We're going digital! BC Hacks 2.0 is the second iteration of UBC Okanagan's own hackathon, organized by the Computer Science Course Union (CSCU), scheduled to take place anywhere with an Internet connection on February 20th - 21st, 2021! In 2020, we welcomed 164 hackers from all over the British Columbia for a 24-hour sprint where they built incredible projects, networked with prospective employers, and won fantastic prizes!
BC Hacks is organized by UBCO’s Computer Science Course Union. The current iteration of the CSCU was founded in 2018 by 3 students with a vision of an on-campus community for our fellow computer science students. Our goal is to improve the university experience for our peers the way we would want it improved. We do this by organizing hackathons, professional workshops, and collaborating with peer organizations at UBCO and beyond.
This year, we're going online, so you can participate from Kelowna, Canada, or anywhere around the globe! Whether you're a novice who hasn't written a line of code before, a tech expert who's built entire full stack applications, or your skillset is in an entirely different discipline, we want you with us! All we ask is you bring an interest in technology and a desire to expand your skillset. We'll make sure you have the tools and resources you need to be successful in whatever project you set your mind to!
A hackathon is best described as an “invention marathon”. Anyone who has an interest in technology attends a hackathon to learn, build & share their creations over the course of a weekend in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.
BC Hacks 2.0 will begin @ 11am PST with our opening ceremony on February 20th and will conclude with project judging and our closing ceremony @ 1pm PST on February 22nd. Applications are due for hackers and mentors a week before the event on February 13th @ 11:59pm PST. More details about the event schedule will be sent to hackers via email after acceptance and will be posted to this website.
Not a dime! BC Hacks was, is, and always will be completely free for participants to attend.
High school students as well as university students from any faculty are permitted to attend! New graduates are also welcome to attend, however your graduation date must be within 1 year of February 20th, 2021. You don’t have to be a programmer and you certainly don’t have to be majoring in Computer Science. In fact, we encourage you to apply if you don't have a programming background because a lot more goes into a successful project than just the code ;)
Nope! We encourage you to build anything you and your team can dream up and build within 24 hours. The sky is truly the limit! However, there may be themed project categories and prizes from our sponsors that you can opt into during project submission.
All you need is a computer, an internet connection, and an open mind!
We are setting up a Discord server specifically for BC Hacks 2.0 where you can connect with other hackers and get help from mentors if you need it. Sponsors will be present throughout the event where you can meet recruiters and learn more about the companies.
In an effort to keep you as engaged as possible in an online environment, we will be a running a livestream throughout the event where we will be having various keynotes, workshops, and fun interactive events able to be watched! The workshops and events themselves will take place in a Zoom meetings that accepted hackers will receive the login info for closer to the event. Keep an eye on the stream throughout, we might even give away some prizes ;)
We will be setting up a Devpost page for the hackathon which will act as the hub for all submitted projects. This page will be shared closer to the event, and will also contain prize information.
The maximum allowed size of a team is 4 hackers. Before the hackathon, you are welcome to form your own teams with the people you'd like. When your RSVP email is sent to you, you will have the option of notating your team then. If you don't have a team already, don't worry! We'll have a Discord channel solely devoted to finding a teams and we'll do our best to match you with a team that needs your particular skillset.
All work for project submissions must have been created during the allotted BC Hacks 2.0 hacking time. Failure to comply may result in being disqualified.
Yes. All BC Hacks 2.0 hackers as part of their application must agree to follow the a code of conduct. Failure to oblige can result in being disqualified.
We're thrilled to hear that you're interested in sponsoring our event! First, check out our sponsorship prospectus here and see if there are any packages that interest you. Shoot us an email at [email protected] and we'll respond to your inquiry within 3 business days. If you have something else in mind besides our predetermined packages, let us know and we'd be happy to work something out!
