Hack University Hackathons 305 Hackathon Edition Nov 2025 Session A | 305 Veterans & DefenseTech Hack

Session A — Online/Synchronous

Dates: Fri, Nov 7 → Sat, Nov 15, 2025 (ET).

A problem-solving competition with Tech(coding/development) and Technopreneurship (no code - business pitch) tracks.

Kickoff Nov 7 and keep building through Nov 15 with mentor hours, checkpoints, and Remote-friendly support.

Timeline: Continuous 168 hrs build window across Nov 7–15 (ET)

Heads up: The Build challenge prompt is revealed at the opening ceremony (ET). Live demos presentations are required; no live demo presentations = 0 points. RSVP on Bevy event calendar for automatic email updates.

Event Details

Nov 7–15 (ET) Continuous build Online/Synchronous
  • Kickoff stream + team formation (Nov 7)
  • Mentor hours and mid-sprint checkpoints
  • Submission window and live demos (Nov 15)

Participant Subscriptions/Apis, perks, etc require registration with OneStopForm (use your a gmail account).

Themes

Build for impact in defense, veteran services, resilience, and safety.

Open Worldwide All Majors All Universities Learners 16+ Veteran Health & Services DefenseTech & Dual-Use Cybersecurity Emergency Response Logistics & Mobility

Registration Steps - Session A

  1. RSVP on Bevy Event Ticket
  2. Register on OneStopForm for tools/perks
  3. Register on Devpost for submissions
  4. Join Code Crunch Discord (check mentorship channels & schedules)
  5. Read Hacker Guide & Toolkit
  6. Read Event Agenda
  7. Create your GitHub repo and make your first commit
  8. Submit final links by Nov 15 @ due time submission

Check-in Steps - Session A

  1. Check-in with your Ticket on Bevy Event Ticket
  2. Complete the Check-in Form
  3. Add team members (if any) on Devpost (edits allowed before deadline)
  4. Create a PUBLIC GitHub repo and make your first commit
  5. Check mentorship channels & schedules on Discord
  6. Attend workshops (see agenda )
  7. Submit your project (see agenda )
  8. View the Live Demos Presentation Order (see List )

Resources

  • Agenda & checkpoints
  • Hacker Guide & Toolkit
  • Mentor Directory & Office Hours (Find them on Discord Mentorship channels)
  • No Cost Subscriptions/APIs/Perks
  • Devpost (submissions)

Tracks & Judging

Criteria: Technical Difficulty · Functionality · Innovation & Creativity · Design & User Experience · Impact & Usefulness · Presentation & Demo

General Build [Track # 1]

Use software, data, or hardware prototypes to tackle real challenges faced by veterans, military families, or crisis responders — from secure communication and mental health support to logistics, training, or disaster response. Build something practical that could be piloted in the real world within 3–12 months.

Deliverables: README, short demo video, and a live link or screenshots. Read the Hacker Guide for full detailed instructions and requirements.

Tech Unicorn (Pitch) [Track # 2]

Design a no-code startup or venture that delivers a scalable solution for veterans, defense, or public safety — such as a platform, marketplace, training program, or service model. Clearly define the problem, target users, business model, and how you’d realistically launch and grow it.

Deliverables: pitch deck, short video, and a brief executive summary. Read the Hacker Guide for full detailed instructions and requirements.

Prizes & Awards

Prizes or Awards for 1st Place Winners — Each Track

  • Each track will have a 1st Place Winner announced after the live closing ceremony.
  • Visit the Devpost submission portal to view the "Prizes" card located on the top-right section of the page.

  • The prize list and descriptions are subject to change based on:
    • Partner sponsorships and contributions
    • Available funding and event resources

  • Check the Devpost page regularly for updates leading up to the event start.
  • The Project Gallery tab on Devpost will display all submitted projects once the gallery opens before the live demos at the closing ceremony.
  • If your project does not appear in the Project Gallery, you may have missed a required step on Devpost.

  • It is your responsibility to ensure that:
    • All required Devpost information fields are completed.
    • Your project is submitted correctly and marked as “Published.”
  • If any issue arises, please reach out to the event organizers via LinkedIn ahead of time for assistance.

Devpost serves as the official source of truth for all prize announcements and project listings.

Judges, Mentors & Speakers

  • The official list of judges, mentors, and speakers is displayed on the Devpost event page.
  • To view them:
    • Open the Devpost submission portal.
    • Scroll to the bottom of the page to find the Judges section.
    • Speaker and mentor details are also displayed in the same area.
  • These listings are updated frequently to reflect:
    • New confirmations
    • Schedule adjustments
    • Partner or organization updates
  • For the most accurate and recent information, always check Devpost.

Devpost will show the confirmed names, titles, organization affiliations, and event designations (Judge, Mentor, Speaker) for each volunteer.