A virtual hackathon taking place

Major Hackathons of 2024

Anshika Pattnaik
• April 25, 2024

(10 min read)

The year’s major hackathons showcase and cultivate the talents of hackers, developers, artists, and entrepreneurs. Events like Global Hack Week, focusing on APIs, Data, and Web3, will be held in vibrant cities like Barcelona, Montreal, San Francisco, etc.

Table of Content

These hackathons are more than competitions; they’re incubators for innovative ideas and collaborations aimed at using technology to solve global challenges. Participants will explore the future of technology, celebrate creativity, and drive technological progress.

Here’s a comprehensive list of all the major hackathons of 2024 happening in cities across North & South America as well as in Europe.

1. DeveloperWeek 2024 Hackathon

Date: February 5-23, 2024 (Online) & February 22-23, 2024 (In-Person)

Venue: Oakland, California & Online

Link: DeveloperWeek 2024 Hackathon

This hackathon, in which about 800 people take part,  is an important part of DeveloperWeek. The style is challenge-based and includes both online and in-person sessions. People who enter the competition have multiple options to explore,  such as creating apps from scratch and getting past problems that are only relevant to one sponsor. The event gives participants a chance to show off their skills while working together, with a focus on user experience, security and privacy, scalability, innovation, and presentation.

2. HackMIT

Date: February 26 – March 3, 2024

Venue: Cambridge, Massachusetts

Link: HackMIT

HackMIT is known for encouraging people to be creative and find solutions to problems. It also pushes people to use technology to solve problems that affect people around the world. When both undergraduate and graduate students work together on projects, they are more likely to come up with useful answers for problems like climate change, cybersecurity, and health care. The Blueprint hackathon encourages the use of many datasets and APIs, which gives project developers a lot of tools to choose from.

3. Global Hack Week: APIs

Date: April 5th – 11th

Venue: Online

Link: Global Hack Week: APIs

The goal of Global Hack Week is to present APIs to both experienced and new developers through a week-long, fast-paced hacking marathon. People from all over the world are welcome to join this digital-only event and work together, learn, and be creative. This hackathon is a great place to get better at what you do, meet people who share your interests, or make your artistic ideas come to life. Participants have the chance to work together on new projects, figure out tough problems, and maybe even make the next big thing in technology. There are workshops, mentorship opportunities, and a lot of coding, which makes it a great place for tech fans to learn and make things.

4. DragonHacks 2024

Date: April 13-14, 2024

Venue: Philadelphia, United States

Link: DragonHacks 2024

DragonHacks is a 24-hour hacking event organized by the IEEE student chapter at Drexel University. Students from diverse backgrounds get together to work on original ideas, which can be a novel and thrilling experience. Participants in Dragonhacks are expected to work with others, push their boundaries, and demonstrate their ingenuity, creativity, and problem-solving abilities. Any student who is older than eighteen is welcome to attend this event. To participate in codefest, students do not require any prior hackathon experience. There is no cost to register for the DragonHacks event. There are no fees for students. Each team consists of three participants. DragonHacks organizers can help recruit teammates at the tournament, if you don’t already have any.

5. MariHacks

Date: April 5th – 6th

Venue: Montreal, Canada

Link: MariHacks

The most creative minds in Montreal, Quebec come together for MariHacks, a two-day hacking marathon centered on developing ground-breaking innovations and solutions. Being an in-person-only event, it offers a vibrant setting where participants may compete, invent, and work together. MariHacks places a great focus on learning and growth, including one-on-one mentoring, industry expert-led workshops, and lots of networking possibilities. In addition to working on projects that are important to them, participants can anticipate solving real-world issues and possibly upending entire industries with their inventions. This is a community gathering that brings technology, creativity, and passion together—it’s more than simply a hackathon.

6. PickHacks 2024

Date: April 5th – 7th

Venue: Missouri, United States

Link: PickHacks 2024

PickHacks 2024 is a one-of-a-kind gathering place for tech fans who are excited about making, learning, and growing. Not just computer science majors are welcome at this event; anyone interested in technology and how it can be used is welcome. Over the course of three days, you will experience workshops that are open for everyone from beginners to experts, work on projects that question the status quo, and hear from keynote speakers from top tech companies. Anyone who wants to start or expand their journey in technology, should seriously consider attending PickHacks 2024. It creates a group where innovation, teamwork, and mentoring are highly valued.

