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Phase 3 – Build, ship, and demo

The Hackathon is the final phase of #75HER, where you turn your Idea-thon blueprint into a working prototype. This is where Learn-a-thon skills and Idea-thon concepts come together into something you can build, test, and demonstrate.

📅 Hackathon Period: February 16 - March 7, 2026 ⏰ Final Submission Deadline: March 7, 2026, 11:59 PM EST 🎤 Demo Day: March 8, 2026 (International Women's Day) 📋 Submit via: Devpost

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What happens in the Hackathon

During the Hackathon, builders:

• Review Idea-thon feedback and refine your concept based on mentor input (if you participated in Idea-thon)
• Form or finalize teams (2-5 members) or continue as a solo builder
• Scope a realistic project for the 3-week timeline—focus on core functionality
• Build, test, and iterate on a working prototype
• Document everything - decisions, risks, evidence, and learnings
• Create a demo video (3-5 minutes) showcasing your solution
• Submit to Devpost by March 7, 11:59 PM EST
• Present at Demo Day on March 8 (International Women's Day)

Remember: The Hackathon is time-boxed with clear milestones. Balance ambition with feasibility—focus on proving your concept works rather than building a perfect product.

💡 New to hackathons? Don't worry—our mentors and community are here to support you every step of the way!

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AI/ML Track Requirement:

If you're building in the AI/ML track, your project must use Goose (Block's open-source agentic AI framework). This is a required component for AI/ML track eligibility and judging.

✅ Goose helps you scaffold projects, wire up APIs, run tests, and debug code

✅ Check out the Goose workshop recordings in Discord for tutorials

✅ Questions? Ask in #general or #support channel

🎁 Sponsored Credits Available:

goose has sponsored $80 in AI development credits for all participants.

Access your credits:

1. Visit: https://goose-credits.dev/
2. Use code: CREATEHERHACK
3. Start building with Claude Opus 4.5 or Claude Sonnet 4.5

AR/VR & Blockchain tracks: goose integration is optional but encouraged for AI-enhanced features.

📋 Remember: Document your goose integration in your final submission README.

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Code Originality Requirement (ALL Participants)

To ensure fair judging and celebrate what you build during #75HER, the core of your project must be created within the Hackathon window (February 16 – March 7, 2026).

✅ Totally OK:

• Using frameworks and libraries (React, Flask, TensorFlow, etc.)
• Building on starter templates or boilerplates (document them in your README)
• Integrating APIs and third-party services
• Adapting open-source components with your own logic
• Continuing something you started during a #75HER workshop

❌ Not OK:

• Submitting a project mostly built before February 16th with minor tweaks
• Backdating commits to fit the timeline
• Repackaging pre-built solutions as new work

Required Documentation:

Your README must include:

1. Tech Stack – main tools/frameworks used
2. What You Built During #75HER – features worked on Feb 16-Mar 7
3. What You Built On Top Of – any templates/boilerplates/existing code
4. GitHub Link – public repo with commit history showing timeline

Verification: Judges will review commit history and README. Projects flagged for insufficient original work may be asked to demonstrate implementation. Disqualification is only for clear, intentional violations.

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Perplexity Enterprise Pro (Limited Access)

Elite-level AI for your research, debugging, and Demo Day prep!

Limited Perplexity Enterprise Pro access is available for #75HER Learn-a-thon & Idea-thon workshop attendees who are actively building in the Hackathon phase.

Perfect for:

✅ Technical research and literature reviews

✅ Real-time debugging assistance

✅ Evidence gathering and citation support

✅ Demo Day presentation prep

Access Details:

• 🎟️ Request Access While Supplies Last
• ⏰ Active until March 21, 2026 (last official day of #75HER)
• 🏃 First come, first served – very limited licenses available

Eligibility:

• Attended at least one Learn-a-thon or Idea-thon workshop
• Actively building a Hackathon project </aside>

🛠️ Premium Resources for Builders