Hack Node Rules

Eligibility

• Open to Australian residents, including students, recent graduates, and self-taught coders.
• Participants can join solo or in teams (no maximum size) and submit multiple projects.
• Organizers and mentors can participate but are not eligible for prizes.

Project Requirements

• Build an original app in one of nine categories (AI, Web3, gaming, social impact, health tech, education tech, sustainability, finance tech, creative tech), mapped to tracks: Textstream, Soundwave, Gamejam, Vision, Enviro, HealthTech, FinTech, LearnAI, Social Network.
• Projects must be developed during July 25 – August 12, 2025.
• Finalizing project submission on BOTH Github and BlockSeBlock platforms counts as Submission.
• Use of open-source libraries, frameworks, vibe coding, and APIs is allowed.
• Projects must include a working prototype, comprehensive README, and a social media post tagging @OpenxAINetwork.

Code of Conduct

• Maintain a respectful, inclusive environment.
• No harassment, plagiarism, or unethical behavior; violations may lead to disqualification at organizers’ discretion.
• Report issues to organizers via Discord (#town-hall).

Content Sharing

• Post project updates on X (tagging @OpenxAINetwork), Instagram (@OpenxAINetwork), and Discord (#app-showcase).
• Bonus points awarded for community engagement in judging.

Event Format

• Online event with online workshops (July 25 – August 10, 2025) via Luma and Discord.
• Submissions and judging are fully online via GitHub and BlockSeBlock.

Required Components

• Working Application: Functional AI app with clean, responsive UI and error handling.
• Documentation: Comprehensive README.md with setup instructions, API documentation, and usage examples.
• Demo Video: 2-5 minute walkthrough, uploaded as unlisted YouTube video (or TikTok/Instagram).
• Code Quality: Written in TypeScript/JavaScript or Python, with readable code, error handling, and comments.
• Innovation: Unique AI use case with creative implementation and clear value proposition.
• Social Media Post: Post on X, Instagram, or TikTok tagging @OpenxAINetwork.
• Submission of the project via BlockSeBlock platform.

Submission Checklist

• Application runs without errors.
• README.md includes project details, team GitHub usernames, video link, social media post link, and setup instructions.
• Code is documented with comments.
• UI is user-friendly and responsive.
• AI functionality works as intended.
• Deployment instructions included.
• Project demonstrates innovation and aligns with a track.
• Repository is public.
• Social media post is published and linked.
• Demo video is recorded and attached with submission.
• All submitted on BlockSeBlock.

Submission Format

• GitHub Repository: Public, in the HACKATHON-SUBMISSIONS folder with a clear README.md.
• Demo Video: 2-5 minute walkthrough, uploaded as unlisted YouTube video (or TikTok/Instagram).
• Social Media Post: Posted on X, Instagram, or TikTok, tagging @OpenxAINetwork, linked in README.
• BlockSeBlock Submission: Complete through AU Hack Node BlockseBlock Site.
• Live Demo (Optional): Deployed app with accessible URL.

Judging Criteria

• Bonus Points: Awarded for community engagement via social media posts and Discord activity.

Timeline for Submissions

• Submissions Open: July 25, 2025
• Submissions Close: August 12, 2025
• Winners Announced: August 15, 2025

Support for Submission

• Discord Community: Join for support via #town-hall and #app-showcase.
• Mentor Sessions: Available from Aug 1, 2025.
• Documentation: Guides in GitHub repo for submissions, README writing, and video creation.
• GitHub Issues: Report bugs or request features through Discord.

Additional Rules

• Ethical Conduct: Plagiarism or unethical behavior results in disqualification.
• Technical Issues: Manual submissions allowed 6 hours post-deadline with prior approval.

Discord Link