Applied Data Hackathon

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What is Applied Data Hackathon?

Applied Data Hackathon is a 7-day-event for data-driven entrepreneurs, in which participants in teams of 2 to 4 people (programmers, designers, managers, analysts, etc) can create prototypes of digital deeptech solutions. The defined challenges are provided by partner organizations of the hackathon.

How long is the hackathon?

The hackathon runs from February 28 to March 7, 2022.

Who can attend Applied Data Hackathon?

Applied Data Hackathon is targeted at creative minds with a hacker spirit (in the classical definition of the word). Anyone with a technical profile is welcome to apply, not only engineers (e.g. web designers are welcome too).

How are applicants selected?

Applied Data Hackathon is open for all data-driven entrepreneurs. However, only a project team of a minimum of 2 hackers - that either came into the Hackathon as a team or a newly formed during the hackathon - will be eligible for prizes. Matching can be done individually via Taikai based on the candidate profiles. CVs don't matter, please don't paste full CVs as an application pitch. What matters is your potential and your passion for technology, no matter your level of experience. Check out our eligibility criteria for the Applied Data Incubator.

How much does it cost?

Applied Data Hackathon is free for all hackers. This also applies to the onsite event at the Drivery Berlin.

What will the winners get?

The winners will get access to Applied Data Incubator 6-month startup program that supports first-time founders from Europe in launching sustainable data startups based on validated, industry-relevant business solutions. We bring together data-driven entrepreneurs and international corporates in Berlin - one of Germany’s most relevant Data Hubs - to work with real-life data on real-life challenges. Besides mentoring and coaching as well as free co-working in our space at Drivery Berlin, we also support every team member of teams with 2 to 4 persons with 12,000 Euro in the form of a special founder scholarship - all equity free and not repayable. So your team could win up to 48,000 Euro!

Moreover, we have other prizes for teams that decide not to compete to enter the Applied Data Incubator in April 2022.

How will the hackathon go?

During the hackathon, the mandatory checkpoints will be held, where the teams will meet with the tracker and experts. Then the presentation of the results is carried out, the Jury asks clarifying questions and marks. For the presentation and protection of our solutions, for teams to communicate with the coaches and mentors, we chose Zoom. Please install this app in advance and test it with your team members.

Who is a mentor?

An individual with business experience and experience working with startups, engaged by the organizer of the Hackathon to accompany and advise teams in terms of product thinking, team building, resource planning. The coach assists the teams in setting goals and monitors their achievement during the hackathon. Please check out the mentor profiles on our Hackathon website.

What is a checkpoint?

A checkpoint is a time interval within which the tracker and expert will contact the team. The team will present their current progress, according to the results of which the coaches and experts will set the current ratings.

What are the requirements for the developed solution (prototype)?

The created Prototype must not: 

• contain elements of pornography or other materials of a sexual nature
• elements and information promoting violence, inciting social, racial, national or religious hatred and enmity, or containing calls for the overthrow of the constitutional order and inciting ethnic hatred
• contain malware, viruses, spyware and other similar electronic programs that may harm the information system or violate the laws that protect the confidentiality of information
• contain pre-prepared code/part of code

If I do not want or cannot enrol in the Applied Data Incubator program in future, can I still participate in Hackathon?

Yes, no problem. You can either join for fun or save your spot in the second cohort of the Applied Data Incubator that starts in October 2022.

What programming languages and technical tools can I use?

If the cases proposed by partners do not state separate restrictions in terms of software, participants are not limited in the choice of programming languages, technologies and implementation tools for creating prototypes, provided that the result of the work solves the problem identified in the case.

The prototype can use publicly available resources, libraries, templates, third-party software, as an add-on or basis, however, such add-ons must be available to absolutely every contestant without using or attracting any external resources (money, acquaintances, etc.).

What is the format of the hackathon?

The hackathon will be held in a “hybrid” format. It will be a mix of online and offline events: the hackathons themselves in terms of setting tasks, working with experts and defending solutions will be held online, at the same time, spaces (co-working) will be opened in Berlin in which teams can work in person if they wish.

Can I register our company employees in bulk?

No. Candidates must register and apply individually (they are evaluated and selected individually too, see above).

Do you pay for the attendees' transportation and/or accommodation costs?

No. 

Do I have to participate in the 7-day program every day?

No. But we do encourage you to participate in the most important events and workshops during the hackathon period. Fortunately, there are plenty of activities to choose from.

To be eligible for the pitch, your team should attend a minimum of 3 sessions and should also get in touch with a minimum of 3 mentors.

When will the schedule be available?

A detailed schedule will be available closer to the event here on our Hackathon page on Taikai. We will also share more insights during the kick-off online event on February 28, 2022.

Will there be a live stream from the event?

Yes, live streaming will be available for the final pitch event on March 7, 2022. 

Will the talks be recorded?

Unless the speaker states otherwise, every talk will be recorded and available online in the resource section of the Hackathon page.

Is there food and beverages at the onsite event?

Food and drinks will be provided free for all attendees. We'll be providing lunch and dinner daily, and there will be random snacks and beverages available.

Is the venue open 24/7?

No, Drivery is open between 8 AM and 9 PM. In this time you can join us onsite!

I am under 18 years old, but I want to take part in the Hackathon, is there such an opportunity?

An individual who has reached the age of 18 can take part in the competition. If a team member is under 18 years old, unfortunately, she will be disqualified regardless of her place in the hackathon.

Why is the official language English?

Most of our participants are from different countries, we have attendees coming from all over the world. English is usually well understood and accepted. Our main motivation is technology and talent, and these are global attributes, so our main 'language' is what we use to code. English is not the only language at the event, though. 

Do I get a participation certificate at the end?

Yes, we can provide participation certificates on demand in the days following Applied Data Hackathon. Just make sure you actually participate.

Is there Wi-Fi at the event?

Of course. The Drivery Berlin is equipped with 5G.

Can I participate in multiple teams?

No, each confirmed participant has the opportunity to participate in only one team. You can propose two ideas and start gathering a team but at the end you have to decide which project you want to put into the ring during the pitch event.

I'm a tech guy but I also do recruiting. Is it OK if I talk to someone at Applied Data Hackathon to see if they're interested in working with me?

You cannot engage in direct recruitment activities during Applied Data Hackathon. This is one of the core rules of the event. The attendees don't enjoy unsolicited targeting, and we don't want to turn the event into a battlefield for hires. Trust us, it's better for you, not only for attendees. Having said this, it's OK if the interest is mutual and both parties want to talk (meaning the attendee approaches you). It's definitely NOT OK if you're preaching to the crowd or fishing around for interest.