How I reached the final/top 12 of a global hackathon (SWSG21), Part 1 — Ecoheroes Assemble!
This is the first of a 3 part series on how I participated and emerged as one of the top 12 finalist team in a global hackathon.
I. So far…
I have participated in a considerable amount of hackathons and business plans competition since university days till now, which is more than a decade.
Looking back, I have mixed success; win some, progress into semi-finals and quarter finals and others where I didn’t make it. Despite so I still keep coming back for more.
II. Why then do I still continue to participate?
Good question! On the surface, hackathon is cool! Where else do you get free food and drinks, swags, cool area to hang out and do your stuff, and even fun activities in between.
a) Dark side of hackathon
However, behind the fairy glitter and dust are dozens of hours and hard work dedicated to grinding out a viable prototype. Depending on the group progress and culture, you may not even have time to eat, let alone catch a wink or two. At the end of it, you might look into the mirror and thought it is reflecting the latest episode of walking dead.