Helyx Hacks III

June 15th - June 22nd, 2021

Online

Register Now! Check out the Devpost! Join the Discord!

Check out The Helyx Initiative!

About

Helyx Hacks III is the one of the largest online biotech-based hackathons where high school students around the world innovate impactful software projects relating to the secret theme released at the opening ceremony. Students team up in groups of 2 to 4 or work alone to build an app, game, program, or website. Students will have 7 days, from April 18th, 2021 at 10 AM PST to April 25th, 2021 at 4PM PST, to create an amazing product and submit it to compete for thousands of dollars of prizes. The hackathon is a good way to show off your skills and learn something new!

A place for everyone.
While the core subjects are being emphasized in schools, many students have little to no access to computer science education programs, meaning students aren't exposed to programming until late high school or college. Hackathons in general can also be scary or intimidating for new programmers. We're hoping to encourage students of all backgrounds, ages, genders, sexualities, and locations to learn and love programming by providing an inclusive environment. No matter who you are, you’re welcome here—and you’ll surprise yourself by what you can accomplish. 💛 For more information on the rules and code of conduct we abide by, check out our Hack Code of Conduct.

Rules

1. Be nice to everyone

We want to make sure everyone feels welcome and safe to our hackathon and will take action against any violation of this.

2. Don't feel afraid to ask questions.

We want to make sure that everyone learns and benefits from this hackathon. The best way to do so is taking that step and asking our many active mentors on our Discord. We are happy to help!

3. Please remember that there will be NO monetary prizes for international students outside of the United States.

Unfortunately, due to the difference in payments and net of logistics to transfer money/physical prizes to other countries, it has been a legal and financial hassle that we will not be able to overcome. However, we will try to provide software prizes to encourage those internationally who want to compete. Also, remember that it isn't only about prizes!

4. Remember to submit through Devpost with the appropriate information required.

Please remember to submit your work and sign up for the Nucleotide Hackathon on Devpost here.

Registration

This hackathon is free! All we need are some simple details. If you want, you can open it in a new tab using this link. See you at the hackathon!

After finishing the above form, please remember to sign up on Devpost. This is how we will judge your project and award prizes!

FAQs

How much does it cost? 💸

Nothing! The Helyx Initiative believes in accessible education for all and have worked our hardest to make sure that this event can run smoothly without any cost for more people to join in.

Who can participate? 🔭

Any current student grades 8–12. Gap year and going-to-college in the fall students are also allowed!

What is a hackathon? 👨

A hackathon is a week-long event where students will gather in teams of 2-4 or alone to code innovative software in the form of apps, games, websites, hardware, and much more.

Where and when is the hackathon? 📅

Helyx Hacks III is April 18th, 2021 to April 25th, 2021. This hackathon is fully online. The main source of communication will be our Discord. This will act as sort of a "lobby" for the hackathon where we will send meeting links for different hackathon events and allow communication between peers, mentors, and organizers.

Why Helyx Hacks III? 💻

With our hackathon-experienced team and Helyx's experience running numerous hackathons (ie Nucleotide Hackathon), we will ensure that you will take away the most from our hackathon specifically. You will also make new connections that will help you out in the future through mediums, such as teams, our established Discord community with more than 3000 people, and much more.

What can I make? 🤖

Anything! A website, app, game, hardware hack, you name it. Judges will rate projects on creativity, technical skill demonstrated, polish, utility, theme adherence, and, last but not least, impact.

What if I’m new to coding? 👾

At Helyx Hacks III, complete beginners are not only welcome, but expected! Learn as you go with our mentors and teammates throughout the hackathon. This is a perfect opportunity for you to explore new software and new knowledge!

Do I need a team? 👨‍

Nope! You’ll have an opportunity to meet fellow hackers and make teams of up to 4 — find some new friends, bring yours, or let us help you find a team. Otherwise, feel free to work solo!

What do I need? 🧳

All you need is a computer, WiFi, and access to the Internet to access the online platforms (Discord, DevPost, Zoom, etc.) the hackathon will be held.

Who runs this? Is it supervised? 👨‍

As part of The Helyx Initiative, high schoolers got together and organized this hackathon to spread STEM.

I have a question related to hackathon which is not listed above. What should I do?

Feel free to contact yash@helyxscience.org for any further questions or ask on our Discord.

Prizes

TBD

The prizes will soon be announced. We plan on giving the winning projects, decided by our judges, monetary and other prizes to aid innovation far after this week!

Team

Yash Gupta

Executive Director

Andrew Gao

Executive Director

William Kang

Executive Director

Sarah Gao

Director of Outreach

Claire Wang

Director of Operations

Judges

The judges will soon be announced. They will judge your project based on certain criteria. However, they can only judge if you remember to sign up through our Devpost!