It’s unsurprising that hackathons have gained such immense popularity, like summer camps for programmers, these gatherings offer the opportunity for people of all backgrounds to come together over a shared love of coding and technology. Often lasting 24 hours or more, hackathons are high energy incubators for tech creativity, and its not unheard of for an attendee to leave with a revolutionary new app to their name or as the cofounder of a promising startup. Even participants who are completely new to the tech scene are empowered to take on new projects with the help of on-site mentors and experts. Above all else, hackathons are a fun way to bond with the community and get feedback on ideas. Here are five San Jose hackathons that are serving as springboards for the next generation of tech.
San Jose Hackathons You Should Know
- API World
- Learning Tech
- Star Hacks
- Opportunity Hack
- Pioneer Hacks
Location: SoFA
Overview: The application programming interface (API) industry has exploded over the past decade, with most enterprises relying on API providers in some fashion. Recognizing the sectors ever-growing expansion and value to tech companies, API World hosts an API-focused hackathon in the hopes of tackling some of the industry’s biggest questions. Sponsored by Amazon Web Services, Docusign, Appdome and others, the hackathon offers participants the opportunity to build new startups, solve group challenges and collaborate on sponsored challenges. The event is open to anyone regardless of background, with past participant groups including everyone from creatives to developers. In addition to their hackathon events, API World additionally hosts conferences, expos and other events designed to bring the greater tech community together.
Prizes: $3,000+ total
Location: SoFA
Overview: Hack The Future 25 is a hackathon designed for tech enthusiasts ages 10 through 19, hosted by the consulting company Learning Tech. Designed with a variety of tech project options to explore, attendees of all backgrounds can collaborate with peers on everything from video game design to electronics soldering. Hack The Future 25 is hosted by mentors from companies like Google, NVIDIA and Intel, who assist with project development and host talks on topics like software design and engineering. Hack The Future 25 is held in San Jose’s famous museum devoted to the tech industry and its history, The Tech Interactive.
Prizes: Potential cash or other prizes to be announced.
Location: River Oaks, North San Jose
Overview: Star Hacks hosts a number of hackathons nationally, with a San Jose—based event specifically catering to women in tech. Their 12 hour event gives women and girls in STEM the opportunity to take on some of the big issues in tech and receive mentorship in a supportive environment. Star Hacks is sponsored by NetScout and RedHat, and all event proceeds go toward the Shooting Stars Foundation to increase quality and access to education globally.
Prizes: Potential cash or other prizes to be announced.
Location: North San Jose
Overview: Hosted at Paypal's international headquarters, Opportunity Hack is a two day hackathon event designed to incubate ideas and pitches that will renovate the nonprofit sector. Now in its eighth year running, participants at the event can network with community members and nonprofit partners to form teams and tackle projects based around social impact issues. The hackathon is open to everyone ages 15 and up in the Bay Area community, regardless of experience level or tech background.
Prizes: $6,000 total
Location: Agnew, North San Jose
Overview: Pioneer Hacks is an annual hackathon for students hosted by Intel Corporation's international headquarters. Open both to high school students and to company representatives or other tech professionals looking to become mentors, Pioneer Hacks helps foster relationships between tech newbies and seasoned coders in order to solve some of the bigger issues in the industry. Attendees section off into groups of four and begin building products or tackling projects based in coding and programming, with opportunities throughout the event to attend workshops and listen to guest speakers. Pioneer Hacks is now in its third year running, and is sponsored by companies like Adobe, Snap and Poly.
Prizes: Potential cash or other prizes to be announced.
