Are you a tech enthusiast wanting to work on innovative projects, learn new skills, and network with other hackers? If yes, then you should definitely join a hackathon!

Hackathons are events where programmers, designers, and other professionals collaborate to create solutions for real-world problems in a limited time. They are a great way to showcase your talent, challenge yourself, and have fun.

But how do you find and join the best hackathons for you? Don’t worry, we have got you covered. We’ll share the list of the top hackathons happening in the first quarter of 2024 and how to key in.

What are the Top Hackathons in 2024 Q1?

Many hackathons are happening worldwide, but we have selected the beginner-friendly, diverse, and exciting ones. Here are the hackathons that you should check out in 2024 Q1:

DeveloperWeek 2024 Hackathon: Join the nation's largest challenge-driven in-person and online hackathon starting Feb 5 – 23, 2024. Click here to learn more and sign up now!

Women's Rights Buildathon: The Women's Rights Buildathon is a virtual event starting Feb 23 – Mar 7, 2024, hosted by Baddies in Tech and be part of a groundbreaking movement driving positive change for women worldwide. This inclusive space welcomes women of colour to collaborate and create innovative solutions tackling critical issues like gender-based violence, reproductive rights, pay equity, digital and financial literacy, and more. Click here to learn more and sign up now!

MoonHacks By Moon Corp: MoonHacks is about encouraging students to explore STEM careers. As a result, every participant is a winner and will receive a minimum of X dollars in prizes. They will also host various workshops to help students get excited about engineering and all the possibilities that come with it. Starting Feb 29 – Mar 15, 2024. Click here to learn more and sign up now!

UNity Hacks: UNity Hacks is a three-day online hackathon that challenges participants to create innovative solutions that address one of the United Nations' sustainable development goals. Apps, games, websites, and more are all welcome, and we especially encourage using AI technologies. Beginners and students of all skill levels are welcome to participate. The event will take place from February 23rd to 26th, 2024. Click here to learn more and sign up now!

Valentine Hacks by EduLearn: Valentine Hacks is powered by EduLearn, an organization dedicated to introducing beginners to engineering and computer programming. If you're new to coding, this hackathon is the perfect place to start. With the support of experienced mentors, you'll have the opportunity to learn and create something amazing. So get ready to have fun and join us from February 15 to March 1, 2024. Click here to learn more and sign up now!

LIVE AI 1 Ideathon: The LIVE AI Ideathon, taking place on February 17th, March 2nd, and March 3rd is an online pitch competition organized by ICP.HUB North America and Tech Tree Root. This event inspires and encourages participants to create innovative AI-powered solutions that solve real-world problems. The LIVE AI Ideathon will foster creative thinking and collaboration by bringing together a diverse group of participants. So get ready to pitch your big ideas! Click here to learn more and sign up now!

DEGEN HACK 2024: The Blockchain Business Hackathon, backed by PKO BP and top global blockchains, is a three-day event that will take place from February 16th to 18th, 2024. This hackathon is focused on developing innovative business solutions that leverage the power of blockchain technology. With the support of industry experts, participants will have the opportunity to build and pitch their ideas, with a chance to win valuable prizes. Come join us and see what you can create! Click here to learn more and sign up now!

How to Key In?

Now that you know the top hackathons in 2024 Q1, you might be wondering how to key in. Here are some tips that will help you prepare and participate in a hackathon:

• Register: The first step is to register for the hackathon that you are interested in. You can find the registration links on the links provided. Some hackathons may require you to submit an application or a resume, so ensure you do that before the deadline.

• Find a Team: Most hackathons allow you to work in teams of up to four or five people. You can form a team with friends, classmates, or colleagues or join a team online. You can use platforms like Discord, Slack, or Devpost to find and communicate with other hackers.

• Choose a Project: The next step is to choose a project you want to work on during the hackathon. You can either come up with your idea or follow the theme or challenge of the hackathon. You should also consider your project idea's feasibility, originality, and impact.

• Plan and Design: Once you have a project idea, you should plan and design how to implement it. Break down your project into smaller tasks and assign them to your team members. You should also decide on the technologies, tools, and frameworks you will use. You can use tools like Trello, GitHub, or Figma to help you manage your project and design your user interface.

• Code and Test: The most important part of the hackathon is to code and test your project. You should follow the best coding practices, such as commenting, debugging, and version control. You should also test your project for functionality, usability, and performance.

• Submit and Present: The final step is to submit and present your project to the judges and audience. Follow the submission guidelines of the hackathon and upload your project files, screenshots, and video demos. You should also prepare a pitch deck that showcases your project's problem, solution, features, and impact. You can use tools like PowerPoint, Canva, or Prezi to help you create and present your pitch deck.

Conclusion

These are some of the tips that will help you key in and succeed in a hackathon. Hackathons are a fun and rewarding way to learn new skills, meet new people, and create amazing projects. So don't miss this opportunity and start hacking today!