What will you MAKE?
October 13-15, 2023
Applications are closed, but everyone is welcome to join us for a Sunday Night Social Night, October 15th, 3pm-7pm!
See what the teams developed, tour the COG, and talk to members about their projects.
Register for Social Night here
THE SMART CITIES HACKATHON IS A WEEKEND-LONG INVENTION MARATHON, WITH A UNIQUE MAKERSPACE TWIST: PARTICIPANTS WILL BRING THEIR IDEAS TO LIFE BY BUILDING PHYSICAL PROTOTYPES, USING THE RESOURCES HERE AT TVCOG.
Participants will be challenged to devise solutions to address some of the biggest issues facing urban areas. Teams will be required to build a physical prototype and develop a convincing pitch that will win over our panel of judges.
To level the playing field, we will provide materials and experienced Maker Mentors, who will help teams build prototypes using our extensive array of equipment. Additionally, we will offer mentoring sessions on business essentials led by industry experts.
TVCOG'S HACKATHONS ARE DESIGNED TO CREATE OPPORTUNITIES FOR INNOVATION.
Anybody can have an idea for a new product or business, but few have access to the resources needed to make that idea come to life. Our Hackathon was designed to provide entrepreneurs an opportunity to practice their skills, as well as to connect with the support systems available at TVCOG and across the Capital Region.
This competition will provide participants with the prototyping and fabrication power of a makerspace and the business expertise of industry mentors. At the end of the competition, all participants will have made industry connections and gained invaluable experience in prototyping, IP law and business planning.
Current (or future) startup companies are encouraged to participate.
THE GRAND PRIZE WINNER WILL RECEIVE ONE YEAR OF FREE RENT FOR OFFICE SPACE IN DOWNTOWN TROY, THANKS TO BRYCE COMPANIES, ALONG WITH A YEAR OF TVCOG MEMBERSHIP AND A ONE YEAR MEMBERSHIP TO THE RENSSELAER COUNTY REGIONAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE. OTHER PRIZES INCLUDE UP TO $5,000 IN CASH AND MORE.
APPLY TO COMPETE HERE
What will you MAKE?
October 13-15, 2023
Applications are closed, but everyone is welcome to join us for a Sunday Night Social Night, October 15th, 3pm-7pm!
See what the teams developed, tour the COG, and talk to members about their projects.
Register for Social Night here
THE SMART CITIES HACKATHON IS A WEEKEND-LONG INVENTION MARATHON, WITH A UNIQUE MAKERSPACE TWIST: PARTICIPANTS WILL BRING THEIR IDEAS TO LIFE BY BUILDING PHYSICAL PROTOTYPES, USING THE RESOURCES HERE AT TVCOG.
Participants will be challenged to devise solutions to address some of the biggest issues facing urban areas. Teams will be required to build a physical prototype and develop a convincing pitch that will win over our panel of judges.
To level the playing field, we will provide materials and experienced Maker Mentors, who will help teams build prototypes using our extensive array of equipment. Additionally, we will offer mentoring sessions on business essentials led by industry experts.
TVCOG'S HACKATHONS ARE DESIGNED TO CREATE OPPORTUNITIES FOR INNOVATION.
Anybody can have an idea for a new product or business, but few have access to the resources needed to make that idea come to life. Our Hackathon was designed to provide entrepreneurs an opportunity to practice their skills, as well as to connect with the support systems available at TVCOG and across the Capital Region.
This competition will provide participants with the prototyping and fabrication power of a makerspace and the business expertise of industry mentors. At the end of the competition, all participants will have made industry connections and gained invaluable experience in prototyping, IP law and business planning.
Current (or future) startup companies are encouraged to participate.
THE GRAND PRIZE WINNER WILL RECEIVE ONE YEAR OF FREE RENT FOR OFFICE SPACE IN DOWNTOWN TROY, THANKS TO BRYCE COMPANIES, ALONG WITH A YEAR OF TVCOG MEMBERSHIP AND A ONE YEAR MEMBERSHIP TO THE RENSSELAER COUNTY REGIONAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE. OTHER PRIZES INCLUDE UP TO $5,000 IN CASH AND MORE.
APPLY TO COMPETE HERE
- The Challenge: Smart Cities
- The Smart Cities theme will challenge participants to create prototypes that meet the pressing needs of urban environments using modern technology.
- From smarter water management, more efficient transportation networks, to more energy-efficient ways to power buildings, teams will be tasked with creating real-world solutions that support more equitable and sustainable cities in the future. Challenges will be announced on day one of the event. They will be specific to the theme of Smart Cities and posed by our sponsors and industry mentors.
- The Challengers
- The competition is open to teams of 2-4 individuals, ages 18+. Teams must apply to participate. You do not need fabrication experience or experience with Smart Cities technology to participate!
- Anyone is welcome to compete, but the grand prize is only available to current (or future) startup companies. All teams are eligible to win cash prizes, regardless of business association. Businesses are considered startups if they have been in operation for less than 5 years.
- The Registration Process
- Applications are per team and due by 8pm, September 25th. You can apply or view the application in its entirety here.
- If your team is invited to participate, you will receive the official registration packet with additional details and paperwork. There will be a $100 registration fee per team, to be paid after your application is accepted. There is no application fee. Teams will be notified of application status by September 29.
- Limited financial assistance is available to cover the $100 registration fee; please indicate if assistance is needed on the application form. This will in no way impact your application status; financial assistance will be approved if there are still sufficient funds at the time of the request.
- Accepted teams must fill out the registration paperwork and submit the registration fee by October 3 in order to hold their spot.
- Day 1: Brainstorm & Create
- Challenges and judging criteria will be announced on Day 1, and teams will immediately get to work! All shops will be open and Maker Mentors will be on site to help with fabrication.
- Meals provided: Light lunch, dinner.
- Day 2: Mentor Madness
- Teams will meet with industry mentors who will help guide them as they create their pitches for the judging panel. All shops will be open and Maker Mentors will be available.
- Meals provided: Breakfast, light lunch, dinner.
- Day 3: Pitching & Judging
- Teams will present their pitch and prototype to the judging panel and other participants. Winners will be selected.
- Meals provided: Breakfast, light lunch.
The event itself starts at noon on Friday, October 13 and ends at 4pm on Sunday, October 15. Check-in begins at 10:30am on Friday morning; there is no check-out process required on Sunday. TVCOG will be closed to all participants from midnight to 6 am on October 14 & 15. Participants are not allowed to sleep in the facility, and are encouraged to take this time to go off-site and rest.
TVCOG will be hosting a series of classes and events leading up to the Hackathon to help you meet other aspiring innovators and prepare for the competition. These classes are open to the public. You do not need to participate in the Hackathon to take the class! You can view them here.
You don't need to compete to participate. There are many ways to get involved!
- Be a volunteer. TVCOG relies on our experienced team of volunteers to bring this event to life. Volunteer positions include Maker Mentors and welcoming guests at the front desk.
- Be a sponsor. We still have sponsorship slots open at several different levels, starting as low as $300. You can sponsor a meal, provide supplies, provide mentoring services as an in-kind sponsorship and more! Benefits vary by level. Learn more!
Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information.