Porticode is a 24-hour beginner-friendly event run by the UCL Technology Society, where you'll be given all the workshops, tools, mentors and snacks you need to create new and interesting ideas.

These kind of events are also known as hackathons, but don't worry! This isn't about hacking into banks or shops, but rather about creating something you think is interesting, life changing, or just plain ridiculous.

What can you make? As long as you can build it with the tech that we have available (as well as any you want to bring), and you can do it in one day, then it's fair game. Your project could be useful for the real world or it can have no use at all!

Once the 24 hours are over, you'll be given the opportunity to show off what you've done in a 'science fair' style setting, and also the chance to demonstrate your creation in front of other attendees.

During the weekend, we'll also be holding mini-events and games, to give you a break from your projects.

DID WE MENTION OUR THEME THIS YEAR IS SUPERHEROES? SUIT UP!

Not all heroes wear capes... Some of them learn to code for the first time, some teach someone else how to code, others just hog free food while playing Fortnite all weekend.

Eligibility

Anyone currently studying at a university at undergraduate, postgradurate level, or a recent (less than one year since) graduate are all welcome to join us. You'll need to bring your student ID with you so we can check this.

Sadly we're unable to allow under-18s to attend Porticode, but keep following TechSoc on our social media pages, because we'll be running open events too!

Team Size

The suggested team size is Three. You can work in teams larger than three, but not everyone will win a prize. 

Requirements

Make sure your submission includes your table #.

Hackathon Sponsors

Prizes

£2,400 in prizes

TechSoc Choice Awards (2)

#1 - FitBit Alta
#2 - Amazon Fire 7

The Ironman Award for the Most Innovative Hack

Amazon Echo Dot 2018

The Deadpool Award for the Most Entertaining Hack

Sony WH-CH500 Wireless Bluetooth Headphones

American Express: Recreate a Modern Website as if it was made in the 1990s

Super Nintendo Mini

BlackRock: Most User-Friendly Hack That Even Grandma Can Use

Sony Noise-cancelling WH-1000XM2

CapitalOne: "The Most Interesting Financial Hack"

AKG K92 Headphones & PowerBanks

MLH: Best use of Algolia

Casio CA-506C-5A Calculator Watch for each team member

MLH: Best use of Google Cloud Platform

Google Home Minis for each team member

MLH: Best Domain Name from Domain.com

Raspberry Pi & PiHut Essential Kit for each team member

MLH: Best IoT Hack Using a Qualcomm Device

410C Dragonboard for each team member

MLH: Best use of HERE.com

Hacker gear and swag from HERE.com

MLH: [Weekly Challenge] Best Chat Bot using Botkit & Cisco Webex Teams

Power banks for each team member

MLH: [Weekly Challenge] Best use of Clarifai’s API

Hacker gear from Clarifai for each team member

MLH: [Weekly Challenge] Snap Kit Weekly Challenge

Spectacles by Snapchat for each team member

HackPartners: Anki Vector Robot (3)

Anki Vector Is Voice-Activated, Autonomous, and Lives in Your Home

Devpost Achievements

Submitting to this hackathon could earn you:

Judges

UCL TechSoc

UCL TechSoc

Judging Criteria

  • Execution
    Think about the execution of your project, and how you have implemented it. Good use of tools, and have pulled off a solid hack.
  • Creativity
    Don't stay inside the box all the time. Try to think of new ways to do things, new ideas, and new concepts!
  • Enthusiasm
    A hack is not a hack without a happy hacker! Be enthusiastic about what you have made- show everybody that you are here to stay!
  • Vision
    The world is your oyster! Think about who your idea could help, where it could work, and how it would work.
  • Teamwork
    Everybody wishes they can be carried to the prize at a Hackathon, but we want you to step out of your comfort zone and dirty your hands with work. Your contribution will be examined

Questions? Email the hackathon manager

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Hackathon sponsors

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