Arduino Hackathon

This is a 4-hour hackathon for finding the best working, theme-based prototype using Arduino UNO. The hackathon theme will be announced at the venue. The competition strictly adheres to a 4-hour time span, during which the students need to ideate, code, prototype, and demonstrate a relevant solution. The competition concludes with a creative pitch by the team.

Official Competition Rules

1. General & Team Eligibility

• Team Composition: Teams must consist of 2 to 4 students. No solo participants or groups larger than 4 are permitted.
• Target Audience: Open to school students from Grades 8 to 10.
• The Focus: All projects must strictly address a challenge under the announced theme.

2. Material & Technology Constraints

• Microcontroller: Every project must be driven by an Arduino UNO board.
• Component Limits: Teams are restricted to using standard, low-cost hobbyist sensors (e.g., HC-SR04, LDR, MQ-series, IR, DHT11) and basic actuators (servos, buzzers, relays, LEDs). Hardware must be prepared on a breadboard.
• Hardware Sourcing: Teams must use a pre-approved kit provided by the organizer or bring a certified box of parts. No pre-assembled specialized shields or commercial products are allowed.

3. Timeline & Code Authenticity

• The 4-Hour Rule: All physical assembly, wiring, and code drafting must happen entirely within the 4-hour hackathon window.
• Code Integrity: No pre-written code is allowed. Using template code, library examples, or block-based programs (like mBlock/Scratch-for-Arduino) is fully permitted, but the final logical sequence must be assembled live.
• Internet Access: Internet browsing is permitted exclusively for looking up library documentation, pinout diagrams, and troubleshooting compiler errors.

4. Safety & Conduct

• AC Power Prohibition: High-voltage AC power wiring (mains electricity) is strictly forbidden. All projects must run cleanly on 5V/9V DC via USB power banks or simple batteries.
• Workspace Safety: Proper care must be taken when using hot glue guns or wire strippers.
• Fair Play: Any team caught using parent/mentor help during the 4-hour active building window will face immediate disqualification.

5. Judging & Evaluation Criteria

Projects will be assessed by a panel of judges through a 3-minute live demonstration followed by a 2-minute Q&A. Judges’ decision will be final.

Criteria	Points	Description
Problem Impact & Relevance	25	How effectively does the project address a real-world issue related to the theme.
Working Prototype Success	30	Does the hardware actually work as intended during the live demo? Are the sensors calibrated?
Technical & Code Understanding	25	Can the students explain how their circuit works and interpret lines of their code during the Q&A?
Resourcefulness & Design	10	Creative use of raw materials (cardboard, plastic cups, recycling) to construct the physical prototype.
Pitch & Presentation	10	Clarity, teamwork, and ability to convincingly communicate the solution within the 3-minute time limit.