About the event

The Raccoons Hackathon is an innovation and building marathon where participants in team or independently build their ideas or develop solutions for proposed challenges within 48 hours. The event includes workshops on various technologies and coding, especially for beginners, to foster interest in these skills and promote new ideas and problem-solving among the next generations.

Raccoon

Who can join?

The event is open to high school and university students over the age of 16 from any country, regardless of their skills and background.

Date

15th - 17th of November, 2024 Opening ceremony starts at 17:30

Opening ceremony starts at 17:30

Place

House of Nature of University of Latvia, Jelgavas Street 1, Riga, Latvia

Language

English

Discord invite has been sent out to all applicants via email. Let us know if you have not received one at hello@theraccoons.org

How it works?

Step 1:  

Register

Step 2:  

Receive invite to Discord and more info in email

Step 3:  

Start to form your very best team in Discord

Step 4:  

Get to event venue and attend hackathon opening to hear challenges from our partners

Step 5:  

Attend workshops and meet with mentors that will help you develop you idea into prototype.

Step 6:  

Participate in the extra activities and have fun

Step 7:  

Get prizes for the awesome work you have done

The Raccoons

Timeline

25.10

Code Camp 8

IN-PERSON - K. Barona Street 20, Riga - 17:00

In this workshop, we'll explore tools and new AI technologies on how to make it work for you! Learn what is important and how to use AI effectively to develop business ideas.

Read more

06.11

From Idea to Business

IN-PERSON - K. Barona Street 20, Riga - 17:00

Want to build a successful business? Join our workshop to hear and discuss key challenges in business and how to build one from scratch.

Read more

08.11

Code Camp 9

IN-PERSON - K. Barona Street 20, Riga - 17:00

Want to ace your hackathon? Learn how to turn ideas into prototypes in Figma, from beginner to pro through a step-by-step tutorial and useful tips!

Read more

11.11

Code Camp 10

IN-PERSON - K. Barona Street 20, Riga - 17:00

Sensors are not scary! Join our hands-on Arduino workshop and learn the basics of sensor design from choosing the right components to testing your prototype.

Read more

14.11

Info Stream

Online - Zoom - 18:00

Hackathon starting soon? Join our Zoom info session to learn about the rules and agenda, and how to make the most of the event!

Read more

15.11

Hackathon 2024

IN-PERSON - Jelgavas Street 1, Riga - 17:30

Let's start hacking!

16.11

Workshop: How to Pitch!

IN-PERSON - Jelgavas Street 1, Riga - 17:00

Workshop by Āris Brencis

Tracks

Data

Science

Gamedev

Finhelp

Data

recycling

Challenge details will be announced during the opening ceremony on Friday.

FAQ

WHAT SHOULD I BRING?  

A laptop and charger, everything else we will take care of.

WHAT IS A HACKATHON?  

A hackathon is best described as an “invention marathon”. Anyone who has an interest in technology attends a hackathon to learn, build & share their creations over the course of a weekend in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.

WHO CAN APPLY?  

It is open to any young adult, university or high school student and young professional from any country, regardless of skills and background. We are beginner-friendly - all you need is the willingness to learn!

WHERE WILL IT HAPPEN?  

In person in the University of Latvia, House of Nature, Jelgavas Street 1, LV1004, Riga Latvia + Discord for online communication​

WHAT ARE THE CHALLENGES?  

Themes of problems to solve will be announced a few weeks before the hackathon. More precise challenge descriptions will be revealed shortly before the hackathon.

WHY SHOULD I PARTICIPATE?  

1. Gain and improve programming skills and challenge yourself creatively. 2. Meet new like-minded people and learn to collaborate. 3. Work on projects that you can add to your portfolio that showcase your talent when applying to positions at companies.

HOW DOES A HACKATHON WORK?  

You register for the event and get invited to Discord, brainstorm your ideas with others, communicate with your team or find one in Discord or at the event, attend opening ceremonies, workshops and entertainment activities and work on your projects using the skills you learn on the way.

GREAT, HOW DO I JOIN IN?  

After you register we will send you an invite to our Discord platform where all the hackathon communication will take place.

WHAT IF I DON'T HAVE A TEAM?  

Not to worry - we will have a team building activities to help you find a suitable team. They will happen at the event on the first day of the event. Plus the hackathon requirements are that you must work on an idea within a team from 1 to max 5 people, so you can also work alone in case you feel like it.

WHAT IS THE END RESULT?  

At The Raccoons, the goal is to encourage learning, digital skills and freedom to experiment and make mistakes, as well as build new things and ideas. Therefore, participants are free to choose whether to present their projects and be eligible for the prizes!

CAN I PARTICIPATE ONLINE?  

The event takes place in person but it is not mandatory that you are at the event venue during all the days. But there must be at least one person at the event venue on the last day of the event to present the team and what you have built. 

IS THERE A PLACE TO SLEEP?  

Yes, if you are coming from outside of Riga and have nowhere to rest, we will provide you with basics: room to sleep, mattresses and sleeping bags.

Main OrganizerDotsPartners
CFI Logo White
SWEB
University of Latvia Logo White
Friends / Draugi
TechChill
Startin.lv
Riga Tech Girls
Visas Iespejas
TechHub
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LUSP White
GameDev.lv
Civitta