20 Best Hackathons for Beginners -2025

March 3, 2025

In a hackathon, participants compete to create projects that solve a problem or address a challenge. Although the first type of project that comes to mind is probably an app, participants can produce a variety of (actually successful) products, from video games to chatbots. They usually work in teams over a compressed period of time (one to three days is typical) to create their entries, often themed around a certain industry or trend, like healthcare or AI. When the hackathon is complete, a group of judges evaluates the projects and names the winners. Since companies, universities, and academic organizations typically act as hackathon sponsors or organizers, prizes might include cash, job opportunities, and mentorship sessions. Interested in joining a hackathon, but not sure where to start? We’ve got you covered with the ins and outs of hackathons as well as a list of the best competitions for beginners.

How to Qualify for a Hackathon as a Beginner

While some hackathons require applications, most are open to all who register—even beginners! The organizers will provide a registration form to fill out before the hackathon begins. These forms ask you to include information like your age, any affiliated institutions, and your experience level. Though most competitions allow registration until the first day of the hackathon, it’s best to register early. This allows both you and the organizers to plan and communicate any necessary information. And if you’re hesitant to sign up as a beginner, don’t fear. Firstimers are welcomed and encouraged.

Even hackathons that require applications often admit most potential participants. The application is a way to keep the number of attendees reasonable and to ensure alignment with the hackathon’s goals and values. If you do have to apply, you’ll normally hear back within one to two weeks.

What Knowledge is Required for Hackathon Beginners?

You can participate in a hackathon with a beginner’s knowledge. The hackathons listed in this article are all open to beginners who are eager to get their feet wet. Some hackathons don’t even require coding experience, and teach classes during the event. If you choose to participate, think of the hackathon as a learning experience. It’s a great opportunity to meet like-minded people and apply the skills you’ve been developing.

How Much Do Hackathons Cost?

Most hackathons are free to join. Occasionally there will be a small registration fee. And if you’re participating in an in-person hackathon, meals are typically provided. So rest assured—you can work without thinking about where to procure lunch or dinner.

What Happens During a Hackathon?

The ways a virtual and in-person hackathon operate aren’t too different, even for beginners. Though communication happens via Zoom and chats for online competitions, both formats involve teamwork and experimentation. A typical rundown is as follows:

Orientation

Once you’ve checked in, the organizers will bring all participants together, including beginners, to welcome them to the hackathon. This session will introduce ground rules, expectations, and the challenge you’ll be attempting to solve. This is also a chance for participants to ask any questions they may have.

Team Formation

The next task is to choose your team. It’s okay if you arrived not knowing anyone—this is a great opportunity to meet new people. Some hackathons offer activities so potential teammates can mingle, while others leave it up to the attendees to curate their teams. Either way, approach the process with an open mind. The person standing next to you (or logging on halfway across the world) could bring just the perspective you need to your project.

Hack Time

The main event, and the most fun part. Work with your team members to come up with an answer to the presented problem and bring that solution to life. Given the short amount of time to create your product, this means around-the-clock work. In-person hackathons usually provide a room for those needing to catch some shut-eye—be sure to bring a sleeping bag.

Team Presentations

Once your team has created your product (or once time is up), you’ll show what you’ve created. Be prepared to present to organizers, other teams, and any sponsors or mentors in attendance. You’ll only have a certain amount of time to explain and demonstrate your product, so be sure to stay within the limit.

Judging

After all the teams have presented their products, the judges will deliberate and announce the winners. Winning teams can take home cash, gift certificates, and swag, as well as mentorship and job opportunities.

Check Out

Time to say goodbye to the new friends you’ve made and reflect on your accomplishments. The organizers may also solicit feedback during this time to help make the next event an even greater success.

Best Hackathons for Beginners

If you’re ready to jump in and test your skills, read on for our list of the best virtual and in-person competitions. These hackathons are all beginner-friendly and encourage collaboration and learning.

Jump to a category:

Online Hackathons for Beginners
In-Person Hackathons for Beginners

Online Hackathons for Beginners

1) Electroneum Hackathon 2025

Dates: March 7, 2025
Cost: Free
Registration Deadline: None specified; submit your work by March 7th.
Eligibility: Must be 18+ .
Prizes: $52,500 in prizes, with 13 different award categories.

2) Global Hack Week: Cloud Week

Dates: March 7, 2025 – March 13, 2025
Cost: Free
Registration Deadline: None specified.
Eligibility: Must be 13+.
Prizes: Earn swag by participating in the week’s challenges.

3) MEGA Hackathon

Dates: March 15, 2025 – March 16, 2025
Cost: Free
Registration Deadline: None specified.
Eligibility: Must be 13+
Prizes: $285,610 in prizes, with 12 different award categories.

4) IngeniumSTEM Winter Hacks 1.0

Dates: March 29, 2025
Cost: Free.
Registration Deadline: None specified; submit your work by March 29.
Eligibility: Must be 13+.
Prizes: 6 different award categories with a range of prizes.

5) Hacktopia

Dates: April 5, 2025
Cost: Free
Registration Deadline: None specified; submit your work by April 5. Workshops are held in the weeks leading up to the deadline if you would like to sharpen your coding skills.
Eligibility: Must be 13+ and a student.
Prizes: Various non-cash prizes including mentorship sessions, internship opportunities and swag.

