Hackathons Explained: Beginners Guide To Hackathon
Tags: hackathon, webdev, programming
Published: 2023-05-18 13:37:55

Hackathons have gained popularity recently. They offer an approach for individuals to collaboratively solve problems and build innovative solutions in a competitive environment. At their core, hackathons are events where participants work intensively on developing projects, often software or hardware prototypes, within a limited time frame.

A hackathon brings together individuals of different backgrounds and skill sets to work towards a shared objective. By combining diverse perspectives and skill sets, hackathons foster creativity and innovation. Participants are encouraged to develop innovative perspectives and create novel solutions.

One example of a hackathon gaining significant attention is the Venom Blockchain hackathon series. These events are focused on developing decentralized applications and smart contracts using the Venom Blockchain. The goal of these hackathons is to encourage the development of innovative solutions that leverage the unique features and capabilities of the Venom Blockchain.

In recent years, virtual hackathons have become more common, allowing participants worldwide to collaborate and compete without physical proximity. This opens up hackathons to a much larger audience. It has also allowed for even more diverse perspectives and skill sets to be brought together.

Hackathons are excellent for individuals to develop their skills. They connect people with shared interests who contribute to developing innovative solutions. These events offer a unique opportunity to push boundaries and create real-world impacts.

Come along as we take a deep dive into the hackathon concept!

### What is a Hackathon?
[A hackathon](https://www.techtarget.com/searchcio/definition/hackathon) is a competitive event where individuals/groups collaboratively develop solutions over a short period, usually a day or several days. Participants often work in teams and are given a specific challenge or theme to work on. The goal is to build a functional prototype that is presentable to a panel at the end of the event.

#### Origins and History of Hackathons
The word "hackathon" consists of two terms "hack" and "marathon." The term "Hack" refers to exploratory programming or the act of quickly writing code to solve a problem. "Marathon," on the other hand, refers to the long work hours that are often required during the event.

[The origins of hackathons](https://content.techgig.com/codegladiators2021/a-brief-history-of-hackathon/articleshow/75291637.cms) date to the 1990s. It was primarily held within the tech industry.  Sun Microsystems hosted [one of the earliest hackathons](https://hackernoon.com/the-history-of-hackathons-a-digital-evolution) ever in 1999. However, hackathons started to become well-known in the mid-2000s as a way to bring together people from diverse backgrounds and skill sets to collaboratively solve challenging problems.

In recent years, hackathons have become more widespread. They have been held in various industries, including finance, crypto, healthcare, and education. They have also become more diverse, with specific events aimed at communities, such as women and people of color.

Overall, hackathons have become popular for promoting innovation and collaboration. They also continue to evolve and adapt to new challenges and industries.

#### Common Hackathon Formats and Themes
There are many different formats and themes for hackathons. Each format or theme depends on the event's goals and the participants' interests. Some common formats and themes include the following:
 

- **Time-based Hackathon**: This is a traditional format where participants have a set time to work on their projects, usually 24-48 hours. The focus is on rapid prototyping and achieving significant work in a short period.

- **Virtual Hackathon**: In a virtual hackathon, participants work remotely and collaborate online in a virtual hackathon. This format became more popular due to the pandemic and offers the benefit of reaching a wider audience.

- **Hackathon for Social Good**: A social good hackathon focuses on using technology and innovation to create solutions for social and environmental issues. Examples include addressing climate change, reducing inequality, or improving healthcare access.

- **Industry-specific Hackathon**: These hackathons focus on a specific industry, like finance or education. Participants work on developing solutions that can benefit that industry.

- **Data-driven Hackathon**: These hackathons focus on analyzing and utilizing large data to solve complex problems.

- **Ideation Hackathon**: In an ideation hackathon, participants work on generating new ideas for products, services, or businesses. The focus is on creativity and innovation.

- **Game Jams**: A game jam is a hackathon focused on developing video games. Participants are tasked with creating a playable game.

