Hack the Heat: Solutions for a Warming World Official Rules

1 

Eligibility

• Who Can Participate:

  • Open to school students from Grade 7/ Year 8 to Grade 12/ Year 13.

• Team Requirements:

  • Teams must consist of 2-5 members.

  • Solo participation is allowed.

• Registration:

  • All teams must register by (March 21st), including team names and member details.

2

Project Guidelines

• Theme and Scope:

  • Topics: The specific topics for the hackathon will be given on the day of the event. Participants will choose one of four prompts related to climate change and sustainability.
     

• Project Ideas:

  • Choose Your Prompt: Participants will be presented with four possible prompts, teams will select one prompt to focus on and develop a solution.

  • Innovation Required: You will need to build/ design a solution based on the selected prompt. Be creative and think of practical ways to address the problem.
     

• Deliverables:

  • Concept Description (Max 200 words): A brief summary of the problem, your solution, and its intended impact.

  • Prototype or Visual Model (Optional): This could be a digital mockup, diagram, or a functional prototype demonstrating your solution.

  • 3-Minute Presentation: Teams will pitch their idea to the judges, explaining the solution, how it works, and its feasibility on 12th April.

3

Competition Rule

• Time Limit:

  • Teams will have a month to brainstorm, develop, and prepare their projects.
     

• Code of Conduct:

  • All participants must maintain respect, inclusivity, and professionalism throughout the event.

  • Plagiarism or disruptive behavior will lead to immediate disqualification.
     

• Mentorship and Help:

  • Mentors may provide brief guidance but cannot directly contribute to the project.
     

• Resources:

  • Teams may use internet resources, but they must cite all sources if applicable.

  • The use of generative AI tools, such as ChatGPT, Bard, or other similar platforms, is strictly prohibited during the hackathon and will get you disqualified.

• Internet Use:

  • Internet usage is allowed but must comply with originality requirements.

4

 Judging and Evaluation

• Judging Criteria:
   

  • Innovation (20%): Originality and creativity of the idea.

  • Impact (20%): Effectiveness in addressing a climate issue.

  • Feasibility (15%): Practicality and potential for real-world implementation.

  • Technical Execution (15%): Quality + functionality of the prototype or solution.

  • Presentation (10%): Clarity and persuasiveness of the pitch.

  • Team Collaboration (10%): Level of teamwork and task delegation.

  • Sustainability (10%): Long-term environmental and societal sustainability.
     

• Judges’ Decisions:

  • Judges’ scores and decisions are final.
     

• Special Recognition:

  • Additional awards may include “Best Presentation” or “Most Innovative Idea."
     

• Presentation:

  • Teams will have 3 minutes to present their idea to the judges, followed by a 2-minute Q&A session.
     

• Award Categories:

  • Prizes will be given for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place based on judges’ scores.

  • Special awards may be added for creativity, teamwork, or impactful solutions.

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