PioSolve Hackathon

PioSolve Hackathon at Marietta College

MISSION

The mission of the PioSolve Hackathon at Marietta College is to engage students in problem-based, multidisciplinary, learning by providing the opportunity to examine the root causes of local and global social, environmental, political, and economic problems, and find creative solutions that students themselves can put into action.

WHAT SETS THIS HACKATHON APART FROM OTHERS?

The main way this hackathon is different from others is that the recommended solutions must result in actionable items that the recommenders (student competitors) themselves can potentially put into action. For example, you can’t simply say the government should do “this” to solve the problem. Rather, you need to offer a solution that your team can potentially begin the process of its implementation.

FORMAT

PioSolve is a one-day Hackathon that is usually scheduled on a Saturday in the month of February, from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The program is as follows:

• 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.: Introduction, statement of the problem and rules, selection of teams.
• 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.: Teams work on developing solutions.
• 3:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.: Teams upload their presentation slides.
• 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.: Teams pitch their solutions.

WHO CAN COMPETE?

All full-time Marietta College students, regardless of their major or class year, may compete in teams of three or four. Students may register individually or as a team. If you register individually, we will assign you to a team on the day of the competition. The maximum number of competing teams is six.

WHERE DO I REGISTER to compete?

The registration form for the February 2024 competition will open sometime in January 2024.

WHAT DO I WIN? 

Participants who spend the entire day working in their groups and make presentations at the end of the day will receive electronic badges similar to the one displayed below. The top 3 teams will also receive prizes of $400, $300, and $200.

HOW ARE WINNERS SELECTED?

The winners of the PioSolve will be determined by a team of judges.

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM COMPETITION

What is that pressing and serious local, regional, national, or global social, environmental, political, or economic problem that the Hackathon participants should solve?  Submit a problem by the deadline that will be announced later, and win a $50 gift card if your problem is selected.

WHERE CAN I FIND MORE INFORMATION?

We will hold an in-person information session sometime in January 2024. You may also emailentr@marietta.edu for more information.