Hackathon Questions: FAQ

Frequently asked questions about the n*soria hackathon 2018

Featured Answers and Hackathon Questions

Where? - Costs? - Application? - What is a hackathon? - What can I win? - Why should I apply? - How does the application process work? - Requirements? - What should I bring? - What kind of support is there? - Programming Languages and Platforms? - What about teams? - How will the hackathon work? - What are the challenges? - What if I don't know how to program? - What counts as a prototype? - What if I want to come a day early?

Where?

The hackathon is located near Baldone at the Schloss Merzendorf / Mercendarbe Manor in Latvia. For more detailed information on how to get there, visit: Hackathon Transport.

Riga, the capital of Latvia can be reached via Air Baltic, Ryanair or other airlines. The international airport code of the Riga International Airport is RIX. From Riga you can take a bus to Baldone (Bus #6847) or a cab directly to the Schloss Merzendorf (2 km outside of Baldone)

Costs?

Participants staying at the Schloss Merzendorf pay an accommodation fee of 10 € per day. Full pension / catering is optional, includes three meal per day and is also around 10€ per day.
Participants can also prepare their own meals in the kitchen, use Wlan / electricity and amenities and camp outside of the castle for 5 € per day.

Application

You can sign up here, but hurry up! Space is limited.
Sign up for the n*soria hackathon.

What is a hackathon?

For all questions about hackathon or related terms take a look at our Hackathon Glossary.

What can i win?

Awards for the projects will be announced soon. For more details and runner-ups check the Hackathon Prizes.

Why should I apply?

You can win attractive prizes and earnings and impress the sponsoring companies and non-profit organizations. You also profit from new contacts to companies, colleges, other students, you will continue to develop yourself during hackathon activities in Latvia

How does the application process work?

We want to make sure that everyone who wants to attend is serious about it, therefore we will review your registration and then notify you fast as possible.

Please do not start booking before you get a final confirmation with more specific details.

Requirements?

You might be a developer, designer, marketer or from another course of study, the only requirement at n*soria hackathon 2018 is your motivation to solve problems and build an executable prototype within a short period of time together with a team of other students from all over the world. We want you to go to the limits of your capacity and discover new skills and horizons.

What should I bring?

Sensors, wearables and other hardware required for the projects will be provided. You may bring your own laptop and charger (don't forget your travel plug / power adapter if needed Type F - 230 V @ 50 Hz)

What kind of support do I get during the hackathon?

There will be free seminars and informal workshops during the hackathon.

Programming Languages and Platforms?

Android programming, smartwatches, fitness tracking and drones, etc. as platforms and Java, C, C#, and whatever you like as long as it works for languages.

What about teams?

You can join any team or create your own. Teams usually form at the beginning of the event.

How will the hackathon work?

Teams are presented with real-world challenges from across different businesses by the Hackathon Sponsors.
Each challenge will be briefly presented at the start of the event.
Teams will be formed and you can start hacking on the Hackathon Project they like the most. Mentors will be there to help.
There are sprints, talks and workshops to guide you throughout the event. At the end the jury will judge your work.

What are the challenges?

The projects will be presented at the beginning of the event, so that everyone can work under the same conditions.
See Hackathon Projects

What if I don't know how to program?

If you are willing to learn and bring lots of ideas people will be eager to teach you and get you started.

What if I want to come a day early?

For the (additional) nights in Riga, the Funky Hostel is recommended in the heart of Riga. The accommodation costs 15 euros, including Wlan and breakfast, for participants. A reference to the hackathon should be made at the check in to get the discount.

What are the challenges?

The projects will be presented at the beginning of the event, so that everyone can work under the same conditions.
See Hackathon Projects


If this FAQ does not answer a specific question, please feel free to contact us.