7. SF Hacks 2024

Date: April 5th – 7th

Venue: San Francisco, California

Link: SF Hacks 2024

SF Hacks 2024 is the best hackathon in the San Francisco Bay Area, and tech fans from all over the world are welcome to join them for a weekend of hacking, creativity, and business. This event, which takes place in the global center of technology, is a great  chance for guests to learn about cutting-edge technologies, work on important projects, and make connections with well-known people in the field. Workshops and panels conducted address a lot of different topics, such as UX design, bitcoin technology, and artificial intelligence. No matter how much experience you have as a creator, SF Hacks 2024 is the place to be inspired, come up with new ideas, and make something amazing.

8. WildHacks

Date: April 5th – 7th

Venue: Illinois, United States

Link: WildHacks

WildHacks is a fun event that takes place over the course of a weekend in Evanston, Illinois. Its focus is on pushing the boundaries of design and technology. This event is more than just a hackathon, it’s a celebration of creation, creativity, and teamwork. People from a wide range of fields and backgrounds work together to solve important problems, come up with new ideas, and make their dreams come true. WildHacks is a great place to learn because it has workshops for all skill levels, speeches by leaders in the field, and mentoring from pros. It’s great for people who want to get better at technology, meet other people who share their interests, and use technology to make a difference.

9. WiNGHacks

Date: April 5th – 7th

Venue: Gainesville, Florida

Link: WiNGHacks

WiNGHacks establishes itself as a leader in diversity and innovation among Florida’s computer science enthusiasts. The point of this hackathon is to make it easy for people from all walks of life to work together to make things, learn new things, and grow. During the three days, participants will work on real projects, attend workshops led by experts in the field, and come up with ways to solve local and world problems. WiNGHacks encourages diversity in the IT business by giving underrepresented groups a safe place to work together, and get their ideas across. It’s not just a hacking event; it’s also a chance to build a strong tech community and make changes that will last.

10. BlossomHack

Date: April 6th – 7th

Venue: Athens, Ohio

Link: BlossomHack

The community, artistic, and tech event BlossomHack takes place every year in Athens, Ohio. You can meet people from different backgrounds, share your ideas, and work on creative projects with them. BlossomHack has a lot of resources for students to learn and be independent. They offer a variety of tools, mentorship opportunities, and seminars to help people of all skill levels. In addition to hacking, the event encourages making friends, learning, and growing as a person. BlossomHack participants often claim to have gained new information, insights, and contacts, making the event even more important as a turning point in their growth as potential tech leaders.

11. Hack Kosice

Date: April 6th – 7th

Venue: Kosice, Slovakia

Link: Hack Kosice

Hack Kosice is a unique place that combines new technology with culture and history.  Hackathon attendees come from all over Europe to work on creative projects, learn how to code, and solve problems. By focusing on creating solutions that can be used in the real world, the event encourages learning, new ideas, and teamwork. Competitors can use cutting edge technology, learn from experts in the field, and try to win awards that recognize creativity, technical skill, and effect. Hack Kosice is more than just a game; it’s a way to join a group of people who care about technology and how it can make the world a better place.

12. Los Altos Hacks VIII

Date: April 6th – 7th

Venue: Sunnyvale, California

Link: Los Altos Hacks VIII

Los Altos Hacks VIII promises to be a weekend full of creativity, technology, and community. The hackathon is run by students, and its goal is to get high school and college students interested in exploring the possibilities of technology. Participants get to use tools, seek mentorships, and attend workshops all day to help them make their ideas come to life while they code, build, and hack. Children from a wide range of backgrounds are welcome and encouraged to attend the event, which aims to create a positive and welcoming space for all. It’s not just about winning, at Los Altos Hacks VIII; you also learn, grow, and make strong connections in the tech community.

13. MorganHacks

Date: April 6th – 7th

Venue: Baltimore, Maryland

Link: MorganHacks

MorganHacks is a great example of how the tech industry can be creative, diverse, and friendly. People from all over the area, including students, professionals, and tech enthusiasts, come to this event to work on projects that could change the world. MorganHacks is very committed to diversity, so it gives people from all walks of life a place to be heard. This creates an environment that supports new ideas and creativity. MorganHacks is a great opportunity for both career and personal growth because it includes workshops, keynote speeches, and hands-on experiences with cutting-edge technology.

