About the challenge

Iris Hacks is a free, virtual hackathon designed to introduce middle school students to the world of AI and coding. Over three days, participants will learn Python, AI/ML, web development, and more. Through hands-on workshops, mentorship, and teamwork, students will innovate, create, and compete for exciting prizes. Join us to inspire a love for technology and make programming fun and accessible!

Get started

  • Register on the hackathon website (irishacks.org).
  • Join our communication channels (Discord) for updates and support.
  • Attend the opening ceremony to kickstart your journey.

Requirements

What to Build

  • Develop a project using Python, AI/ML, web development, or any combination of these technologies using online tools taught during the hackathon
  • Participants will use Glitch and Flask with AI tools to build a web app
  • Projects should aim to solve a problem or create something innovative and useful using the power of AI.

What to Submit

  • A link to your project's code Glitch page.
  • A detailed description of your project, including the technologies used, the problem it solves, and any challenges faced.

Hackathon Sponsors

Prizes

$135 in prizes
First Place Overall
1 winner

Awarded to the team with the most innovative AI project that solves real problems in a practical way. Your project should be well thought out, useful, and ready to make an impact.

Best Environmental Solution
1 winner

For the best project that uses AI to tackle environmental challenges like pollution control or wildlife protection. Your project should offer a smart, scalable way to help the planet.

Best Educational Tool
1 winner

Goes to the project that best uses AI to make learning fun, effective, and accessible. Whether it’s a new app or a virtual tutor, your idea should get people excited about learning.

Best Healthcare Innovation
1 winner

Awarded to the project that makes a difference in healthcare, whether through new diagnostic tools or ways to manage patient data better.

Workshop Warrior
1 winner

For the person who dives into the most workshops, asks questions, and really gets stuck into the learning process.

Devpost Achievements

Submitting to this hackathon could earn you:

Judges

Jaiveer Gill

Sid Arutla

Judging Criteria

  • Innovation and Originality
    Evaluates the uniqueness and creativity of the AI application. Looks for novel problem-solving approaches that distinguish the project from conventional methods
  • Impact and Relevance
    Assesses the project’s potential to address real-world issues. Prioritizes practicality and significance in solving societal, environmental, or technological challenges.
  • Presentation and Communication
    Focuses on the clarity and effectiveness of presenting the project. Considers how well the idea is communicated, including organization, visual aids, and overall delivery.
  • Execution and Functionality
    Measures how well the project functions in practice. Evaluates the stability, user interface, and overall completion of the project, ensuring it operates as intended.

Questions? Email the hackathon manager

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