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Everyone's a builder here: coders, PMs, designers, & the just-curious.
Get ready to build something real for Newark! We're taking over Rutgers iHub for a full-day hackathon focused on solving problems that actually matter to the people who call this city home, from water safety to food access to just making city government easier to navigate.
Theme:
Description:
This hackathon challenges participants to pick a real issue facing Newark & build something that actually helps: a tool, an assistant, a dashboard, whatever gets the job done. Teams can dig into problem areas like environmental & water justice, food access, cost of living, or civic transparency, or bring their own idea if they see a sharper angle. Expect AI to play a role in your build, but what we're really looking for is a solution that works. Judging will weigh usefulness & execution as heavily as technical approach.
Technical Scope:
Participants can use any technical stack they prefer (code-based, no-code, or a mix)
Projects must be built from scratch during the hackathon, no prebuilt solutions
Teams are free to choose one of our suggested problem areas or pitch their own. We'll share a few starting points at kickoff, but the direction is yours
Judging Criteria:
Relevance & Impact: Does this solve a real, specific problem for Newark residents, & could someone actually use it?
Execution: How complete & functional is the prototype, given the short build window?
Thoughtful AI Use: How & why did you use AI? A simple, well-executed approach counts; bonus points for teams who push further with multi-step reasoning or tool use where it genuinely fits the problem.
Usability & Creativity: Would a non-technical resident actually get it? Does the approach show real originality?
Pitch & Clarity: Can you clearly explain the problem, the solution, & who it's for in your demo?
Agenda:
10:00 10:30 AM | Check-in & Networking
Registration, coffee/light breakfast, casual networking
10:30 11:00 AM | Welcome & Opening Remarks
Theme & judging criteria overview
11:00 11:30 AM | Team Formation & Idea Pitches
Participants pitch project ideas, team matchmaking session
11:30 AM 4:00 PM | Hacking Session
Teams build prototypes, mentors available for tech & business guidance, lunch break at 1:00 PM
4:00 5:00 PM | Project Demos & Pitches
35 minute demos from each team, judged by partners & industry reps
5:00 5:30 PM | Awards & Closing Remarks
Winners announced, closing remarks
5:30 6:00 PM | Networking & Wrap-Up
Informal mingling with participants, judges, & partners
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