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 October 22nd to Sunday October 24th .
How does a Hybrid Event Work?
As in 2020, we welcome participants from around the globe and will live-stream all events to equalize opportunities. Those with on-campus access may conduct certain team activities in person. As health and safety is our top priority, this is subject to change depending on public and MIT health guidelines.
Given current MIT policies on COVID-19, we are only able to grant in-person access to those affiliated with MIT Covid Pass. This will help keep our community safe while enabling a more diverse range of online participants -- as with last year's 150 remote attendees from more than 30 countries.
Do I need a specific background?
Anyone, whether you are a MIT affiliate or not, can participate as a hacker (please see the note above about in-person/virtual logistics). 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 interdisciplinary teams that can propose creative policy solutions using a combination of robust data analytics and domain expertise. We hope to foster a collaborative community and that requires people from all backgrounds.
How do I register?
There will be an application form to be filled out for those interested in participating. This application will be released on August 26th. Please continue to remain updated through our social media or sign-up for our email list.
Participation in the hackathon is not guaranteed through registration because we have limited space and need to ensure that we will have well-rounded teams across all of the domains. You will share which areas you are interested in applying for and will be asked about relevant experience.
How do I find a team?
Everyone is expected to register for the event individually. There will be a specific time during the event for team formation; however, if you already have a group, you can choose to work with them then.
What are the outcomes of the hackathon?
Teams will be charged with producing 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 may have the opportunity to continue to pursue their policy recommendations in tandem with their challenge sponsors.
What challenge topics are covered?
This year’s hackathon will include challenge statements that focus on the theme of equity and engagement through the following topics:
(1) Environmental Justice (2) Internet & Cybersecurity (3) COVID-19 & Healthcare (4) Transportation (5) Housing & City Planning
We cannot guarantee all challenges will be available, but you will be given an opportunity to select a challenge area when you confirm your registration
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. There may also be representatives from the institutions sponsoring the challenge statements available to talk (virtually) with teams during the hackathon.