers will be able to pick up parts and use
tools in the lab, but will have to find their own locations
to work together with their team on their project.
Communication and announcements will happen through a
Discord server we will set up for the hackathon.
Schedule
Friday, January 14
Check In
5:30 PM - 8 PM
Boelter 2825
Team Formation
6:30 PM - 7 PM
Boelter 2825
Team Registration
8 PM - 8:30 PM
Boelter 2825
Opening Statements
8:30 PM - 9 PM
Zoom/Discord
Hacking Begins
9 PM
Zoom/Discord
Getting Started Workshop
9 PM - 10 PM
Zoom/Discord
Saturday, January 15
Yoga Session
9 AM - 10 AM
Zoom/Discord
Infineon Workshop
10 AM - 12 PM
Zoom
Parallel Systems Infosession
1 PM - 2 PM
Zoom
Kneron Workshop
2 PM - 3 PM
Zoom
Debugging Session
3 PM - 4 PM
Zoom/Discord
Casual Gaming Sessions
8 PM - 10 PM
Zoom/Discord
Sunday, January 16
Hacking Ends
9 AM
Zoom/Discord
Exhibition Setup
9 AM - 9:30 AM
Zoom/Discord
Judging
9:30 AM - 11 AM
Zoom/Discord
Judging Finals
11 AM - 12:30 PM
Zoom/Discord
Closing and Awards
12:30 PM - 1 PM
Zoom/Discord
FAQ
General
What is the hackathon format?Due to rising cases of the COVID-19 Omicron variant in Los Angeles, UCLA is not allowing in-person events. Unfortunately, this means we have had to transition to a semi-remote format. The IEEE lab, located at Boelter 2825, will be the central location for the hackathon, with our parts checkout table along with soldering stations and 3D printers. Hackers will be able to pick up parts and use tools in the lab, but will have to find their own locations to work together with their team on their project. Communication and announcements will happen through a Discord server we will set up for the hackathon.
Who can attend?All students interested are encouraged to apply. Although we primarily cater to UCLA engineering students, every application will be considered.
I don't know anything about hardware!You are definitely not alone! During the hackathon, there will be workshops on hardware and hacking that will be accessible for everyone. There will also be mentors and other hardware experts ready to assist those who are having trouble bringing their hacks to life.
Accommodations
How much does it cost?IDEA Hacks costs absolutely nothing to participate in. There is no reason not to come out, learn something new, and have fun!
What should I bring?A valid ID is required to check in for the hackathon, so don't forget to bring it!
Will food be provided?Due to new COVID-19 guidelines, we are no longer able to offer food during the event
How about travel costs?Unfortunately, we will not be able to cover transportation costs or parking for this year's event.
Applications
How do I apply?Hackers can apply on this website! Applications usually open in the middle of Fall quarter and stay open up until a couple weeks before the hackathon. Make sure to keep an eye out for IDEA Hacks notifications on when to start applying. Applications are reviewed and accepted on a first come first serve basis, so apply early!
What if I don't have a team?You are free to hack alone, but that's no fun! We encourage everyone to be on teams of around 4-5 hackers. Not only will you have more fun, but more equipment will be available for your use. We hold a team formation session before hacking begins so that hackers can find teammates on the day of the hackathon.
Miscellaneous
What tools and hardware will be provided for my team?If you would like to see a specific part or device at the hackathon, you can specify so on your application and we'll do our best to accommodate! You can also view a full list of available parts on our Parts page closer to the start of the hackathon. We will also provide soldering stations and 3D printers for you to use on your projects.
How can I check out parts during the hackathon?Our Parts page lets you check which parts are available, then you'll be able to go to our parts table and have a volunteer check the part out for you. Some of our parts are consumable, but many need to be scanned so we can keep track of them.
How do I contact IDEA Hacks?Email us at team@ideahacks.la! We would love to hear from you!
