What is a Hackathon?

The Definition of a Hackathon A hackathon is an event, typically lasting several days, where people come together to collaborate in order to solve a problem or identify new opportunities. The word hackathon is a combination of “hack” and “marathon,” i.e., a marathon for hackers. The goal of a hackathon is often to build a working prototype, or proof-of-concept, of a product or feature in a short amount of time, and to have fun, improve skill sets, and network while doing it. The Anatomy of a Hackathon Hackathons can be focused on a particular theme, technology, or programming language, and can be open to anyone interested in participating, often including developers, designers, product managers, entrepreneurs, intrapreneurs, and project managers, collaborating towards a common goal. Many hackathons are competitive events where teams compete to create the best solution to a problem or set of problems in a fast paced environment. Typically, mentorship is available for teams as they experiment and iterate towards a viable solution. Each team then presents their solution to a panel of judges for prizes, recognition, and a chance for implementation by the sponsoring company. This can be a fun and exciting way to motivate participants and encourage them to push their limits.