VIRTUAL HACKATHON
A hackathon is an event where people come together (usually in teams) to brainstorm, design, and
present solutions to a challenge or problem within a limited time (often 1–3 days).
Traditionally, hackathons started in the tech world (“hack” + “marathon”), where programmers created
apps or software prototypes. But over time, the concept expanded to education, business, and social
innovation.
Key Features of a Hackathon:
Time-bound: short, intensive (usually a day to a week).
Collaborative: done in teams with diverse skills.
Challenge-driven: teams work on solving a real-world issue or theme.
Output-focused: by the end, teams present a prototype, business plan, advocacy project, or
creative output.
Pitching: ideas are shared with judges or an audience, often like a competition.
In an educational setting
A hackathon is adapted as a project-based learning activity where students:
Apply concepts from different subjects.
Collaborate and practice leadership, communication, and critical thinking.
Produce a concrete output (prototype, advocacy campaign, business plan, creative project, etc.).
Showcase their work in a pitch presentation.
A hackathon = a learning marathon of innovation, creativity, and collaboration, where students solve
problems, make something meaningful, and present their ideas.
Theme:
“Innovations for Human Development: Building Sustainable Communities through Science,
Business,
Virtual Hackathon Brief (STEM)
Theme: “Innovations for Human Development: Building Sustainable Communities through Science,
Business, and Society”
Objectives
By the end of the hackathon, Grade 12 students will be able to:
1. Apply interdisciplinary knowledge from UCSP, PD, EAPP, Entrepreneurship, Physics 1, and
Biology 1 in solving real-life community issues.
2. Design an innovative product, process, or campaign grounded in scientific, cultural, and social
realities.
3. Develop teamwork, leadership, and communication skills through collaboration.
4. Pitch an idea that is socially relevant, scientifically feasible, and economically sustainable.
Suggested Timeline (3 Days Virtual)
Day 1 – Kick-off & Exploration
Orientation & Keynote Talk: “Innovation for Sustainable Communities”
Problem Scoping Workshop (UCSP): Identify community issues in culture, society, or politics.
Team Building (PD): Identify roles in the team
Output: Short problem statement
Day 2 – Design & Development
Science Sprint (Physics & Biology)
o Apply concepts to prototype/solution design.
o Examples: renewable energy gadget (Physics), eco-friendly bio-packaging (Biology),
health-related diagnostic tool.
Business Planning (Entrepreneurship)
o Draft a simple Business Model Canvas.
Academic Writing (EAPP)
o Create a Concept Paper / Research Brief (2–3 pages).
Output: Draft prototype design, business model, and concept paper.
Day 3 – Pitch Day
Final Presentation Preparation: Teams polish their pitch deck + demo video/prototype.
Pitch Proper: Present to a panel of teachers & guest evaluators.
Output: 7-minute pitch + Q&A.
Expected Outputs per Subject
UCSP: Problem analysis (social, cultural, political context).
PD: Reflection on collaboration.
EAPP: Written concept paper + professional pitch deck.
Entrepreneurship: Business Model Canvas (feasibility + sustainability).
Physics 1: Prototype/design applying relevant laws & principles.
Biology 1: Biological/health/environmental component integrated into the solution.
Judging Criteria
Criteria Weight
Relevance to Community Needs (UCSP) 20%
Teamwork & Personal Growth (PD) 10%
Research & Communication (EAPP) 20%
Innovation & Scientific Feasibility (Physics & Biology) 30%
Entrepreneurial Viability (ENTREP) 20%
Awards
Best Innovation Award – most impactful and original solution
Best Science Integration – strongest use of Physics & Biology concepts
Best Business Idea – most viable and sustainable entrepreneurial plan
Best Presentation – clearest and most engaging pitch
Team Spirit Award – best collaboration and resilience
Tools & Platforms (Virtual Setup)
Communication: Google Meet / Zoom
Collaboration: Google Docs, Canva, Padlet, Miro
Pitching: PowerPoint/Canva
Submission: Google Classroom or Drive folder
Virtual Hackathon for ABM Strand
Theme: “Innovative Business Solutions: Building Sustainable Enterprises for Community Impact”
Objectives
Apply interdisciplinary knowledge from UCSP, PD, EAPP, Entrepreneurship.
Design an innovative business idea or solution that responds to a real-world social or economic
challenge.
Strengthen collaboration, communication, financial literacy, and entrepreneurial skills.
