<p><img src="https://taikai.azureedge.net/3pnZMHJ2cqFQFw0N8WoRknxCHhQadzoIv9UmIHkzuKg/rs:fit:800:0:0/aHR0cHM6Ly9zdG9yYWdlLmdvb2dsZWFwaXMuY29tL3RhaWthaS1zdG9yYWdlL2ltYWdlcy9jMWQ5MmYyMC1hMmFlLTExZWYtYTFjOS1mYmJlY2EwMDBkMGJTY3JlZW5zaG90IDIwMjQtMTEtMTQgYXQgMTcuMzQuNDQucG5n" class="fr-fic fr-dib" /></p><p><br /></p><p>We've put together a list of hackathon trends for 2025 to keep you in the loop on what to expect this year. Hackathons are great ways to accelerate innovation, but it’s important to keep track of hackathon trends to harness the full potential of these events. Let’s dive into the 7 hackathon trends you should watch out for in 2025!</p><p><br /></p><h3>1- Virtual and hybrid hackathons</h3><p>Virtual hackathons gained momentum in the wake of global events that drove the shift from traditional in-person gatherings. Since then, remote hackathons have broken down geographical barriers, democratizing access and allowing participation from anywhere in the world. To organizers, <a href="https://taikai.network/en/blog/how-to-host-a-virtual-hackathon" target="_blank">virtual hackathons</a> also bring many benefits such as reduced costs with venues, staff, catering, and more. </p><p>Virtual hackathons have become the preferred choice as they significantly expand the talent pool and allow hosting longer, more challenging events. This trend has swiftly gained momentum in recent years, with no indications of slowing down in 2025. This means we can expect virtual hackathons to continue being the preferred choice for collaborative problem-solving and innovation in 2025.</p><p><br /></p><h3>2- Hackathons aimed at social impact</h3><p>Social impact hackathons primarily focused on issues like poverty, and education, but over the years they have evolved in terms of scale, scope, and impact. From environmental impact to health and inclusion hackathons, these events address a diverse array of global challenges, leveraging technology to drive innovative solutions and create a lasting positive impact on society.</p><p>Both nonprofit and profit organizations are increasingly recognizing the potential of these events to drive meaningful change. They are actively supporting and sponsoring hackathons that address various social challenges, defining a trend for the next few years.</p><p><br /></p><h3>3- Cross-disciplinary collaboration</h3><p>Gone are the days when hackathon teams were exclusively made up of developers. The importance of multi-skilled teams in hackathons cannot be overstated and is reflected in the increasing number of participants with <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/hackathons-sathish-kumar/?trk=article-ssr-frontend-pulse_more-articles_related-content-card" target="_blank">backgrounds outside of software development</a> like UX designers, Project Managers, and team members taking care of the business side.</p><p>The hackathon community understands that assembling teams with diverse skill sets not only enhances the quality of the solutions developed but also mirrors the collaborative nature of real-world problem-solving. The tendency is to keep witnessing the emergence of more and more <a href="https://taikai.network/en/blog/ethporto-hackathon-best-projects" target="_blank">innovative projects</a> from hackathons developed by cross-disciplinary teams.</p><p><br /></p><h3>4- AI and Machine Learning themes</h3><p>AI hackathons have witnessed a remarkable surge in popularity in recent years, fueled by the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence and its impact across industries. The impact of <a href="https://taikai.network/en/blog/best-ai-hackathon-project-ideas-2023" target="_blank">AI hackathons</a> is evident in the growing number of innovative solutions that have emerged from these events such as AI-powered applications for healthcare, education, and environmental impact, just to name a few. In 2025, we can anticipate a continued proliferation of AI hackathons driven by the accessibility to AI tools and the demand for creative solutions to complex challenges.</p><p><br /></p><h3>5- Blockchain and decentralized technologies</h3><p>The increasing popularity of hackathons oriented towards blockchain and decentralized technologies reflects the growing recognition of blockchain technology as a transformative force across various industries. In 2024 alone, TAIKAI hosted +20 web3 hackathons for organizations like the Starknet Infra, ETH Lisbon, IntelIoT, SmartCon, ETH Chicago, and ETH Rome. Builders have developed innovative projects that address topics like international development, IoT, and software product development – all while relying on decentralized tools and technologies.</p><p>In 2025, the number of web3 hackathons is expected to grow significantly. At TAIKAI, for example, we already established partnerships with leading blockchain organizations like Starkware, iExec, ETH Panama, ETH Oxford and there’re many others to come. We keep updating our <a href="https://taikai.network/hackathons" target="_blank">hackathons page</a> regularly, so stay tuned for future opportunities to engage with these challenges and influential players in the web3 space.</p><p><br /></p><h3>6- Ethical hacking and cybersecurity</h3><p>The rising popularity of ethical hacking and cybersecurity hackathons demonstrates the increasing acknowledgment the role cybersecurity plays in protecting digital ecosystems. Ethical hacking hackathons provide a platform for security enthusiasts, and cybersecurity professionals to test their skills in simulated environments, often mimicking real-world scenarios.</p><p>As the frequency and sophistication of cyber threats continue to rise, the popularity of ethical hacking and cybersecurity hackathons is likely to increase, serving as dynamic platforms for skill development, and the fortification of the digital infrastructure.</p><p><br /></p><h3>7- Hiring-oriented hackathons</h3><p>In the last couple years, hackathons have gained prominence as an innovative approach for companies to assess candidates' skills, problem-solving abilities, and collaborative mindset in real-time scenarios. The popularity of hiring-oriented hackathons is indicative of a paradigm shift in recruitment strategies. These events not only offer a more accurate and hands-on assessment of candidates but also allow companies to gauge how individuals perform under pressure and collaborate within a team. As the demand for skilled tech professionals continues to rise, it is likely that the popularity of hiring-oriented hackathons will persist, offering an effective avenue for talent acquisition in the competitive tech landscape.</p><p><br /></p><h3>In conclusion</h3><p>The future of hackathons is promising as an increasing number of companies and organizations turn to these events to address internal needs, drive innovation and tackle global challenges. In 2025, we can expect more transformation driven by the latest trends in technology and awareness of the potential of hackathons. This will lead to a growth in both the number of hackathons and participation as well as to more specialized hackathons, catering to specific industries, technologies, and skill sets, with a diverse range of themes on offer. You can kickstart your 2025 with an exciting challenge by <a href="https://taikai.network/hackathons" target="_blank">joining a hackathon</a> and putting your skills to the test! If you’re planning on organizing your hackathon, reach out to our team and <a href="https://taikai.network/organizations" target="_blank">request a demo</a>. They’ll be more than happy to assist you.</p><p><br /></p><h3><em>About TAIKAI</em></h3><p><em>Join </em><a href="https://taikai.network/" target="_blank"><em>TAIKAI</em></a><em> today and become a part of our thriving community of passionate web developers. You’ll have the chance to showcase your skills, collaborate with top tech companies, and win exciting prizes. Sign up now and start hacking your way to success!</em></p>

This is what you can expect from hackathons in 2025. Check out the full list of hackathon trends we anticipate for 2025.

7 hackathon trends for 2025

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