14. HackKU

Date: April 12th – 14th

Venue: Lawrence, Kansas

Link: HackKU

HackKU provides a distinctive collegiate hackathon experience by welcoming students from across the country to take on challenges, learn new skills, and push the limits of technology.Hosted by the University of Kansas, this event has participants engaged in intensive coding sessions, group project creation, and workshops covering a range of tech-related subjects over the course of three days. With its focus on creativity, collaboration, and the use of technology to address real-world issues, HackKU is a great event for anyone wishing to get involved and connect with other tech enthusiasts.

15. HogHacks

Date: April 12th – 13th

Venue: Fayetteville, Arkansas

Link: HogHacks

HogHacks is an event that attracts professionals and students to  Arkansas, where they spend a weekend together learning, inventing, and hacking. The goal of this event is to demonstrate the power of teamwork and to overcome obstacles to technology production. HogHacks is a network of problem solvers that aspires to improve technical skills, cultivate a love of technology, and combine coding, workshops, and motivational presentations. It’s a chance to push oneself, investigate cutting-edge technology, and perhaps even produce something revolutionary.

16. KleinHacks

Date: April 13th – 14th

Venue: Houston, Texas

Link: KleinHacks

KleinHacks is a hackathon that inspires high school kids to explore the world of technology and creativity. This program aims to ignite young people’s interest in technology, test their problem-solving abilities, and inspire creativity. Under the direction of mentors and experts from the tech sector, participants collaborate in groups over the course of two days to create projects that tackle real-world problems. Workshops on a range of IT subjects are available at KleinHacks, offering an opportunity to learn new skills. Young innovators can explore their interests in technology, work with peers, and showcase their talents on this platform.

17. RiverHacks 2024

Date: April 13th – 14th

Venue: Austin, Texas

Link: RiverHacks 2024

RiverHacks 2024 is a community-driven hackathon that fosters creativity, teamwork, and education. Located in a city renowned for its thriving tech community, RiverHacks extends an invitation to individuals of all abilities to partake in a weekend dedicated to coding, designing, and developing. The event highlights the value of collaboration, original thought, and the use of technology to address social problems. RiverHacks offers a comprehensive platform for attendees to improve their technical skills, network with industry professionals, and contribute to relevant projects. This is achieved through a range of workshops, speaker sessions, and mentorship programs. 

18. UTA Datathon

Date: April 13th – 14th

Venue: Arlington, Texas

Link: UTA Datathon

UTA Datathon is a one-of-a-kind event that focuses on data exploration and analysis to find patterns, insights, and answers to challenging issues. For professionals and students who are enthusiastic in machine learning, analytics, and data science, this competition is ideal. A multitude of datasets will be available to participants who are tasked with applying their analytical abilities to come up with creative solutions. Both novices and seasoned data science enthusiastsbcan learn from the workshops on data analysis methods, resources, and best practices that are part of the event. For individuals who want to learn more about data, develop their analytical abilities, and produce significant discoveries, UTA Datathon is the ideal setting.

19. Bitcamp 2024

Date: April 19th – 21st

Venue: College Park, Maryland

Bitcamp 2024

Bitcamp 2024 is a hackathon known for its distinct approach to technology and creativity. This 48-hour immersive event combines creativity, community, and code. Together, participants from different backgrounds collaborate on digital projects, attend classes on everything from web development to hardware hacking, and take part in unusual activities with a camp theme. Bitcamp encourages hackers of all skill levels to venture outside of their comfort zones, work together on creative projects, and experiment with new technologies by fostering a culture of learning and development. 

20. Hackathon Troyano 2024

Date: April 19th – 20th

Venue: Querétaro, Mexico

Link: Hackathon Troyano 2024

Hackathon Troyano 2024  unites computer enthusiasts from all over to experiment and create. The goal of this live hackathon is to create technology-based solutions to social, environmental, and economic problems. In addition to working with peers and learning from seasoned mentors, participants will have access to multiple sessions ranging from cybersecurity to environment-friendly digital solutions. The goal of Hackathon Troyano is to support a group of creative people who are enthusiastic about improving society. For those who want to push themselves, broaden their skill set, and get involved in worthwhile causes, this is the perfect event.

