February 2025 Hackathon Recap

This Year's Hackathon

Every year, we strive to make our hackathons more impactful, learning from past experiences and finding new ways to foster collaboration and inclusivity. This time, we saw even greater participation than the year before, a testament to the growing need for spaces where people can connect, innovate, and support one another. More than just an event, it has become a platform for learning, experimentation, and meaningful relationships. This year, participants had the chance to engage in the following roles:

Trying something new

This year, our hackathon was open to everyone, creating an inclusive space where individuals at all stages of their tech journeys could collaborate and innovate. We welcomed a diverse group of participants, from early-career technologists to seasoned industry professionals. This mix of perspectives and skill levels fostered a dynamic environment where learning, creativity, and meaningful connections thrived.

Hackathon Attendees

With over 100 people joining this year’s hackathon, the event brought together a diverse group of technologists. This mix of experiences sparked fresh ideas, encouraged creative problem-solving, and helped participants build both technical skills and confidence. By working alongside peers, attendees gained valuable experience that will support their growth and success in tech. We're also excited to see a growing number of school representatives joining the event, fostering connections between students and the broader tech community!

Finalist Projects

Hackathon Prizes

Hackathon Judges, Welcoming Experienced Perspectives

Hack the Gap had the privilege of collaborating with an incredible group of professionals who lent their expertise as judges for this year’s hackathon. Their insights, experience, and thoughtful evaluation helped shape the event, providing valuable feedback to participants and recognizing the creativity and hard work that went into each project.

What’s a hackathon without pizza, ice cream, and community?

Participants enjoyed a variety of delicious treats throughout the event, including a fully stocked coffee bar, an ice cream station, plenty of pizza, and a selection of hearty snacks to keep everyone energized and satisfied.

During downtime, participants gathered as a community, connecting with one another, sharing experiences, and enjoying a lively and welcoming atmosphere that made the event even more memorable.

Thank You!

At Hack the Gap, we elevate diverse and inspiring technologists through events that create spaces to get together, hack, and connect, providing tech training and pathways into tech, and connecting candidates with employers.

Thank you to our sponsors for making this Hackathon possible: Full Stack Saint Paul, In Tandem, Super Go Faster, Bread and Butter, and Creed Interactive.

Thank you to Super Go Faster for the Sponsor prize and OpenAI and Frontend Masters for providing additional prizes.

If you or your organization would like to be involved in our next event, please email us at [email protected].