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Hackathon brief templates

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Compare hackathon brief versions

Civic Hackathon Challenge BriefHackathon Kickoff DeckHackathon Brief
FormatDocumentPresentationDocument
Works inGoogle Docs and WordGoogle Slides and PowerPointGoogle Docs and Word
Length7 pages10 slides8 pages
StyleEditorialBoldFriendly

Writing a hackathon brief template that gets read

A hackathon brief tells participants what an event is about, what they can build, and how entries will be judged. Organizers send it ahead of time so teams arrive prepared.

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Cover the theme and goal, dates, schedule and location, who can take part and team size, rules and what may be used, judging criteria and prizes, and what to submit and when.

Say how entries will be scored, with weights for each criterion, so teams know what to focus on.

Compare Civic Hackathon Challenge Brief, Hackathon Kickoff Deck, and Hackathon Brief, all 7 to 10 pages long, then pick the closest match and replace the sample text with your own.

Questions

What is a hackathon brief template?

A hackathon brief tells participants what an event is about, what they can build, and how entries will be judged. Organizers send it ahead of time so teams arrive prepared.

What should a hackathon brief template include?

Include the theme and goal, dates, schedule and location, who can take part and team size, rules and what may be used, judging criteria and prizes, and what to submit and when. Say how entries will be scored, with weights for each criterion, so teams know what to focus on.

What should a hackathon brief include?

Include the theme, schedule, rules, team size, tools allowed, judging criteria, prizes and submission steps. Add a contact for questions.

How do I set judging criteria for a hackathon?

Pick three to five criteria such as impact, technical quality, design and presentation. Give each a weight and share them before the event starts.

How long should a hackathon brief be?

One to two pages is usually enough. Participants should be able to read it in a few minutes and find the schedule and rules quickly.

Can I use this for a virtual hackathon?

Yes. Replace the location with the platform and time zones, and add how teams will communicate and submit their work online.

What is the best hackathon brief template to begin from?

Start with Civic Hackathon Challenge Brief: Sets out four public-interest challenges, the data and partners behind them, and the rules that keep judging fair. If that is not the right fit, compare it with Hackathon Kickoff Deck.

Which apps can I use for a hackathon brief template?

Yes. These hackathon brief templates work in Google Docs, Microsoft Word, Google Slides, and Microsoft PowerPoint. All 3 templates are free, with no account or email needed.

Who are these hackathon brief templates written for?

Mostly charities and non-profits and public sector. The sample text in each one is written for a specific situation, so replace it with your own details.

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