How do I create a hackathon?
We are very excited that you've decided to launch a hackathon on Devpost! How you get started depends on the type of hackathon you'd like to launch. This article covers how to get started with each type:
Company hackathons
Companies and organizations can host a hackathon in person or online.
In-person
In-person hackathons are physical events held at a specific, geo-coded location. Companies and organizations hosting their own in-person event can use Devpost as a platform to manage their participants and projects. To get started:
- Go to the hackathons page and review the details to confirm your event fits this category.
- Under For companies, click Host in-person.
- Enter the name of your hackathon and the date you want to start collecting projects from your participants, then click Create my draft hackathon.
Online
Online hackathons are virtual events that open up participation opportunities to more people. There is a fee to use the Devpost platform for an online hackathon, so get connected with our sales team to get set up. Fill out this form to get connected.
To help plan, administer, and promote a successful online hackathon, Devpost offers several tiers of optional services:
Project Management. Consultation and project management give you a dedicated project manager who runs the project, drafts official rules and site copy, distributes prizes, and offers best practices along the way in order to maximize the results.
Marketing. Our marketing packages include actively promoting your hackathon to Devpost users, and our Full package includes external promotion outside of our community. Marketing includes implementing an optional tracking pixel on your hackathon site and weekly reporting.
Fill out this form to get connected.
Student hackathons
Devpost provides our hackathon platform free of charge to student organizations hosting student-only events, whether in person or online. To confirm that your event qualifies for the free student license, you'll verify an academic email address before creating your hackathon. For the full verification steps — including what to do if your email isn't recognized or the verification email doesn't arrive — see Verifying your student email when creating a student hackathon.
In-person
- Go to the hackathons page. Under Student Hackathons, click Host in-person.
- On the Eligibility check screen, verify your academic (educational institution) email address.
- Once your email is verified, enter the name of your hackathon and the date you want to start collecting projects, then click Create my draft hackathon.
Online
- Go to the hackathons page. Under Student Hackathons, click Host online.
- On the Eligibility check screen, verify your academic (educational institution) email address.
- Once your email is verified, enter the name of your hackathon and the date you want to start collecting projects, then click Create my draft hackathon.
Please note: Your hackathon will be reviewed by Devpost. If our team finds that your hackathon does not match the criteria for the category you selected, we will reach out to you and may unpublish your hackathon.