21. HackMHS

Date: April 19th – 20th

Venue: Short Hills, New Jersey

Link: HackMHS

Short Hills, New Jersey hosts HackMHS, a unique event for high school students interested in innovation and technology. This hackathon offers young minds a safe space to explore their interests in design, entrepreneurship, and coding. Participants are encouraged to work together and use their imagination to create projects that highlight their abilities and concepts. The event offers mentorship from professionals in the sector, courses covering a range of tech-related topics, and prizes that support students’ academic and technological endeavors. HackMHS is a community event that strives to inspire the future generation of tech leaders and innovators, not merely a competition.

22. LA Hacks

Date: April 19th – 21st

Venue: Los Angeles, California

Link: LA Hacks

One of the biggest hackathons on the West Coast, LA Hacks takes place in Los Angeles, California, and draws participants from all over the country for a weekend of creativity, learning, and hacking. Students, developers, and aspiring business owners can collaborate to build technological solutions to pressing issues in the real world at this event. In order to promote an atmosphere of learning and creativity, LA Hacks offers a variety of seminars, panel discussions, and networking opportunities. In addition to working together with peers and developing meaningful projects, participants can experiment with new technologies. For individuals who want to push themselves, improve their coding abilities, and make connections in the IT sector, LA Hacks is the ideal setting.

23. Web3Apps

Date: April 19th – 21st

Venue:  Online

Link: Web3Apps

The world’s first digital-only hackathon, Web3Apps is centered around the emerging field of Web3 technologies, which includes cryptocurrencies, decentralized applications (dApps), and blockchain. Developers, designers, and businesspeople from all over the world are invited to work together virtually to develop cutting-edge ideas that have the potential to influence how the internet develops in the future. Through webinars and seminars, Web3Apps offers participants an unmatched chance to delve deeply into the Web3 ecosystem, gain knowledge from prominent industry figures, and connect with a worldwide network. Regardless of your level of experience as a Web3 developer or your level of curiosity, Web3Apps is a fun way to learn new concepts, broaden your skill set, and help shape the future of the web.

24. DragonHack

Date: April 20th – 21st

Venue: Ljubljana, Slovenia

Link: DragonHack

The region’s top brains get together for DragonHack, a renowned hackathon in Ljubljana, Slovenia, to solve problems with creative tech solutions. The goal of this in-person event is to foster a collaborative atmosphere where attendees may exchange ideas, try out new technologies, and work on projects that have practical applications. A variety of events are available during DragonHack, including speeches by professionals in the field, mentorship programs, and workshops covering the newest tech developments. Developers, designers, and tech enthusiasts have a great chance to demonstrate their abilities, connect with industry experts or peers , and even launch their careers in technology.

25. HackDartmouth IX

Date: April 20th – 21st

Venue: Hanover, New Hampshire

Link: HackDartmouth IX

Students and computer science enthusiasts come together for a creative and innovative weekend at HackDartmouth IX. Participants in this college hackathon are challenged to push the limits of technology, explore novel concepts, and create solutions that have the potential to change the world. HackDartmouth supports participants of all skill levels via seminars, mentorship, and resources with an emphasis on learning and collaboration. It’s a great setting for networking, gaining knowledge from colleagues and business executives, and demonstrating your technological prowess. The goal of HackDartmouth IX is to create a community of innovators who are ready to impact the future, not only programmers.

26. TribeHacks

Date: April 20th – 21st

Venue: Williamsburg, Virginia

Link: TribeHacks

TribeHacks is a student-led hackathon that fosters creativity, teamwork, and education among the tech community. During the weekend of hacking, attendees from all disciplines are invited to collaborate on projects, attend workshops, and network with mentors from a variety of tech-related domains. The goal of TribeHacks is to foster an atmosphere that encourages innovation and allows participants to solve problems related to both technological and social issues. For people who want to learn more about technology, improve their coding abilities, and form valuable relationships inside the tech industry, this is an ideal opportunity.

