DandyHacks ‘25

November 14-16

Register Join Discord

What is DandyHacks?

DandyHacks is the University of Rochester’s annual 42-hour long hackathon. This year will be our 13th anniversary, and we’re so excited to hold this amazing milestone in-person! As a fully student-led organization at a tier 1 research university, we embody our school’s values, encouraging participants to question the world and learn more.

DandyHacks is very beginner-friendly, and we welcome students from all backgrounds and majors. Participating in DandyHacks is not just about winning; it is about collaborating with peers, learning from mentors, and gaining valuable experiences. This year, DandyHacks will take place on Nov 14-16 in the Feldman Ballroom. We hope to see you there!

Tracks

Choose one track to submit your project into. Each track will have three top winners, and each project may only win in one track. Each track will have different prizes, so pick and choose your track depending on which prize you want to win!

Two seashells, one orange and one pink, with some bubbles

Community

How do we use technology to connect people?

A shell from which a dandelion emerges

Entertainment

How can technology impact film, music, or video games?

A smiling groundhog whose head is inside a colorful bubble

Efficiency

How can we make people’s lives more productive?

Past projects

Amazeing

A tech-infused maze game leveraging a Kruskal's algorithm-based design.

Rocmap

U of R's very own map navigator, tunnels and weather included!

Quiz-voyage

An app to gain knowledge in an entertaining environment akin to a video game.

FAQ

What is a hackathon?

A hackathon is an event in which people meet to collaboratively build their ideas using technology.

Who is eligible to participate?

Any graduate or undergraduate student over the age of 18 enrolled in a North American institution of higher education is eligible. All hackers must be vaccinated and are encouraged to mask while indoors.

Do I have to pay to participate?

Hackers do not have to pay to participate. Hackers just need to register and check-in upon arrival. Registration will open up in early September, but you may join discord and follow us on Instagram @dandyhacks to stay up to date on all things DandyHacks!

Will the hackathon be in-person or virtual?

The hackathon will be fully in-person with a couple online workshops.

What safety protocols are in place to protect the community?

Please see the University of Rochester COVID-19 protocols.

Will I work individually or with a team?

You can work individually or with a team. Each team can have a maximum of 4 people, and don’t worry if you don’t have a team yet! We will make time and communication channels for you to find a team.

Can I start hacking before the event?

You may not start hacking before the event, but you can start planning and gathering resources.

I still have questions…

Reach out to us at our email or on our Instagram!

Sponsors