January 18 - 20, 2019
Grand Ackerman Ballroom, UC Los Angeles
Applications are now closed!
ABOUT
For the fifth time in history, IEEE at UCLA and Theta Tau at UCLA are pleased to present to you California's largest college hardware-focused hackathon ever.
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 also they will create tangible products from scratch in one weekend.
The theme for this year's hackathon is Travel Upgrade! This means that you will be challenged to create something that relates to upgrading the challenges found in commuting, travelling, and more.
SCHEDULE
Friday, January 18
Registration & Team Formation
6 - 8 PM
Opening Speeches
8 - 9 PM
Hacking Begins
9 PM
Saturday, January 19
Breakfast
7 - 10 AM
Bluetooth Workshop
9:30 - 10 AM
Solar Panels Workshop
10 - 10:30 AM
3D Printing Workshop
10:30 - 11 AM
Lunch
12 - 2 PM
Dinner
6:30 - 8 PM
Sunday, January 20
Breakfast
7 - 10 AM
Hacking Ends
9 AM
Exhibition Setup
9 - 9:30 AM
Judging
9:30 - 11 AM
Judging Finals
11 - 12:30 PM
Closing & Awards
12:30 - 1 PM
FAQ
WHO CAN ATTEND?
All students interested are encouraged to apply. Although we primarily cater to UCLA engineering students, every application will be considered.
WHAT DOES A "HARDWARE HACKATHON" MEAN?
At IDEA Hacks, a hardware hackathon means that your project can be anything you like as long as it includes a hardware component.
WHAT IF 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.
WHAT DO HACKERS GAIN FROM PARTICIPATING?
In addition to being completely free, we will provide hackers free meals, a free shirt, a room to sleep in, and a chance to win a prize! The top three teams’ members will each receive a prize. Even more valuable, at our hackathon you will gain project experience and learn something new!
WHAT SHOULD I BRING?
A valid ID such as a student ID is required for admission into Ackerman Grand Ballroom. If you don't live around UCLA, we recommend bringing necessary toiletries and a sleeping bag.
HOW CAN I CHECK OUT PARTS DURING THE HACKATHON?
During the hackathon, you can simply approach our parts station and request a part from one of our volunteers. If it’s in stock, our volunteers will check the part out to your team.
HOW DO I APPLY?
Hackers can apply on this website! Applications will be out by early November, and will close in mid-December. To get an email reminder once the application gets sent out, like our Facebook page here. Applications are reviewed and accepted on a first come first served 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. Official team signups happen at the start of the hackathon. If you do not have a team in mind, we hold a team formation session before hacking begins.
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 it on your application and we'll do our best to accommodate! When applications are released, we will also release a list of parts. In addition, keep in mind that you are not allowed to bring any hardware of your own to the hackathon.
WHAT ABOUT TRAVEL COSTS?
Unfortunately, we will not be able to cover transportation costs for this year's event. If you’re looking for details about the venue, look here.
HOW DO I CONTACT IDEA HACKS?
Email us at team@ideahacks.la! You can also like our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram.
HAVE MORE QUESTIONS?
Check out our extended FAQ.
