A Hackathon for Startups

Do you have an idea for a company? What about an unfinished project? Or perhaps you’re looking to try something completely new. You’re in luck! UC San Diego will host a one of a kind hackathon called STARTUP UCSD specifically for UC San Diego graduate and undergraduate startups May 13-14, 2016 at the RIMAC arena.

“For 24 hours you will be competing for over $15k in prizes, all aimed at getting your products to market,” said Martin Arreola, one of the students behind the event.

The top three teams that emerge from the hackathon will be invited to join the Qualcomm Institute Innovation Space.

The new incubator features a dedicated workspace with meeting rooms, legal advice and technical support, and access to the prototyping lab. In addition the teams will be given $5,000 of in-house credit.

“We’re expecting a lot of apps, some hardware and a few bioengineering products,” said Arreola. “The format will be a work session with mentors from industry that are available to provide advice to the teams. It doesn’t matter what stage the teams are at.”

Check out these frequently asked questions:

Q: Who's this for?
A: A good idea and a great team usually has the support of people from a variety of disciplines. This is why STARTUP UCSD is open to all, no matter if you're an engineer, an MBA student, or a Biology major, a graduate or undergraduate.

Q: What projects are you looking for?
A: Our judges will be scoring projects based on Functionality, Innovation, Design, and the Team’s promise. The top projects will have shown a prototype or idea that’s well thought-out, has a particular market in mind, and is backed by an agile, bright, and passionate group of hackers.

Q: Where and when is this happening?
A: STARTUP UCSD will be held at UC San Diego's largest venue, RIMAC Arena, from May 13-14. Connect with mentors, investors, cofounders, and sponsors, all ready to help you win and get your startup off the ground.