
Introduction
Dive into an exciting day of innovation and creativity. Saturday October 5th is your opportunity to leverage Amazon Web Services (AWS) to ideate, collaborate, build, and present solutions that can make a real-world impact.
Event Description
General Information
- Date & Time: 8:00AM – 8:00PM, Saturday October 5th, 2024
- Venue: Sauder Learning Labs
- Capacity: 100 participants
- Overarching Theme: Innovation in sustainability & generative AI using cloud technology
- Form of Delivery: In-Person
Who are we?
The University of British Columbia’s Cloud Innovation Centre (UBC CIC) is a collaboration with Amazon Web Services (AWS), and after opening in January 2020 it is still the only CIC in Canada.
Now, the UBC CIC is focusing on generative AI to ensure organizations can adopt this groundbreaking technology to drive innovation and improve the services they offer. The UBC CIC program is embracing this technology to ensure that students are learning these critical skills to power the future.
Who are you?
You are a current UBC student who is keen to apply your skills in a collaborative setting and excited to explore cloud computing and generative AI. Whether you are a designer or a programmer, our event is a space to learn and grow, and is open to all skill levels and backgrounds.
If you’re interested in learning more about sustainability, this hackathon is the perfect opportunity to discover how technology can drive positive change. First-time hackers are also greatly welcome!
What’s the theme?
The theme of the hackathon is using generative AI to drive innovative solutions for sustainability using cloud computing. You’ll leverage generative AI with AWS as you develop creative solutions to sustainability challenges. This is your chance to contribute to a more sustainable future through the fusion of cutting-edge technology and collaborative problem-solving.
What is Cloud Computing?
Cloud computing is the practice of using a network of remote servers hosted on the internet to store, manage, and process data, rather than a local server or a personal computer. It allows you to focus on developing, rather than having to worry about providing all the hardware. One of the biggest cloud service providers out there is AWS.
Cloud technology can be more sustainable because it uses shared resources more efficiently, often leading to lower energy consumption and reduced carbon emissions compared to traditional data centers. Learn more about how AWS approaches the sustainability of cloud technology here.
Event Details and Schedule
Before the Hackathon
Registration
- Deadline: Registration closed on September 13th.
- Waitlist: After capacity has been reached, participants will be placed on the waitlist.
- Cancellation: We understand that plans change. Please email us at cic.info@ubc.ca using your student email if you can no longer come, so we can assign your spot to someone on the waitlist.
Results Confirmation
We will notify you by email if you secure a seat at the hackathon no later than September 16th. This email will include details on your next steps, such as access to a GitHub repository and a Discord link, where you can connect with others and find teammates before the event.
Datasets
Select datasets will be provided however we encourage you to bring your own data to enhance your models or leverage open data sets, such as those from Kaggle. Please ensure datasets do not have Personally Identifiable Information (PII) and have licenses compatible with open source projects. Preprocessing prior to the hackathon is welcome.
Team Formation
Team sizes will be a minimum of 3, and a maximum of 5 members. If you already know who you want to work with, include their names in the RSVP Form, and we’ll try our best to accommodate.
Note: All team members must register individually.
Study Resources
Once your registration has been confirmed we will share AWS resources for your convenience to be better prepared for the actual day of hacking.
Saturday, October 5th – Hackathon
What do you need to bring?
- Water bottle
- Laptop and power cables
- An inquisitive attitude!
Food
Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and refreshments will be provided. We invite you to bring your own reusable containers, mugs, and utensils to help us minimize waste.
Prizes
Top teams will win prizes. To be considered, projects must be posted on GitHub.
Rules
More detailed rules will be released closer to the actual event, but in general:
- No plagiarism
- Code must be on GitHub and open sourced
- Any private datasets used must not contain personally identifiable information
- Project design and development must start at the hackathon’s beginning, but preprocessed and structured data is allowed
AWS Credits
During this hackathon, you will receive access to AWS accounts through AWS Workshop Studio. These accounts are set up to give you access to necessary AWS services and tools to work on your projects and tailored to meet the requirements of our hackathon. There is no cost to participate.
By using AWS Workshop Studio for the relevant event, Participants agree to the AWS Event Terms and Conditions, the AWS Responsible AI Policy, and the AWS Acceptable Use Policy.
General Schedule
- 8:00AM: Check in
- 8:30AM: Icebreaker and breakfast (Coffee and light refreshments provided)
- 9:00AM: Hacking commences
- 12:00PM: Lunch (provided)
- 5:00PM: Dinner (provided)
- 6:00PM: Presentations start
- 8:00PM: End of Hackathon!
Mentors and Support
CIC staff, alumni, current Co-op students, and AWS representatives will be available to guide you.
Point of Contact
Some details are still being planned, and more information will come once your registration has been confirmed.
Have a question? Ask the team at cic.info@ubc.ca. Please ensure all communication is done through your student email.
Stay updated with general event news and updates by following us on LinkedIn.