27. HackDavis 2024

Date: April 27th – 28th

Venue: Davis, California

Link: HackDavis 2024

The largest student-run hackathon in the Central Valley, HackDavis 2024 is devoted to social good. It pushes participants to apply technology to address real-world issues in fields like environmental sustainability, health, and education. Students, developers, and designers get together for this event to work together on initiatives that could have a positive impact on society. With workshops, discussions, and mentorship to help participants, HackDavis provides a special chance to explore ways in which  technology may be used for social impact. This is the perfect weekend for anyone who is passionate about using technology to change the world, as it involves innovation, education, and community development.

28. GDSCHACKS Guelph

Date: May 3rd – 5th

Venue: Guelph, Ontario

Link: GDSCHACKS Guelph

The dynamic hacking event GDSCHACKS Guelph is held in the city of Guelph, Ontario, and aims to develop students’ and tech enthusiasts’ technical skills, creativity, and inventiveness. Participants are encouraged to use critical and creative thinking to design digital solutions that tackle a range of problems. GDSCHACKS offers seminars, presentations, and mentorship opportunities with a focus on community and education, creating a welcoming atmosphere for hackers of all skill levels. It’s a fantastic venue for making new connections, learning new technology, and displaying your abilities to potential employers or even peers from around the world.

29. HackUPC

Date: May 3rd – 5th

Venue: Barcelona, Spain

Link: HackUPC

One of the biggest and most anticipated hackathons in Europe, HackUPC takes place in Barcelona, Spain, and attracts participants from all over the world. It promises a fun-filled, creative, and exciting weekend of coding at the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya. HackUPC encourages hackers to push technological boundaries, present novel concepts, and produce projects that serve as inspiration. Participants can learn about the newest technological trends, hone their skills, and network with other tech enthusiasts and entrepreneurs through a variety of seminars, tech presentations, and mentorship programs. HackUPC is more than just a hackathon; it’s an ode to the creative possibilities of technology and an illustration of the strength of teamwork.

30. Global Hack Week: Data

Date: May 10th – 16th

Venue:Online

Link: Global Hack Week: Data

An innovative online event for data enthusiasts worldwide to explore the enormous potential of big data, analytics, and data science is Global Hack Week: Data. Participants are encouraged to dive into data-driven challenges, come up with creative solutions, and discover new and interesting ways to leverage the power of data during this digital-only hack week. Through webinars, online workshops, and group projects, participants get to enhance their analytical abilities, meet people who share their interests worldwide, and obtain insights into the newest developments in data science. For everyone who is passionate about data and how it can spur innovation, change, and advancement, this is the hackathon to attend.

31. Hackathon Morelos

Date: May 16th – 18th

Venue: Morelos, Mexico

Link: Hackathon Morelos

Hackathon Morelos takes place in the stunning Mexican state of Morelos. It seeks to unite innovators, developers, and tech enthusiasts to work together on technology initiatives that have the potential to have a significant influence on the community and beyond. The event encourages attendees to engage their imaginations and come up with ideas that meet societal demands by focusing on subjects including innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable development. Hackathon Morelos is an excellent platform for learning, networking, and showcasing your talents in a positive and encouraging environment.

32. Lince Hacks

Date: May 24th – 26th

Venue: Monterrey, Nuevo Leon

Link: Lince Hacks

Among students and professionals, Lince Hacks in Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, is a unique hackathon that encourages creativity, technology, and entrepreneurship. This hackathon, which takes place in one of Mexico’s trendiest and most technologically advanced towns, gives participants a chance to push themselves, pick up new skills, and work together on projects that have the potential to revolutionize entire sectors. Leading industry experts deliver keynote addresses at the event, which also offers courses on cutting edge technologies. For those who want to get involved in the digital industry, meet like-minded people, and  develop something innovative, Lince Hacks is an ideal event.

33. Global Hack Week: Web3

Date: June 7th – 13th

Venue:Online

Link: Global Hack Week: Web3

A week-long digital-only hackathon, Global Hack Week: Web3 is devoted to investigating the potential of Web3 technologies, such as blockchain, decentralized finance (DeFi), and non-fungible tokens (NFTs). Developers, designers, and entrepreneurs are invited to work virtually and push the limits of what is possible in the Web3 environment at this global event. In addition to networking with a global community of Web3 enthusiasts, participants will have the chance to work on cutting-edge projects and attend virtual courses taught by subject matter experts. This is a fantastic opportunity to learn about the internet’s future, advance your career in a quickly expanding field of technology, and join a movement that is reshaping the digital landscape.

