The Inaugural SWU 24-Hour Mini Hackathon: A Showcase of Student Innovation

Twenty-four hours. Nine teams. One goal: harnessing creativity to solve real-world problems. At Southwestern University’s IT Department’s first-ever mini hackathon, students from across the IT spectrum came together to transform their theoretical knowledge into practical innovation. From e-commerce platforms to medical apps, the projects showcased an impressive range of ideas, demonstrating the depth of talent and potential within the university’s IT community. As we reflect on this inaugural event, it becomes clear that the future of technology is in capable hands.

Hosted by Southwestern University’s IT Department, the 24-hour mini hackathon on February 16th-17th brought together first and second-year IT students to collaborate and innovate. The event, supported by various university and industry partners, aimed to encourage the creation of practical solutions for real-world problems, helping students bridge the gap between theory and practice in the field of technology.

Nine teams, each representing unique perspectives and solutions, participated in the event: Team Bangan, Team Dynamico, Team Pioneer, Team TripleBytes, Team We Find Ways, Team Pixels, Team Loremipsum, Team Semicolon, and Team On The Spot. While each team had its own distinct vision and approach, the common goal was to develop an application based on their business idea.

Team Bangan envisioned an e-commerce web platform to facilitate business transactions. Their solution aimed to streamline the online buying process, making it more efficient and accessible for both buyers and sellers.

Team Dynamico presented “reseta,” an app designed to connect doctors, pharmacists, and patients. The application sought to bridge the gap between healthcare professionals and individuals in need of medical assistance, facilitating better communication and access to prescription medications.

Team Pioneer’s focus was on education, proposing an innovative platform to address the shortcomings of traditional educational methods. Their solution aimed to provide personalized learning experiences and promote active engagement among students.

Team TripleBytes developed “Hop On,” an app tailored for commuters and transportation operators. The app’s primary function was to provide real-time information on bus availability within a given area, improving the overall efficiency and convenience of public transportation.

Team We Find Ways conceptualized “Rentahanay,” a management app tailored for landlords and tenants. The application aimed to simplify rental processes, providing convenient solutions for billing and receipt management.

Team Pixels proposed an agricultural app designed for real-time crop monitoring. The app aimed to provide farmers with valuable insights into their crop’s health and growth, optimizing their farming practices and increasing productivity.

Team Loremipsum presented “Ilaw,” an e-commerce web platform focused on renewable energy products. Their solution sought to promote sustainability by providing a marketplace for eco-friendly energy solutions.

Team Semicolon’s “ourpad” app focused on landlords and tenants, offering a comprehensive matching and management service for apartments and dormitories. Their solution aimed to simplify the rental process and foster positive landlord-tenant relationships.

Team On The Spot proposed an educational app designed to make learning fun and engaging. The app also offered a tutoring service, connecting students with qualified educators to assist them in their learning journey.

At the end of the event, Team Semicolon was awarded the overall champion, showcasing their innovative solution and its potential to address a real-world problem. Additionally, Team Loremipsum won the best pitch award for their compelling presentation of “Ilaw.”

The success of the 24-hour mini hackathon was a testament to the collaborative efforts of the students, the support of the university and its partners, and the dedication of the organizing committee. The event provided an invaluable learning experience for the participants, helping them develop practical skills and exposing them to the realities of the tech industry. As Southwestern University continues to nurture innovation and creativity among its students, the 24-hour mini hackathon is sure to become an annual highlight, showcasing the incredible potential of the university’s IT department and its students.

As we celebrate the success of this inaugural mini-hackathon, we are reminded that the journey of innovation is an ongoing one. The projects presented here are not just the end, but the beginning of a journey of exploration, discovery, and invention. The road ahead may be challenging, but with the passion, creativity, and determination demonstrated by the participants, we have no doubt that the future is bright.