If you’re looking to get into the world of hackathons, then you’re in luck. There are a number of online hackathons that cater to beginners.
In this article, we’ll be taking a look at the top 7 online hackathons for beginners in 2024. So without further ado, let’s get started!
What Is a Hackathon?
A hackathon is an event in which people come together to work on creative coding projects. Hackathons can be administered in in-person, online, or hybrid settings.
Participants typically work in teams and have a limited amount of time to complete their projects. The goal of a hackathon is to create something new, whether it be a piece of software, a startup, or even a business plan.
Hackathons are often used as a way to generate new ideas and solve problems. They can also be a lot of fun, and provide an opportunity for people with diverse skills to come together and collaborate.
What Happens at Online Hackathons?
Online hackathons are a great way to connect with other coders from around the world. They also provide an opportunity to learn new programming languages and frameworks.
Most online hackathons will have a specific theme, such as healthcare or education. This helps to focus the projects that participants work on.
Online hackathons typically last for 24-72 hours, although some span a longer period of time. During this time, participants will work on their projects and submit them for judging. A panel of experts will then select the winners.
Since virtual hackathons take place online, participants work remotely in teams or individually. This allows people from all over the world to participate, and also eliminates the need for a physical space to host the event. Prizes are often awarded to the winning team, and participants often have the opportunity to network with other coders and potential employers.
Benefits of Participating in Online Hackathons
Online hackathons offer a number of benefits for participants. First, they provide an opportunity to learn new programming languages and frameworks. They also give coders the chance to work on real-world problems and develop solutions that could have a positive impact on society. Additionally, online hackathons allow participants to network with other coders, which can lead to new job opportunities.
Besides that, hackathons can be a lot of fun. They provide a chance for people with diverse skills to come together and collaborate on creative projects. Finally, online hackathons often come with attractive prizes, which can be a great incentive for participants.
Can You Participate in Online Hackathons as a Beginner?
Yes, you can participate in online hackathons as a beginner. In fact, many online hackathons are specifically designed for beginners. These types of hackathons usually have a lower level of difficulty and provide more support for participants.
Additionally, there are often prizes for the best beginner project. The projects in such hackathons are usually less complex, and the time frame is shorter. This allows beginners to get a taste of what it’s like to participate in a hackathon without feeling overwhelmed.
If you’re interested in participating in an online hackathon, check out our list of upcoming hackathons in 2024 below. Hackathons on our list are beginner-friendly and offer attractive prizes.
How Long Do Online Hackathons Typically Last?
Online hackathons typically last anywhere from 24 hours to a week. While some online hackathons may last longer, most follow a similar format: teams of developers work around the clock to create innovative solutions to problems, with the goal of winning prizes or recognition from sponsors.
The frantic pace and tight deadlines often lead to groundbreaking ideas and exceptional code being produced in a short period of time. Moreover, online hackathons provide an opportunity for developers from all over the world to connect and collaborate, which can lead to long-term partnerships and friendships.
Whether you’re interested in participating in an online hackathon or simply want to spectate, there’s sure to be an event that meets your needs.
How to Find a Team for an Online Hackathon
There are a few different ways to find teammates for an online hackathon.
- Post in online forums or on social media platforms like Twitter or Reddit.
- Join an online coding community like GitHub or Stack Overflow. These communities are often full of experienced developers who are looking for collaborators.
- Reach out to your network of friends and acquaintances. You may be surprised at how many people in your network are interested in participating in an online hackathon.
- Participate in an online hackathon meetup. These meetups are a great way to find potential teammates and get started on a project.
With the rise of online hackathons, it has become easier than ever to find a team and get started on a project. However, there are still a few things to keep in mind when looking for a team.
First, it is important to consider the skills that each team member will bring to the table. For example, if you are looking for a web developer, it might be helpful to find someone with experience in HTML and CSS.
Secondly, it is important to find a team that you can work well with. This means considering things like communication style and time zone compatibility.
Lastly, make sure to set some ground rules before getting started. This includes things like outlining expectations for each team member and establishing a communication schedule. By following these tips, you will be sure to find a great team for your next online hackathon!
How to Participate in an Online Hackathon
If you’re interested in participating in an online hackathon, there are a few things you should do to prepare. Let’s list them one by one.
First, you should familiarize yourself with the online platform that will be used to host the event. This will ensure that you have a good understanding of how the event will work and can avoid any technical difficulties on the day of the hackathon.
Next, you should choose a project that you’re interested in working on. Try to choose something that is within your skill set so that you can be confident in your ability to complete the project.
If you’re not sure what to work on, you can check out the list of projects from previous online hackathons. This will give you an idea of the types of projects that are typically submitted. Also, check out our selection of “Top 20 Award-Winning Hackathon Ideas”.
Finally, you should assemble a team of coders who can help you with your project. It’s often helpful to have a diverse team with different skillsets. This will give you a better chance of success and will make the experience more enjoyable.
