FAQ

We’ll make more details about challenges available closer to the hackathon. For now, here are some answers to FAQs we’ve gotten from interested participants.

When?

The hackathon takes place from Friday November 17th at 17:00 EST to Sunday November 19th 17:00 EST. Applications are now closed.

What format will the Hackathon have?

In 2023, we will have a full virtual event to equalize opportunities. Zoom links will be provided to participants via email.

Do I need a specific background?

Anyone, whether you are a MIT affiliate or not, can participate as a hacker. You do not need to have a specific background to attend! We're looking to attract an interdisciplinary group of hackers—domain experts, policy students, data scientists, and more. One of our goals is to encourage the formation of multidisciplinary teams that can propose creative policy solutions using a combination of robust data analytics and domain expertise. We hope to foster a collaborative community comprising people from all backgrounds.

How do I register?

Visit mitpolicyhackathon.org and fill out the application form. Participation in the hackathon is not guaranteed through registration due to limited space and efforts to curate well-rounded multi-disciplinary teams across all domains. Your application will involve listing your areas of interest as well as relevant experience based on which teams and challenges will be assigned.

Applications submitted by 11:59 pm EST on October 15th, 2023 will be given priority. Applications received after that day and until November 1st, 2023 will be reviewed on a rolling basis until remaining spots fill out.

How do I find a team?

Everyone is expected to register for the event individually. Team formation will occur from Friday 10 to Friday 17 at 8:30 EDT (Saturday at 1:30 UTC). Teams ought to consist of three to five people. Having members of diverse backgrounds on teams is strongly encouraged.

What are the outcomes of the hackathon?

Teams will produce data-driven policy solutions to their challenge statements in the form of a 3-minute pitch and a 3 to 5 page policy paper. Initial judging will be based on the pitch, after which judges will hold a Q&A session with finalists based on their policy papers. The winners of the hackathon will receive cash prizes and potential opportunities to publish or connect further with our challenge partners.

What challenge topics are covered?

This year, the Policy Hackathon will have four challenges: 

  1. Data Systems for Human Rights

  2. (Aero)Space for Environmental Justice

  3. Housing Stability - Tenant Protection Mechanisms

  4. Equitable Access to Healthcare

What resources will be provided for each challenge?

Each challenge statement will be accompanied by a background memo containing data sets and resources that could be useful in crafting your policy solutions. We will also have representatives from the institutions posing the challenge statements available to talk with teams during the hackathon.