Planning Your DivHacks 2023 Project

By Anita Raj, Columbia SEAS ‘27

You can refer to our website, https://columbiadivhacks.com/, as it is the direct source of this information.

Introduction

Hello, hackers! We have almost a month until DivHacks 2023 kicks off — and we hope you’re all excited! Below is some information, directly from our website, on the tracks and applications offered this year at the hackathon.

A track is a type of emerging technology of the future. These technologies are taking multiple industries by storm because of their advancement, versatility, and, at times, controvery. It is your job to pick one track offered by DivHacks to implement in your project.

An application is an industry or space of importance in society where technology can be a solution or make the quality of life better. These are broad categories, and hackers can use their creativity to think of specific problems in these spaces they can use technology to address.

We advise you come to the hackathon with your preferred track and application in mind but also to be open-minded as you form teams. You will mesh this track and application together to create your project. Think of your strengths and what role you can play on the team — whether this be more back-end, front-end, graphic design, managerial, business/entrepreneurial, etc. — and diversify your team. Remember to be creative, innovative, and most importantly, have fun!

Choosing a Track

DivHacks will be offering five tracks this year (this information comes directly from our website).

1. Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning — In this track, participants are encouraged to dive into the world of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) by exploring various technologies and frameworks such as TensorFlow, PyTorch, scikit-learn, and more. Hackers will have the opportunity to develop innovative AI/ML solutions, from predictive models and natural language processing applications to computer vision systems and recommendation engines, leveraging cutting-edge tools and techniques to solve real-world problems.
2. Augmented/Virtual Reality — Step into the realm of Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) in this track, where participants can unleash their creativity using technologies and frameworks like Unity, Unreal Engine, ARKit, and Oculus. Hackers will have the chance to build immersive experiences, ranging from interactive VR simulations and training programs to AR applications that enhance real-world environments. Dive into the world of AR/VR and push the boundaries of innovation by crafting captivating and transformative experiences that revolutionize industries and reshape the way we perceive and interact with the world around us.
3. Web Development — Join the Web Development track and embark on a journey of crafting dynamic and responsive web applications using technologies and frameworks such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript, React, Angular, and Django. Participants will have the opportunity to design and build user-friendly interfaces, create seamless user experiences, and integrate powerful backend functionalities. Whether it’s developing e-commerce platforms, social networking sites, or data-driven web applications, this track invites hackers to showcase their web development skills and deliver innovative solutions that make an impact.
4. Web-3 — Embark on the Web 3 track and explore the decentralized and blockchain-powered future of the internet. Participants in this track will dive into technologies such as Ethereum, Solidity, IPFS, and Web3.js to develop innovative applications that leverage smart contracts, decentralized storage, and peer-to-peer networks. From building decentralized finance (DeFi) platforms and blockchain-based marketplaces to creating decentralized social networks and identity solutions, this track challenges hackers to push the boundaries of web development and shape the future of a more secure, transparent, and user-centric internet powered by Web 3 technologies.
5. Mobile Development — In the Mobile Development track, unleash your creativity and technical prowess to build cutting-edge mobile applications for iOS, Android, or cross-platform environments. Utilize frameworks such as Swift, Kotlin, React Native, or Flutter to create intuitive and engaging user interfaces, leverage device capabilities, and deliver seamless mobile experiences. From productivity tools to gaming apps and health-focused solutions, this track offers the perfect platform for hackers to showcase their mobile development skills and bring their innovative ideas to life on the small screen.

Choosing an Application

DivHacks will be offering four applications this year (this information comes directly from our website).

1. Education — In the era of AI and rapid technological advancements, education has undergone significant transformations. This track invites you to explore the intersection of education, AI, and technology, and develop innovative solutions that leverage these tools to enhance teaching and learning processes.
2. Diversity — Given that “Div” in “DivHacks” stands for diversity, we would like you to create a hack promoting diversity of any form. This includes racial, gender, religious, disability diversity and so on. Think about ways we can improve equity and inclusion in settings such as schools and workplaces, or how we can learn to embrace diverse people and viewpoints.
3. Healthcare — Sponsored by the Pittsburgh Regional Health Initiative, this track focuses on patient safety within the healthcare sector. We challenge participants to devise innovative solutions that enhance the quality of care, reduce medical errors, and ensure the well-being of patients. By exploring system improvements and effective protocols, we aim to foster a healthcare environment that values patient safety.
4. Green-Tech/Environment — We need to protect and conserve our environment now so we can secure the future of this planet and our future generations. In this track, we invite you to create a hack that does anything green to save the planet! From ways to better conserve resources to reducing greenhouse emissions, there are many steps we can take to care for our environment. We encourage you to look at modern green technology and see how it is being used to prepare for the future. You can also take inspiration from DivHacks theme last year — Green Screen and its environmental tracks.

Final Tips for Our Hackers

1. Briefly revise skills you think you will need for the hackathon! This may include programming, designing on a platform like Figma or Canva, public speaking, etc.
2. Reach out to form teams! One method is checking who follows the DivHacks Instagram account to try to make your teams. Unfortunately, applications have closed and our admissions aren’t out yet, but best to start planning! Take advantage of this chance to network.
3. Look at the schedule! It is already posted on our website. Take a look at the events we offer, both the fun ones for a well-deserved break (like our spa night and spicy ramen challenge) as well as productive ones you might need (like workshops on LLM applications, how to incporate AI/ML in your project, and how to pitch your project to our judges).
4. Come with your laptops and other electronics fully charged, dressed comfortably, and with the belongings you’ll need! Be ready to hustle for these thirty-six hours, and don’t worry — we’ll be providing snacks, food, beverages, and merchandise/swag!

For more specific questions, contact cu.divhacks@gmail.com.