Top 20 Award-Winning Hackathon Ideas (+13 bonus ideas!)

If you’re looking for some inspiration for your next hackathon project, look no further. We’ve put together a list of the top 20 award-winning hackathon ideas to get you started.

From innovative app ideas to clever hacks that use existing technology in new ways, there’s something for everyone here. So get inspired and start planning your next winning project!

FYI: When you buy something through one of the links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

What types of projects win hackathons?

There is no singular answer to this question, as the types of projects that win hackathons vary depending on the specific event and its focus.

However, in general, successful hackathon projects tend to be innovative, well-executed, and relevant to the event’s theme. Let’s give a bit more detail on these.

• Innovation: Does your project offer a new solution to an existing problem? Is it a new take on an existing idea? Hackathons are all about coming up with original ideas, so make sure your project is truly unique.
• Execution: Is your project well-executed? Does it look professional and polished? Remember, first impressions count!
• Relevance: Is your project relevant to the event’s theme? For example, if the hackathon is focused on healthcare, your project should ideally be related to this topic.

Keep these criteria in mind when brainstorming hackathon ideas, and you’ll be one step closer to winning your next event. That said, there are certain themes that tend to win more prizes in hackathons. These include:

• Healthcare/medicine
• Environment/sustainability
• Education
• Social good
• Data science/analytics
• Augmented/virtual reality
• Internet of Things
• Blockchain
• Cybersecurity

So, if you really want to come back with a prize, focus your project around one of these themes.

How to come up with an award-winning hackathon idea

So, you want your hackathon project to stand out, and your eyes are set on the prize. But you can’t quite come up with that one idea that seems perfect for the hackathon.

If this sounds familiar, don’t worry – we’ve all been there. The good news is that there are a few tried and tested methods you can use to generate hackathon ideas.

1. Brainstorm with a team: Get together with a group of friends or colleagues, and brainstorm ideas for the hackathon. Not only will this help you come up with more ideas, but it’s also a great way to get some feedback and perspective on your ideas.

2. Look for problems: Another great way to generate hackathon ideas is to look for problems that need solving. This could be anything from a real-world problem that you think needs a tech solution, to a minor annoyance in your everyday life. Once you’ve identified a problem, try to come up with a creative solution that could make things better.

3. Use a hackathon idea generator: If you’re really stuck, there are a few online tools that can help you generate hackathon ideas. One of our favorites is ChatGPT. Simply ask the engine for award-winning hackathon ideas using a relevant prompt, and it’ll give you a list of related ideas to choose from.

4. Get inspired by other projects: If you’re still struggling to come up with an idea, take a look at some of the projects that have won previous hackathons. This will give you a good idea of the kind of thing that tends to do well at these events. You can search for such winners by browsing past hackathons on Devpost.

With these tips in mind, you should have no trouble coming up with a great hackathon idea. And who knows – maybe your next project will be the one that takes home the top prize!

What else you need for success at a hackathon

So what else besides a good idea do you need for a successful run at your next hackathon event? Let’s take a look at a few key things you’ll need to make sure you’re prepared.

1. A great team: A hackathon is not the time to do it alone. You’ll need a team of talented individuals with complementary skills to help you turn your idea into a reality. So take some time to assemble a group of talented friends or colleagues before the event. You could find teammates through online platforms like Hackathon.com, or simply reach out to your network.

2. The right tools: Make sure you have all the necessary hardware and software for your project. This could include anything from a laptop to an Arduino board. If you’re not sure what you’ll need, reach out to the hackathon organizers in advance and ask for advice.

3. A clear plan: Once you have your team and tools sorted, it’s time to start thinking about your project plan. This should include a clear goal for your project, as well as a timeline of milestones you’ll need to hit. Having a plan will help you stay focused and on track during the event.

With these three things in mind, you’ll be in good shape to take on your next hackathon.

How to prepare for a hackathon

If you’re new to the world of hackathons, the prospect of taking part in one can be a little daunting. But don’t worry – with a little preparation, you’ll be ready to take on the challenge. Here are a few things you can do to get ready for your first hackathon.

1. Research the event: The first step is to learn as much as you can about the hackathon you’ll be taking part in. Read the event website, and reach out to the organizers if you have any questions. This will help you understand what to expect, and what’s expected of you. If you’re a beginner and are still looking for online hackathon events to attend, check out this article for the best online hackathons for beginners.

2. Choose your team: Hackathons are usually team events, so you’ll need to choose who you want to work with in advance. Make sure you pick people you’re comfortable working with, and who have complementary skills.

3. Choose your project: Once you know what the event is all about, it’s time to start thinking about what project you want to work on. Brainstorm some ideas, and settle on something that you’re passionate about.

4. Prepare food and snacks: Hackathons can be long events, so it’s important to make sure you’re well-fed and hydrated. Prepare some easy-to-eat snacks and drinks that will keep you going through the night.

5. Get some sleep: Hackathons can be intense, so it’s important to get some rest before the big event. Make sure you get a good night’s sleep, and try to relax and de-stress in the days leading up to the hackathon.

