3. Define: Hack
“to cut or shape by or as if by crude or
ruthless strokes” – Merriam-Webster
In tech terms, to force-fit something into
being usable for a task not intended by the
original creator
Something amazing created with a limited
set of resources (time, information,
hardware)
4. Re-Define: Hacker
“Someone who enjoys exploring the details
of programmable systems and stretching
their capabilities” – Wikipedia
Hacker Attributes:
Passionate
Hard working
Creative
Enjoys what they do
5. Hacker Values
Creating software and sharing it with the
community
Placing a high value on freedom of inquiry
Information sharing as both an ideal and
practical strategy
6. So What is a Hackathon?
Combination of Hack and Marathon
Competition for teams to create “something”
with a restricted set of resources
Usually has one or more restrictions
Time
Subject (language, operating system, application,
API, subject matter, demographic)
Goal is to demonstrate an idea using software
8. Who Attends Hackathons?
Hackers!
Software developers, business analysts,
designers, data analysts, marketers and
others
Passionate people who are excited to spend 8
or more hours at the event
Anyone who’s interested in the competition
9. What Happens at a Hackathon?
Morning Presentations
Review of the event constraints and expectations
Coding, Coding, Coding
Team Presentations
Each team demonstrates their ideas
Socializing
10. Who Hosts Hackathons?
Companies
Facebook, Ford, Google
Applications
Yellow Pages API, Android, iOS
Community Groups
HackDays.ca, iOS User Groups
Governments
US Senate, City of Regina
Charities
RNIB UK, Hacking Health
12. Why Should You Get Involved?
As a Participant
Great way to meet people in your community
Opportunity to learn new technology in an
encouraging environment
Chance to vet your business idea in front of peers
and judges
Perfect time to focus and work on an idea
13. Why Should You Get Involved?
As a Business
The perfect interview
A great way to get your name out there to
passionate developers
A great way to test out your business ideas, or
even get some new ones
Support the startup / bizdev community in Regina
14. How to get involved
Watch local groups online for events
@OpenDataSK
@HackREGINA
regina-technology-community.ca
Sponsor events
Hosts, location, food, prizes, advertising, etc.
15. Famous Hacks
Things that have emerged from hackathons
The Facebook Like Button
The Facebook Timeline
NYC.gov
Tweak the Tweet (used during the Haiti
earthquake)
Waterly.ca
OpendSpending.org
Fixstarter.com
Ask someone to define hackerFirst thing the average person thinks of – Hackers are badThey’re associated with computer security, more specifically breaking computer security to gain access to information
we’ve already narrowed down the field to candidates that are so passionate about their job they’d spend an extra day working for free