6) AI Hackfest

Dates: April 11, 2025 – April 13, 2025
Cost: Free.
Registration Deadline: None specified.
Eligibility: Must be 13+.
Prizes: 1 non-cash prize to be announced.

7) LaunchHacks IV

Dates: June 7 – June 9, 2025
Cost: Free
Registration Deadline: None specified.
Eligibility: Must be 18+ and a student.
Prizes: $20,000 across various categories.

8) Hackonomics 2025

Dates: June 15, 2025
Cost: Free.
Registration Deadline: None specified; submit your work by June 15.
Eligibility: Must be 13+
Prizes: To be announced in coming months.

9) United Hacks V5

Dates: July 11 – July 13, 2025
Cost: Free.
Registration Deadline: To be announced.
Eligibility: Must be 13+ and a student.
Prizes: $102,500 across 8 categories.

10) NASA International Space Apps Competition

Dates: October 4, 2025 – October 5, 2025
Cost: Free.
Registration Deadline: Not yet announced.
Eligibility: Everyone is eligible to participate; there is no minimum age for participants. (Those under 18 must be registered by a legal guardian and accompanied by said guardian during the event.)
Prizes: 10 different award categories.
Other notes: While everyone can participate virtually, some city events are held for those looking for in-person collaboration.

In-Person Hackathons for Beginners

1) Healthcare Hackathon with AI (H2AI)

Dates: March 14 – March 16, 2025
Cost: Free.
Location: Fisher Colloquium, Hariri Building at Georgetown University
Registration Deadline: By March 14th.
Eligibility: Must be an undergraduate, graduate student, or recent graduate (within the past 5 years).
Prizes: $15,000 across more than four categories.

2) Scrapyard

Dates: March 15, 2025 – March 16, 2025
Cost: Free.
Location: 100+ cities across the world.
Registration Deadline: Ranges depending on city.
Eligibility: Open to high school and upper-middle school students (must be under 19).
Prizes: Varies depending on city, but all offer prizes.

3) GrizzHacks 7

Dates: March 22 – March 23, 2025
Cost: Free.
Location: Oakland University’s Engineering Center; 115 Library Dr, Rochester, MI 48309
Registration Deadline: March 22nd.
Eligibility: Must be 18+ and an undergraduate, or have graduated within the past year.
Prizes: Multiple prizes, details not yet announced.

4) LG Hacks

Dates: March 23, 2025
Cost: Free.
Location: Lehigh High School, 5210 Leigh Ave, San Jose, CA 95124
Registration Deadline: Not yet designated.
Eligibility: Open to high school students only.
Prizes: $74,700 across six categories.

5) The Midwest Block-a-Thon

Dates: March 29 – March 30, 2025
Cost: Free.
Location: University of Kansas Engineering Complex, 1532 W 15th St # 1210, Lawrence, KS 66045
Registration Deadline: No strict deadline, but an application is necessary (they plan to admit most potential participants). Applicants will hear back within two weeks.
Eligibility: Must be 13+.
Prizes: $3,750 in cryptocurrency across seven categories.

6) 2025 Crack the Code Hackathon

Dates: March 29 – March 30, 2025
Cost: Free.
Location: Grimm Hall at Concordia University Irvine; 1530 Concordia, Irvine, CA 92612
Registration Deadline: Not stated.
Eligibility: Must be 13+.
Prizes: $1,485 across eight categories.

7) HooHacks 2025

Dates: March 29 – March 30, 2025
Cost: Free.
Location: University of Virginia, specific building not yet announced.
Registration Deadline: No stated deadline.
Eligibility: Must be 18+ and a high school student, undergraduate or graduate student.
Prizes: $10,000 in prizes.

8) Prof Hacks

Dates: March 29 – March 30, 2025
Cost: Free.
Location: Engineering Building at Rowan University; 401 North Campus Drive Eng Hall 321 Glassboro, NJ 08028
Registration Deadline: No stated deadline.
Eligibility: Any high school, undergraduate, and graduate student can attend, but participants who are younger than 18 must have confirmation from a parent or guardian when checking in.
Prizes: Multiple prizes, details not announced yet.

9) Uncommon Hacks

Dates: March 29 – March 30, 2025
Cost: Free.
Location: University of Chicago, specific building not yet announced.
Registration Deadline: No stated deadline.
Eligibility: Must be a high school or undergraduate student.
Prizes: Multiple prizes, details not announced yet.

10) Code4Hope Hackathon ‘25

Dates: June 19, 2025
Cost: $5 for registration; $10 for registration and food; $15 for registration, food and t-shirt
Location: Microsoft Office at Times Square; 640 8th Ave, New York, NY 10036
Registration Deadline: Not yet designated.
Eligibility: Open to high school students only.
Prizes: $168,160 across five categories.

Best Hackathons for Beginners — Additional Resources

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Alina Grabowski

Alina Grabowski holds degrees from the University of Pennsylvania and Vanderbilt University. Her debut novel, Women and Children First, was published in 2024. She lives in Austin, Texas