How to Win a Hackathon: Notes From the Judging Table - The JetBrains Blog

During the JetBrains x Codex Hackathon, Katherine Druckman observed that the key to winning was not merely the work done over 24 hours but how effectively teams presented their projects. Judges emphasized starting with a clear articulation of the problem being solved and ensuring the demo is straightforward and engaging. Jono Bacon and Avi Press highlighted the importance of making the problem relatable to the judges, while Bonnie Xu advised focusing on building solutions to specific annoyances rather than chasing new technologies. Preparation is crucial, as Jan-Niklas Wortmann and Colin Lowenberg advised understanding the hackathon's objectives and leveraging familiar tools to minimize unknowns. The best projects focus on delivering one well-executed feature rather than multiple half-baked ones, making the demo the center of the pitch. Rehearsing the presentation and ensuring the demo runs smoothly are essential, as Colin suggests visualizing success and working backward from there. Ultimately, the most successful teams are those that convey genuine enthusiasm for their projects, as this passion resonates with judges and enhances the overall presentation.