Once you’ve prepared for the event, you’re ready to participate and compete for awesome prizes!
What Can I Build at a Hackathon?
Almost anything! Hackathons are a great opportunity to flex your creative muscles and build something that you’re passionate about. However, if you’re having trouble coming up with ideas for a hackathon, here are a few suggestions:
- A web or mobile app
- A bot
- A website
- A game
- An API or library
- A hardware project
Remember, the sky’s the limit! Hackathons are a great opportunity to let your creativity shine.
Top 7 Online Hackathons for Beginners 2024
Now that we’ve gone over what an online hackathon is and how to participate, it’s time to take a look at some of the best online hackathons for beginners in 2024.
1. Devpost Beginner-Friendly Hackathons
- Dates: Varies
- Theme: Varies
- Prizes: $0-$20,000
The Devpost Beginner-Friendly Hackathons is the one comprehensive resource for finding open and upcoming beginner-friendly online hackathons.
Dozens of diverse events offer a great selection for any theme and taste that starting coders can participate in. These events are designed specifically for beginners and are a great way to learn more about coding while meeting other people in the field.
2. Major League Hacking Events
- Dates: Varies
- Theme: Varies
- Prizes: $0-$10,000
Major League Hacking is one of the largest student hackathon organizations in the world. They host dozens of events each year that are designed for beginner, intermediate, and advanced coders.
Their hackathons typically last between 24 and 48 hours, and prizes are typically awarded for first, second, and third place. Major League Hacking also offers a number of scholarships and other opportunities for participants.
3. Virtual CodeDay
- Dates: Varies
- Theme: Varies
- Prizes: TBA
Virtual CodeDay is the definition of a beginner-friendly hackathon. It is a 24-hour online event that happens four times a year, with each event having a different theme. CodeDay is open to anyone, and no experience is necessary. The event is also free to attend.
At CodeDay, you will have the opportunity to work on a project with a team of several people. You can work on anything you want, as long as it fits the theme of the event. The themes are usually broad, such as “build something that makes life better.”
CodeDay is a great place to start if you have never been to a hackathon before. It is also a great way to meet other developers and learn new skills.
4. Developer Week Hackathon
- Dates: TBD
- Theme: Web and mobile applications
- Prizes: $16,500
Come join the biggest challenge-driven virtual and in-person hackathon at DeveloperWeek 2024! They welcome developers from across the globe to come together both digitally and physically. The events always attract more than 600 participants, so don’t miss out on this opportunity.
To participate, simply preregister through Eventbrite and the Devpost event page – no matter if you’re a programmer, designer, business developer or something else entirely – everyone is invited!
5. MHacks
- Dates: TBA
- Theme: Web Development, Android, iOS, AI/ML, AR/VR, Game Development, and Hardware
- Prizes: $25,000
MHacks is an online hackathon put on by the University of Michigan. This hackathon is open to all college students, as well as high school seniors who will be attending college next year.
MHacks is a great online hackathon for beginners because it offers a wide variety of prize categories, as well as an online workshop series that can help you learn new skills and prepare for the event.
MHacks also has a strong focus on social good, so if you’re looking to use your skills to make a difference, this is the online hackathon for you.
6. TRON DAO Grand Hackathon
- Dates: TBA
- Theme: NFT, DeFi, GameFi, and Web3
- Prizes: $200,000
The TRON DAO Grand Hackathon is an online hackathon that is open to anyone, regardless of skill level. This hackathon is focused on developing applications on the TRON network.
If you are interested in blockchain technology and want to learn more about how to develop on the TRON network, this is the online hackathon for you.
The TRON DAO Grand Hackathon offers a grand prize of $60,000 for the first place, as well as other prizes, making it one of the most lucrative online hackathons for beginners.
7. Hack Club High School Hackathons
- Dates: Varies
- Theme: Varies
- Prizes: $0-$2,000
Hack Club High School Hackathons are online hackathons for high school students that occur throughout the year. Themes and prizes vary per hackathon, but all hackathons are designed to challenge and engage students in the world of computer science and technology.
These hackathons are a great way for beginners to get started in the world of online hacking and to learn from more experienced hackers.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a way to get started in online hacking, there are plenty of online hackathons that are perfect for beginners. These hackathons offer a variety of themes and prizes, so you can find one that fits your interests and skills.
The online hackathons we’ve listed here are some of the best options available. Be sure to explore all of your options (especially on Devpost!) before deciding which online hackathon is right for you. Good luck attending your first hackathon!
Elmar Mammadov is a software developer, tech startup founder, and computer science career specialist. He is the founder of CS Careerline and a true career changer who has previously pursued careers in medicine and neuroscience.
Due to his interest in programming and years of past personal experience in coding, he decided to break into the tech industry by attending a Master’s in Computer Science for career changers at University of Pennsylvania. Elmar passionately writes and coaches about breaking into the tech industry and computer science in general.
