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HackathonRecap
Hack This Fall 2024 Virtual: Reflecting on a Global Celebration of Innovation
Author Siddharth Dayalwal, Organizer Hack This Fall Published on 17 November, 2024

Hackathons are more than events; they’re movements that unite individuals to tackle real-world challenges through technology and creativity. From November 8–10, 2024, Hack This Fall made a triumphant return to the virtual stage, connecting participants worldwide. This year’s edition wasn’t just about coding—it was about reviving our cherished virtual hackathon (last held in 2021) and fostering a global community of changemakers.

This recap celebrates the incredible achievements of Hack This Fall 2024 Virtual Hackathon, revisits a weekend filled with innovation and inspires you to join future editions as we continue to empower hackers everywhere.

A Weekend of Global Innovation

Hack This Fall 2024 brought together over 3,300 participants from 45+ countries, highlighting the power of global collaboration. Over the course of three days, we received an impressive 241 project submissions, each tackling pressing challenges with innovative solutions.

The event welcomed hackers of all skill levels, with 34% identifying as beginners, making the hackathon accessible and inclusive. Themes ranged from artificial intelligence and sustainability to social impact and accessibility, showcasing the creativity and determination of participants united by a shared purpose.

Moments That Defined the Hackathon

The hackathon kicked off with an exciting opening ceremony, setting the tone for a weekend of innovation. From there, participants dove into enriching workshops and mentorship sessions designed to empower and inspire.

Workshops covered cutting-edge topics, including GitHub Copilot, the Gemini API, building scalable products, and pitching ideas effectively. Guided by over 50 mentors, judges, and speakers, participants refined their ideas and brought them to life.

Beyond coding, Hack This Fall was a hub of community engagement, where participants connected, collaborated, and built lasting bonds. Side events like the Tetris Tournament and Wikipedia Races brought fun and camaraderie, ensuring a well-rounded experience.

The Project Showcase Livestream was another highlight, offering participants a platform to present their creations to a global audience. Witnessing innovative ideas unfold in real time was truly inspiring.

Celebrating Innovation and Creativity

Hack This Fall 2024 showcased incredible talent through 241 submitted projects. Among the standout innovations were:

  • NAASH (Not Another AI Shell), is an AI-powered terminal that enhances productivity with smart clipboard commands, natural language execution, and advanced troubleshooting, making terminal use intuitive and efficient.
  • Classing is a platform transforming student-teacher interactions by visualizing questions and topics, fostering a collaborative learning environment.
  • Plantica is an app that makes plant care fun and engaging with real-time monitoring and playful reminders, helping urban dwellers keep their plants alive and thriving.

These projects exemplify the creativity, passion, and collaborative spirit Hack This Fall aims to inspire, leaving a lasting impact beyond the event.

Gratitude to Our Supporters

Hack This Fall 2024 wouldn’t have been possible without the generous support of our partners. GitHub and Devfolio, as platinum sponsors, provided unparalleled resources and expertise. Peerlist, Postman, Google for Developers, and Major League Hacking also played pivotal roles in enhancing the participant experience, from mentorship to prizes and tools. Their contributions made this hackathon truly exceptional.

Looking Ahead to the Future

Hack This Fall 2024 Virtual was a resounding success, revitalizing our virtual edition and raising the bar for online hackathons. To everyone who participated, thank you for making this event unforgettable.

As we celebrate these milestones, we’re already looking ahead toHack This Fall 2025. If you loved the virtual hackathon, wait until you experience our in-person edition! Find more details about our upcoming events here: hackthisfall.tech/events.

Together, let’s continue building a global community of innovators and changemakers.

Happy Hacking! 🧡