About the challenge

Idea Forge 2025 – A WAForge Hackathon is the Bay Area’s premier software hackathon where students, builders, and innovators come together to turn ideas into impact. Over 24 hours, participants will collaborate, code, and pitch solutions to real-world challenges in fields like AI, sustainability, fintech, and community impact.

What makes Idea Forge unique is our blend of mentorship, community, and opportunity. Winning teams gain not just prizes, but also access to the WAForge Catalyst program — a launchpad that connects students to VCs, startup founders, and tech leaders.

Get started

  1. Register on Devpost and join our Discord/Slack for updates.

  2. Form a team (or find one at the opening ceremony).

  3. Check out our starter resources and challenge statements.

  4. Brainstorm, build, and submit before the deadline.

Requirements

What to Build

Participants must create a working software project — this can be a web app, mobile app, API, or software tool. Projects should aim to solve a meaningful problem, whether in education, health, sustainability, or social good. More about the hackathon tracks will be revealed at the opening ceremony

What to Submit

Your Devpost submission should include:

  • A link to your code repository (GitHub, GitLab, etc.).

  • A 2–3 minute demo video explaining your project.

  • A project description (problem, solution, features, impact).

  • Screenshots or demo links (if available).

  • Team member names and roles.

Hackathon Sponsors

Prizes

1 non-cash prize
WAForge Catalyst Program
3 winners

Entry to WAForge's Catalyst Program + Cash Prizes(TBD)

Devpost Achievements

Submitting to this hackathon could earn you:

Judges

The WAForge Bay Area Team

The WAForge Bay Area Team
WAForge

Judging Criteria

  • Innovation & Creativity
    How original and forward-thinking is the idea? Does it bring something new or unique to the table?
  • Technical Implementation
    How well was the project executed? Is the code functional, stable, and technically sound?
  • Presentation & Demo
    How clearly was the project explained and demonstrated? Did the team communicate their vision effectively?

Questions? Email the hackathon manager

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