HackPrix Season 1 Recap

Source: Dev.to

Overview

Introducing HackPrix, an initiative by the HackPrix community—a space where innovation meets expertise and ideas are given room to bloom.

HackPrix Season 1 was a true reflection of this spirit. Organized on 7 – 8 June at Lords Institute of Engineering & Technology, Hyderabad, it began as an exciting adventure and quickly turned into defining moments for students stepping into the world of technology.

This 36‑hour in‑person hackathon, powered by the title sponsor Lords Institute of Engineering & Technology and supported by our sponsors, created a room where learning felt natural, collaboration effortless, and innovation thrived through a mix of curiosity and creativity.

HackPrix Season 1: A First of its Kind

HackPrix proudly became one of the first 36‑hour hackathons organized in Telangana, bringing together brilliant minds from across India and establishing itself as one of the region’s finest hackathons.

The Magic Behind the Movement

• Registrations: Over 2,000 enthusiasts signed up, driven by a shared excitement for innovation and collaboration.
• Attendees: 450 participants gathered in person, filling the campus with energy and ideas.
• Teams: 125 passionate teams came together to build for the greater good.
• Projects: 108 projects took shape, each addressing real‑world problems.
• Mentorship: 10 dedicated mentors guided teams throughout the hackathon, helping ideas grow into workable solutions.
• Judges: 12 judges, each assigned based on relevance to our tracks, ensured projects were evaluated by the right expertise.

By keeping HackPrix completely free, barriers disappeared. Creativity flowed freely, and builders across India came together in one vibrant, inclusive space.

Day 1: Sparking Creativity and Collaboration

Day 1 began with hacker check‑ins, welcome swag kits, and light snacks—small moments that instantly set a warm, welcoming tone. Icebreaker sessions helped strangers turn into teammates, and conversations began to flow even before the first line of code was written.

The event officially kicked off with an inspiring keynote by a GitHub representative, followed by the Opening Ceremony, marking the start of the 36‑hour countdown. Laptops opened, ideas poured out, and building began.

After lunch, teams jumped right back into development. Light snacks and high tea kept the energy alive, followed by a second mentoring round that helped teams tackle challenges head‑on.

As night fell, dinner offered a pause, and the bonfire session brought everyone together. Music, conversation, and laughter turned exhaustion into joy, reminding everyone why hackathons are as much about people as they are about projects.

Day 2: Where Milestones Met Momentum

Day 2 arrived with tired eyes but determined minds.

• At midnight, HackQuest workshops showcased their product and inspired hackers with new visions.
• High tea followed, along with an exciting series of mini‑events by GitHub, keeping spirits high even in the late hours.

The morning began with a hearty breakfast, followed by the third and final mentoring round. As the final hours approached, the room filled with last‑minute fixes, intense focus, and problem‑solving under pressure.

Lunch marked the final stretch; submissions closed at 4:00 PM, officially ending hacking. Then came the most intense part—judging. Teams presented their work and explained their ideas.

The Closing Ceremony felt bittersweet: winners were announced, but more importantly, everyone walked away with a story.

Beyond the Code: Bonfires, Bonds, and Breaks

HackPrix Season 1 wasn’t just about coding—it was an experience designed to keep hackers energized, supported, and connected.

• Cozy rest zones offered much‑needed breaks.
• Sponsor booths became hubs for networking and career insights; many participants secured internship opportunities through sponsor interactions.
• A fun‑game corner became a hotspot for friendly competition with board games, chess, table tennis, and carrom.
• Creativity flourished at photo booths and sticky‑note walls, capturing memories and thoughts in colorful ways.
• Giveaways and mini‑events kept excitement high, making HackPrix the perfect blend of innovation, fun, and community.

Conclusion

As we bid adieu to HackPrix 2024, participants left with more than just lines of code—they left with stories of collaboration, creativity, and breakthroughs. In just 36 hours, ideas became prototypes, strangers became teammates, and last‑minute problems turned into learning moments. From sleepless nights and debugging battles to the thrill of final presentations, every moment proves what happens when technology meets community.

With 108 projects built, countless connections made, and opportunities unlocked, HackPrix 2024 will be remembered as a spark of innovation and a celebration of the builder spirit. As we look ahead, we invite you to stay with us—to keep learning, keep collaborating, and keep building towards possibilities, because at HackPrix, we build for better!