Hosted by: MIT Innovation Initiative & Lockheed Martin

How will we use technology to find and communicate truth in the 21st century?

Theme areas:

• Track 1: Using technology to understand the impact of climate change to enable support and aid humanitarian efforts
• Track 2: Truth in a digital world (i.e. combatting fake news, social media bots, and deep fakes)
• Track 3: Ensuring supply chain integrity

The winning team in each track will receive Platinum passes to SXSW (South by Southwest) in Austin, TX with roundtrip airfare and lodging.

Details

February 22–24, 2019

MIT Innovation Initiative
One Broadway, 12th Floor
Cambridge, MA 02142

Please note: We are still accepting applications on a rolling basis. Currently, all the spots are filled, but we will place applicants on a waiting list and let you know if/when there are openings prior to the hackathon. To apply, complete this form.

FAQs

Who is eligible to attend?
Students (both graduate and undergraduate) and postdocs.

Is there a cost to attend?
No, the hackathon is free. All meals and snacks will be provided.

How does the application process work?
Please apply using this link. Be sure to include a CV and/or your LinkedIn profile. We are still accepting applications on a rolling basis. Currently, all the spots are filled, but we will place applicants on a waiting list and let you know if/when there are openings prior to the hackathon.

Can I apply with others?
Yes, although each team member will have to be accepted individually. Please note that the maximum team size is four (4) individuals. If you’re applying as part of a team, please email Laura Halligan at laurahal@mit.edu to let us know. (Be sure to tell us the names of everyone on the team, and make sure each person applies individually.)

What if I don’t have a team already?
Not to worry — team formation will occur on Friday evening.

Can teams work overnight?
Yes, but not in the hackathon space, per MIT policy. Hacking in the venue space will end on Saturday night at 11 pm and resume the following morning at 7 am. We cannot provide accommodation for participants attending from out of town, so please plan accordingly.

Do I have to choose one of the three tracks?
Yes, you and your team will have to choose a track. If you aren’t sure which track, not to worry — you can decide during the teaming period Friday evening.

What do I need to bring?
Please bring your own laptop/other device. We’ll provide ideation supplies.

Who owns the ideas/IP?
You do! Teams own what they create.

What are the prizes?
The winning team in each track will receive badges to SXSW in Austin, Texas. Each team will also have the option to present their ideas to SXSW attendees and network at the Lockheed Martin booth at SXSW between Sunday, March 10 and Wednesday, March 13.

Additionally, each team member will receive:

• Roundtrip airfare between Boston (or another city, to be determined on a case-by-case basis and at the sole discretion of the MIT Innovation Initiative) and Austin, Texas
• Two nights of accommodation in Austin
• A per diem towards food and ground transportation