34. Princeton Open Hackathon

Date: June 4-14, 2024

Venue: Online

Link: Princeton Open Hackathon

This multi-day hackathon, held in collaboration with NVIDIA and the OpenACC group, is heavily focused on computational sciences. Its goal is to assist researchers and scientists in making the most out of their applications on various architectures. Participants will have the opportunity to work closely with subject matter experts using a range of tools, including Computing, Python, R, and TensorFlow. 

35. HackZurich

Date: September 13-15, 2024

Venue: Zurich, Switzerland

Link: HackZurich

Renowned as one of Europe’s top hackathons, HackZurich annually attracts a crowd of more than 1,200 participants. This event is well-known for covering a wide range of cutting-edge technological topics like some of the most pressing issues prevalent in our society at the moment- the Internet of Things (IoT), healthcare technology, and sustainability. There is more to HackZurich than just coding. It’s a full-fledged event that includes coding challenges, informative workshops, inspiring speeches, and wonderful opportunities to network.

36. PennApps

Date: September (Exact Dates To be announced)

Venue: University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Link: PennApps

PennApps is the first student-run college hackathon in the United States and has a significant history of fostering creativity among students. It supports students from many geographic locations in cooperating, competing, and learning. The event stands out for its welcoming atmosphere that accepts people of all skill levels and provides a platform for attendees to advance their technical skills while working on interesting projects.

Conclusion

When we think about all the hackathons that are planned for 2024, it’s clear that the desire to come up with new ideas has no limits. Dealing with global problems through data and APIs and exploring the unknown lands of Web3 are just a few of the events that show how curious and creative the tech community is. Hackathons aren’t just places to compete; they’re also places where change can happen, where ideas can grow, where partnerships are made, and where those brave enough to dream write the future. 

FAQ

A hackathon is a software development event where coding experts, designers, and other professionals gather and work on similar projects. The main focus of a hackathon is to build new software to solve unique challenges of the tech industry.

Coding marathons, also known as Hackathons, are open to all. Anyone who has a strong expertise in their particular field such as a programmer, engineer, project manager, entrepreneur, or other subject matter experts (SME), etc can take part in the hackathon event. 

There are many benefits of participating in a hackathon such as

  • You get an opportunity to show your skill and ability.
  • You get to learn new technology.
  • You get a chance to network with industry professionals.
  • You learn to solve real-world problems.
  • You can build a portfolio of your hands-on project which will show your creativity level.
  • Innovation competitions empower you to deal with challenges.
  • Codefest teaches you to work as a team.

To be a participant in a hackathon, you need to have certain skills such as:

  • Designing Skills
  • Problem-Solving Skills
  • Frontend Development
  • Backend Development
  • Project Management
  • Adaptability
  • Creativity

To get a database for hackathons, you must consider using MongoDB for Android and Realm for iOS. MongoDB is a document-oriented database where you can store all your digital data and access it behind a web server via HTTP requests, while Realm is an open-source and mobile-friendly database that is embedded in your phone to store data handy. 

One of the largest hackathons in Europe is “HackZurich”. For a whole weekend, participants work together, share their skills, and try to create something amazing. It’s a chance to meet new friends, learn a lot of new things, and have fun seeing what kind of projects you can come up with in just 48 hours.

HackMIT is one of the most famous hackathons because it brings together people from all over to create new solutions,with the latest tech. It’s known for being a fun and important event for those who love technology.

The largest hackathon in the US is HackUTD. The University of Texas at Dallas, Department of Computer Science and the UT Dallas Chapter of the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) hosted the largest hackathon in Texas. HackUTD recorded the highest number of hackers in its seven-year history. Over 1,000 in-person students from across the United States participated and nearly 200 projects were submitted for judging at HackUTD.

“Hack the North” is Canada’s biggest hackathon event which was held in 2023. More than 1000+ students from all around the world attended this event at the University of Waterloo for an exciting 36-hour hackathon experience. They had kept $CAD61,928 in prizes. Participants had a great opportunity to showcase their skills and win exciting prizes. 

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