Code and Coffee Hackathon

Everyone's a builder here: coders, PMs, designers, and the just-curious. Get ready to build something real for Newark! We're taking over Rutgers iHub for a full-day hackathon focused on solving problems that actually matter to the people who call this city home, from water safety to food access to just making city government easier to navigate. Theme: "The best tech doesn't just look impressive in a demo. It solves a real problem for the people who need it most." Description: This hackathon challenges participants to pick a real issue facing Newark and build something that actually helps: a tool, an assistant, a dashboard, whatever gets the job done. Teams can dig into problem areas like environmental & water justice, food access, cost of living, or civic transparency, or bring their own idea if they see a sharper angle. Expect AI to play a role in your build, but what we're really looking for is a solution that works. Judging will weigh usefulness and execution as heavily as technical approach. Technical Scope: Participants can use any technical stack they prefer (code-based, no-code, or a mix) Projects must be built from scratch during the hackathon, no prebuilt solutions Teams are free to choose one of our suggested problem areas or pitch their own. We'll share a few starting points at kickoff, but the direction is yours Judging Criteria: Relevance & Impact: Does this solve a real, specific problem for Newark residents, and could someone actually use it? Execution: How complete and functional is the prototype, given the short build window? Thoughtful AI Use: How and why did you use AI? A simple, well-executed approach counts; bonus points for teams who push further with multi-step reasoning or tool use where it genuinely fits the problem. Usability & Creativity: Would a non-technical resident actually get it? Does the approach show real originality? Pitch & Clarity: Can you clearly explain the problem, the solution, and who it's for in your demo? Agenda: 10:00 – 10:30 AM | Check-in & Networking Registration, coffee/light breakfast, casual networking 10:30 – 11:00 AM | Welcome & Opening Remarks Theme and judging criteria overview 11:00 – 11:30 AM | Team Formation & Idea Pitches Participants pitch project ideas, team matchmaking session 11:30 AM – 4:00 PM | Hacking Session Teams build prototypes, mentors available for tech and business guidance, lunch break at 1:00 PM 4:00 – 5:00 PM | Project Demos & Pitches 3–5 minute demos from each team, judged by partners and industry reps 5:00 – 5:30 PM | Awards & Closing Remarks Winners announced, closing remarks 5:30 – 6:00 PM | Networking & Wrap-Up Informal mingling with participants, judges, and partners