We are pleased to announce that the event successfully concluded on March 2nd, 2024. Thank you to all participants. Please stay tuned for future events.
Introduction
The UBC CIC is hosting its inaugural hackathon! Dive into an exciting day of innovation and creativity. March 2nd 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, March 2nd, 2024
- Venue: Sauder Learning Labs
- Capacity: 100 participants
- Overarching Theme: Innovation with Cloud Computing & Generative AI
- Form of Delivery: In-Person
Who are we?
The UBC Cloud Innovation Centre (CIC) at the University of British Columbia (UBC) is a collaboration with AWS, and after opening in January 2020 it is still the only CIC in Canada.
As a hub for creating solutions to innovation challenges using cloud technology, we’re inviting UBC students to not only exercise their creativity to build community-centred solutions, but also to equip themselves with in-demand skill sets.
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.
Who are you?
You are a current UBC student who is keen to apply your skills in a collaborative setting, 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. First time hackers are also greatly welcome!
Theme Subcategories
The overarching theme for this year is Cloud Computing and Generative AI, but we also have certain areas where we would like to see innovation in, including but not limited to: Healthcare, Education, Environment, Cyber Security.
What now?
Take a look at the event details and schedule, register for the hackathon, and then keep an eye out for more details and further information.
Event Details and Schedule
Before the Hackathon
Registration
- Deadline: February 14. Entry will be first-come, first-served. Results will be released no later than February 16.
- 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 if you can no longer come, so we can assign your spot to someone on the waitlist.
- Sign up here on Qualtrics.
Results Confirmation
We will send an email to you if you have been confirmed a seat at the hackathon. From there, you will find your next steps, including a GitHub repository and Discord link where you can socialize and find teammates beforehand.
Datasets
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 6 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 March 2 – 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.
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
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