These are just a few examples of hackathon formats and themes. The key to a successful hackathon is choosing a format and theme that aligns with the event's goals and the participants' interests.

#### Benefits of Participating in Hackathons
Participating in hackathons offers numerous benefits for both individuals and organizations. Firstly, it allows participants to network with like-minded individuals and build connections with potential employers, collaborators, and mentors. Hackathons also enable individuals to develop their technical skills by working on real-world problems, learning new tools and technologies, and experimenting with innovative solutions.

Moreover, participating in hackathons fosters creativity and innovation. It encourages participants to think outside the box and develop original ideas. It also promotes teamwork, as participants often work in groups to develop their projects, which helps build communication, collaboration, and leadership skills. Additionally, hackathons present excellent opportunities for organizations to discover new talent and innovative solutions to their business challenges.

Hackathons are great for developing skills, building connections, and fostering creativity and innovation. Whether you are a professional or a beginner, participating in hackathons offers valuable experiences that can help propel your career or business.

### Virtual Hackathons
[Virtual hackathons](https://www.airmeet.com/hub/blog/virtual-hackathon-guide/) are online events where individuals or teams come together to solve a problem or create something innovative in a limited time. Participants are typically developers, designers, and entrepreneurs who collaborate and showcase their skills while networking and learning from each other.

Participants usually form virtual teams. They use various tools and technologies to develop their solutions. Furthermore, the final projects are judged by a panel based on multiple criteria.

#### Advantages of Virtual Hackathons Over In-Person Events
Virtual hackathons have several advantages over in-person events. Some of these advantages include the following:

- **Accessibility**: Virtual hackathons make it easier for individuals from anywhere in the world to participate. Unlike in-person events that may require participants to travel long distances, virtual hackathons can be accessed from the comfort of one's home, eliminating travel expenses and other related costs.

- **Flexibility**: Virtual hackathons provide participants with a more flexible schedule. This allows participants to work on projects at their pace and schedules. It is particularly beneficial for individuals with other commitments.


- **Cost-Effective**: Organizers of virtual hackathons can save on several costs, such as venue rental, catering, and other expenses that come with in-person events.


- **Increased Diversity**: Virtual hackathons can attract a more diverse range of participants due to their accessibility and flexibility. This diversity can lead to more innovative solutions as individuals from different backgrounds and experiences offer unique perspectives and ideas.


- **More Global Reach**: With virtual hackathons, participants can join from anywhere worldwide, leading to a more extensive global reach. This allows organizers to attract more participants and expand their networks, ultimately making a more significant impact.


- **Better Networking Opportunities**: Participants can connect with like-minded individuals, form new partnerships, and build their professional networks.


However, virtual hackathons can also pose challenges, such as technical difficulties and a lack of physical interaction, leading to difficulties in maintaining engagement and motivation. Nevertheless, virtual hackathons are valuable to the tech industry as they provide innovation, collaboration, and networking platforms.

#### Tools and Platforms for Organizing and Participating in Virtual Hackathons
Virtual hackathons have become increasingly popular in recent years, allowing developers, designers, and other participants worldwide to collaborate effectively. 

Several tools and platforms are available to help organizers and participants to organize and participate in virtual hackathons. The choice of tools and platform will depend on the specific needs of the organizers and participants. Some of these tools and platforms include:


- **DoraHacks**: [DoraHacks](https://dorahacks.io/) is a global hacker community that organizes hackathons, coding competitions, and other technology-related events. The community was founded in China in 2014. However, it has since expanded to the United States, Canada, and Germany. DoraHacks events bring together developers, designers, entrepreneurs, and other technology enthusiasts to work on innovative projects and solutions. The community also provides networking opportunities and resources for its members, including mentorship and funding opportunities.


- **Hackathon.com**: This platform provides a complete solution for organizing and participating in virtual hackathons. It offers tools for registration, team formation, project submission, judging, and more.