Suggested Timeline (3 Days Virtual)
Day 1 – Explore & Connect
Kick-off webinar: “Business Innovation for Social Good”
Identify a social/economic issue (UCSP)
Identify role assignment (PD)
Output: Problem statement
Day 2 – Design & Build
Develop product/service idea (Entrepreneurship)
Write a Concept Paper/Research Brief (EAPP)
Output: Draft business model + financial plan + concept paper
Day 3 – Pitch & Inspire
Pitch coaching (EAPP + PD)
Final presentation: Pitch Deck + Prototype/Demo + Financial Report
Output: 7-min pitch + Q&A
Outputs by Subject
UCSP → Social/Economic Problem Analysis
PD → Reflection
EAPP → Concept Paper + Pitch Deck
Entrepreneurship → Business Model Canvas / Feasibility Plan
Awards
Best Business Innovation
Best Social Impact
Best Financial Plan
Best Presentation
Team Spirit Award
Judging Criteria
Criteria Weight
Relevance to Community Needs (UCSP) 20%
Teamwork & Growth (PD) 10%
Research & Communication (EAPP) 15%
Innovation & Feasibility (Entrepreneurship) 25%
Financial Accuracy & Viability (Accounting + Finance) 30%
Virtual Hackathon for HUMSS Strand
Theme: “Voices of Change: Creative and Social Innovations for Community Development”
Objectives
Apply interdisciplinary knowledge from UCSP, PD, EAPP, Entrepreneurship, CESC, and
Creative Nonfiction.
Create an innovative campaign, program, or project that addresses pressing social, cultural, or
political issues.
Strengthen communication, advocacy, creativity, and entrepreneurial skills.
Suggested Timeline (3 Days Virtual)
Day 1 – Explore & Connect
Kick-off webinar: “Creative Leadership for Social Transformation”
Teams identify a social issue (UCSP + CESC lens).
Role assignment (PD).
Output: Problem statement
Day 2 – Design & Build
Draft advocacy or project plan (CESC).
Write personal and community-based narratives (Creative Nonfiction).
Develop a sustainability plan or business model for advocacy/project (Entrepreneurship).
Write a Concept Paper / Research Brief (EAPP).
Output: Advocacy/project plan + narrative piece + concept paper
Day 3 – Pitch & Inspire
Final presentation: Pitch Deck + Creative Output (short film, digital story, spoken word,
photo essay, campaign prototype, etc.)
Output: 7-min pitch + demo/creative showcase
Outputs by Subject
UCSP → Social/Cultural/Political Problem Analysis
PD → Reflection on leadership/collaboration
EAPP → Concept Paper + Professional Pitch Deck
Entrepreneurship → Sustainability/Business Model Canvas
CESC → Community Engagement Plan or Advocacy Campaign
Creative Nonfiction → Narrative output (essay, personal story, digital storytelling)
Awards
Best Advocacy Project
Most Creative Output
Best Community Impact
Best Presentation
Team Spirit Award
Judging Criteria
Criteria Weight
Relevance to Community Needs (UCSP + CESC) 25%
Teamwork & Growth (PD) 10%
Research & Communication (EAPP) 15%
Creativity & Impact (Creative Nonfiction) 25%
Feasibility & Sustainability (Entrepreneurship) 25%
Hackathon Team Roles Guide
To succeed in the hackathon, each team member should take on a role that fits their
strengths. Here are suggested roles for a 5-member team (you can adjust if you have 4 or
6 members):
1. Team Leader / Project Manager
Keeps the team on track and makes sure deadlines are met.
Coordinates tasks and ensures everyone’s voice is heard.
Helps during Q&A by summarizing the group’s idea.
2. Research & Writing Lead
Focuses on the UCSP and EAPP parts (problem analysis, concept paper).
Ensures ideas are supported by facts and sources.
Helps in writing/refining the pitch deck.
3. Business & Finance Lead
Focuses on Entrepreneurship (and Accounting 1 / Business Finance for ABM).
Drafts the business model, feasibility study, and financial plan.
For HUMSS, works on sustainability plan of the advocacy/project.
For STEM, ensures solution is practical and sustainable.
4. Creative & Design Lead
Creates visuals for the pitch deck, posters, or demo video.
Focuses on storytelling (especially for Creative Nonfiction in HUMSS).
Makes sure the project is presented in a clear and engaging way.
5. Presenter / Spokesperson
Delivers the pitch during Presentation Day.
Ensures the team’s message is confident, clear, and inspiring.
Practices public speaking, answers judges’ questions with support from
teammates.
If You Have 6 Members…
Add a Tech/Prototype Lead (STEM/ABM) or Community Engagement Lead
(HUMSS).
Tech/Prototype Lead → focuses on creating the model, prototype, or demo.
Community Engagement Lead → ensures project is relevant and responsive to
real people’s needs.