Ready to Build

Starter Kits & Workshops

Everything you need to go from idea to working prototype in 12 hours. No experience required.

Starter Kits

Choose your tech stack and hit the ground running

No-Code Builder

Build apps with Bubble, Webflow, or Airtable. Perfect for non-technical builders.

BubbleWebflowAirtable

Web App Starter

React + Next.js template with authentication and database ready to go.

ReactNext.jsSupabase

Python/API Kit

Flask or FastAPI starter with examples for data processing and APIs.

PythonFlaskAPIs

Design Templates

Figma templates, icon libraries, and color palettes to speed up your design.

FigmaUI KitsIcons

AI Integration

Pre-built examples using OpenAI, Claude, or Gemini APIs with starter prompts.

OpenAIClaudePrompts

Free Tools & Credits

Student-exclusive freebies and generous free tiers to power your hackathon project without spending a dime

GitHub Student Developer Pack

FREE Copilot, domains, cloud credits, and 100+ tools for students

Must Have
Get Free Access

Google AI Studio

FREE Gemini API access - add AI to your project in minutes

AI
Get Free Access

Vercel

FREE hosting with instant deploys - perfect for hackathon demos

Hosting
Get Free Access

MongoDB Atlas

FREE database with 512MB storage - no credit card needed

Database
Get Free Access

Cloudflare

FREE domain management, DNS, and CDN for your projects

Infrastructure
Get Free Access

Figma

FREE design tool - create mockups before you code

Design
Get Free Access

Workshop Videos

Watch anytime — we recommend completing the 'Before the Event' videos before March 21!

All tools mentioned are FREE or included in the GitHub Student Developer Pack

What is a Hackathon?
5 min

What is a Hackathon?

MLH

Learn what to expect at your first hackathon

Watch on YouTube
How to Get Project Ideas
8 min

How to Get Project Ideas

Y Combinator

Brainstorming techniques for finding problems to solve

Watch on YouTube
Git in 100 Seconds
2 min

Git in 100 Seconds

Fireship

Version control basics - essential for team collaboration

Watch on YouTube
VS Code in 100 Seconds
2 min

VS Code in 100 Seconds

Fireship

Set up the most popular code editor

Watch on YouTube
GitHub Student Developer Pack
3 min

GitHub Student Developer Pack

GitHub

Get FREE tools, domains, cloud credits & more

Watch on YouTube

HTML Crash Course
60 min

HTML Crash Course

Traversy Media

Build the structure of any web page

Watch on YouTube
CSS Crash Course
85 min

CSS Crash Course

Traversy Media

Make your projects look professional

Watch on YouTube
JavaScript in 100 Seconds
2 min

JavaScript in 100 Seconds

Fireship

Quick intro to the language of the web

Watch on YouTube
JavaScript Crash Course
90 min

JavaScript Crash Course

Traversy Media

Deep dive into JavaScript fundamentals

Watch on YouTube
React in 100 Seconds
2 min

React in 100 Seconds

Fireship

Modern UI framework overview

Watch on YouTube
Google AI Studio Tutorial
15 min

Google AI Studio Tutorial

Google Developers

Add FREE AI to your project with Gemini API

Watch on YouTube
Deploy to Vercel in 5 Minutes
5 min

Deploy to Vercel in 5 Minutes

Vercel

Free hosting for your project

Watch on YouTube

How to Pitch Your Startup
4 min

How to Pitch Your Startup

Y Combinator

Pitch structure that works for hackathons too

Watch on YouTube
Hackathon Demo Tips
6 min

Hackathon Demo Tips

Devpost

What judges look for in demos

Watch on YouTube

On The Day

Everything you need to know for hackathon day

What to Bring

  • Laptop with charger (required)
  • Student ID or photo ID
  • Notebook and pen for brainstorming
  • Headphones for focused work
  • Reusable water bottle

How to Submit Your Project

  • Submit via our online form by 7:30pm
  • Include: project name, track, team members
  • Link to your GitHub repo or live demo
  • 2-minute video demo (optional but encouraged)
  • Brief description of what you built

Demo Presentation Tips

  • Demos are 3 minutes + 2 min Q&A
  • Start with the problem you're solving
  • Show the working prototype (even if rough!)
  • Share what you learned and next steps
  • Judges value creativity and effort over polish