- **Devpost**: Devpost is a platform that hosts virtual hackathons and provides a space for participants to showcase their projects. It offers features for registration, project submission, judging, and collaboration.


- **Zoom**: Zoom is a video conferencing platform that can be used for virtual hackathons. It allows participants to communicate and collaborate in real time.


- **Slack**: Slack is a team collaboration tool. It provides a space for participants to communicate and share files and resources.


- **GitHub**: GitHub is a code hosting platform. Participants can collaborate on code, track changes, and manage projects on the platform.


- **Google Drive**: This is a cloud-based storage platform. Participants can share and collaborate on documents, spreadsheets, and presentations.


- **Trello**: Trello is a project management tool. It allows participants to track tasks, assign responsibilities, and manage deadlines.


### Venom Blockchain: An Overview
[The Venom Blockchain](https://venom.foundation/) is developed by the Venom Foundation, which is the first institution registered within the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) ). Venom provides a secure and scalable platform for building and deploying decentralized applications. 


High performance and scalability are among what Venom Blockchain’s unique asynchronous architecture offers. Its dynamic [sharding](https://www.crypto-news-flash.com/tech-spotlight-how-venom-blockchains-sharding-technology-enhances-scalability/) technology enables it to scale as the volume of transactions rises. 

In addition, Venom supports smart contracts. The Venom Blockchain executes smart contracts using its Threaded Virtual Machine (TVM), a Turing Complete Virtual Machine.

Venom’s use case is infinite. It can be used in Web3, NFT, and gaming (games, metaverse, secure messaging, social media, etc.). It can also be used in DeFi and CBDCs. These may include asset management, stablecoins, DEXs, DAOs, lending & borrowing platforms, tokenized assets, etc. 

Also, developers looking to develop tools and infrastructures can leverage Venom. Such tools and infrastructure may include wallets, cross-border payment solutions, storage solutions, oracles, etc.

#### Venom Blockchain Hackathons
Hackathons are important events for any blockchain ecosystem, including Venom. These events bring together developers, designers, and entrepreneurs to collaborate and create innovative solutions to real-world problems using blockchain technology.

For the Venom blockchain ecosystem, hackathons will enable users to gain exposure to developing on the Venom blockchain, including the TVM, how it works, and its benefits. Other benefits include:

- **Promoting Innovation**: Hackathons provide a platform for developers to experiment with new ideas and build working prototypes. This fosters innovation within the ecosystem and helps to push the boundaries of what is possible with Venom.

- **Community Engagement**: Hackathons are a great way to bring the community together and build a sense of belonging. By participating in a hackathon, developers can connect with other Venom community members and collaborate on projects that benefit the entire ecosystem.

- **Talent Identification**: Hackathons are a great way to identify talented developers and designers who can contribute to the Venom ecosystem in the long term. By participating in a hackathon, developers can showcase their skills and potentially earn job offers or other opportunities within the ecosystem.

- **Partnership Opportunities**: Hackathons also allow startups and other businesses to partner with the Venom ecosystem. By sponsoring a hackathon or participating in one, companies can gain exposure to a talented pool of developers and potentially form partnerships that can benefit their businesses.

Developers and businesses are not left out, as they can contribute to the growth and success of the Venom ecosystem through hackathons.

#### Upcoming Venom Virtual Hackathons
For the first time, [the Venom Foundation is hosting a virtual hackathon](https://dorahacks.io/hackathon/venom-hackathon/detail) in collaboration with DoraHacks, Developer DAO, and Hacken. The event aims to provide developers with all the necessary tools, resources, and education to start developing on the Venom blockchain.

The hackathon kicked off with an opening ceremony on May 8, 2023. This is followed by workshops and office hours that will take place over the course of the entire hackathon. The purpose of the workshops and office hours is to help participants become familiar with TVM and T-SOL. This educational aspect will enable developers to enhance their skills and knowledge, making the hackathon a valuable learning experience and a competitive event.