We also recommend checking out our guide on how to get ready and participate in hackathon events.

20 hackathon ideas to win at your next event

With that said, here are 20 award-winning hackathon ideas for your next event. With a bit of creativity and perseverance, any one of these could be a winning project.

1. AirBnB for evacuees

In this project, you will build a platform that helps people find temporary housing during natural disasters and other emergencies. The app allows users to search for nearby AirBnBs that are available for evacuation, as well as view information about the accommodations.

2. A social network for refugees

The platform helps refugees connect with each other and find information about their rights and entitlements. It also includes a map feature that shows the location of nearby refugee camps.

3. A platform to help small businesses access loans

In this project, you will build a platform that helps small businesses in developing countries access loans. The platform includes a loan calculator and a directory of lenders. It also provides information about government regulations and requirements.

4. A tool to help farmers sell their produce

This thoughtful tool helps farmers in developing countries sell their produce. The platform includes a marketplace where farmers can list their products, and a payment gateway that allows buyers to pay for the products using their credit or debit cards.

5. A platform to help job seekers find jobs

There are obviously many such platforms, but the key detail in your project would be that your platform would help a specific population, namely refugees or small business owners in developing countries.

6. A tool to help people with disabilities find accessible canning places and events

Here you will build an app that helps people with disabilities find accessible businesses and events. The app includes a map feature that shows the location of nearby accessible businesses and events.

7. A platform to connect journalists with sources

This project will help journalists find sources for their stories. The platform includes a directory of experts, as well as a search engine that allows users to find experts by keywords.

8. A tool to help people learn a new language

This project will help people learn a new language through conversation. The app pairs users with native speakers of the language they want to learn. The app also includes a translation feature to help users communicate with their conversation partners.

9. A platform to connect students with mentors

This project will help students find mentors. The platform includes a directory of mentors, as well as a search engine that allows users to find mentors by keywords.

10. A tool to help people find scholarships

This project will help people find scholarships. The platform includes a directory of scholarships, as well as a search engine that allows users to find scholarships by keywords.

11. A platform for matching volunteers with local organizations

This project will help connect volunteers with local organizations that need their help. The platform will include a directory of organizations, as well as a search engine that allows volunteers to find organizations by keywords.

12. A social network for connecting with different cultures

This project will help people connect with others from different cultures. The platform will include a directory of cultural groups, as well as a search engine that allows users to find groups by keywords.

13. A platform for connecting artists with opportunities

This project will help artists connect with opportunities, such as gigs, residencies, and commissions. The platform will include a directory of opportunities, as well as a search engine that allows users to find opportunities by keywords.

14. A social media platform for connecting with like-minded people

This project will help people connect with others who share their interests and passions. The platform will include a directory of users, as well as a search engine that allows users to find people by keywords.

15. An online marketplace for buying and selling handmade goods

This project will provide a platform for people to buy and sell handmade goods. The marketplace will include a directory of sellers, as well as a search engine that allows users to find products by keywords.

16. A platform for connecting pet owners with dog-walking services

This project will help pet owners connect with dog-walking services. The platform will include a directory of dog-walking services, as well as a search engine that allows users to find services by keywords.

17. A platform for connecting home owners with house-sitting services

This project will help home owners connect with house-sitting services. The platform will include a directory of house-sitting services, as well as a search engine that allows users to find services by keywords.

18. A tool for finding lost pets

This project will help people find lost pets. The platform includes a directory of lost pets, as well as a search engine that allows users to find pets by keywords.

19. A platform for connecting families with nannies and babysitters

This project will help families connect with nannies and babysitters. The platform will include a directory of nannies and babysitters, as well as a search engine that allows users to find caretakers by keywords.

20. A platform for connecting businesses with freelance workers

This project will help businesses connect with freelance workers. The platform will include a directory of freelancers, as well as a search engine that allows users to find workers by keywords.

BONUS: +13 extra hackathon ideas!

If you’re still stuck, here are 13 more hackathon ideas to stimulate your creativity and pick what sounds most like you!

1. A healthcare app that helps people with chronic conditions manage their condition and connect with others who have similar conditions
2. A data analytics platform that helps businesses make better decisions by visualizing data in a user-friendly way.
3. A virtual reality game that teaches children about different cultures and customs
4. A website that helps people learn about different environmental issues and what they can do to help
5. A app that helps people reduce their carbon footprint
6. A app that helps people find sustainable and ethical fashion brands
7. A education app that helps people learn about different cultures and customs
8. A mobile app that helps people with chronic illnesses track their symptoms and medication
9. A app that helps people find vegan and vegetarian restaurants
10. A mobile app that helps businesses track their energy usage and find ways to save energy
11. A mobile app that helps people find recycling facilities
12. A mobile app that helps people find local farmers markets
13. A app that helps people find fair trade and ethical businesses

Conclusion

If you’re looking for an edge over the competition, consider working on one of these 20 award-winning hackathon project ideas (or one of the bonus 13!).

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced hacker, there’s something here for everyone. We hope you find this list helpful and that it inspires you to create something awesome at your next hackathon!