The workshops will cover various critical topics. Some of the topics include:

- How to establish a smart contract

- How to create a non-fungible TIP-4 coin

- How to connect a dApp UI to Venom, and more.

After the opening ceremony, developers can submit their applications. The deadline for participants to submit their projects is June 10, 2023. Once projects have been submitted, a panel of judges, each with a particular area of expertise, will evaluate them. Some notable panelists include David Atkinson, co-founder of Holochain, and Peter Knez, former CIO of Blackrock.

Three tracks will be available for participants to choose from: 

1. Web3, NFTs, and Gaming
2. DeFi and CBDCs
3. Tools and Infrastructure

During the course of five weeks, participants' skills and creativity will be tested. Submitted projects will be judged based on technological innovation, potential impact, project sustainability, design, and quality of the idea.

On June 17, 2023, an awards ceremony will conclude the hackathon. First-place winners from each category will get $30,000. The three first-place finishers will also receive a free security audit from Hacken, thanks to their partnership with Venom. Also, three teams in each category will receive honorary mentions and a $3,000 prize each. The hackathon's overall prize pool, which includes cash awards, security reviews, and other incentives, is $225,000.

#### Tips for Participating in Venom Virtual Hackathons
Venom Virtual Hackathons are a great way to showcase your skills and creativity in building innovative solutions to real-world problems. Here are some tips for participating in a Venom Virtual Hackathon:

#### Preparing for A Hackathon

- **Research**: Research the theme and the rules of the hackathon thoroughly. This will help you understand the scope of the event and what is expected of you.

- **Choose your tools**: Ensure you are familiar with the programming languages, frameworks, and tools required for the hackathon.

- **Plan your project**: Plan your project well in advance. Create a project roadmap that outlines the milestones, deadlines, and deliverables.

#### Forming A Team and Collaborating Effectively

- **Find like-minded individuals**: Find people with similar interests and skills to form a team.

- **Define roles and responsibilities**: Define roles and responsibilities for each team member to ensure everyone knows what they need to do.

- **Communicate regularly**: Regular communication is essential for effective collaboration. Use tools like Slack, Zoom, etc., to stay in touch with your team.

- **Be open to feedback**: Listen to your team members' feedback and be willing to make changes based on their suggestions.

#### Tips for A Successful Hackathon Experience

- **Prioritize**: Prioritize the most critical features of your project and focus on delivering them first.

- **Keep it simple**: Keep your project simple and focused. Avoid overcomplicating your solution.

- **Test your project regularly**: Test your project regularly to ensure it meets the requirements and works as expected.

- **Network**: Take advantage of the opportunity to network with other participants and judges. Exchange ideas, share knowledge, and learn from others.

Participants can also take breaks regularly to avoid burnout and keep themselves fresh and focused.

### Conclusion
Hackathons have proven to be useful in promoting innovation, collaboration, and growth in the blockchain industry. Specifically, in the Venom blockchain ecosystem, hackathons have a crucial role in driving the development and adoption of new applications, tools, and services.

Through hackathons, participants have the opportunity to learn from industry experts, network with like-minded individuals, and work on real-world challenges. This has enabled them to develop their skill set and create practical solutions to real-world problems. In addition, the virtual format of hackathons has made them more accessible to individuals and teams worldwide, further increasing their impact.

As the blockchain industry continues to evolve, the future of hackathons remains promising. They are expected to remain a key driver of innovation and collaboration, providing opportunities for developers, entrepreneurs, and enthusiasts to come together and push the boundaries of what is possible. Hackathons will continue to play a significant role in shaping the industry's future as new technologies and applications emerge. Overall, hackathons are a valuable resource that will continue to benefit the blockchain community for years to come.

Source:[DepositPhotos](https://depositphotos.com/196535766/stock-photo-rendering-abstract-code-virtual-space.html)