General info

We have proposed topics from which you can choose the most suitable one for you, but you can also come up with your own topic. Our proposed topics may have special prizes, but the partners have the right not to announce the special prize.

Build-a-Thon lasts 48 hours.

The first 100 registered participants will be able to take part in the Build-a-Thon.

  1. How many people must be in the team? 2-6 people
  2. Can I also participate alone? No
  3. Is a marketer and finance person in the team mandatory? No, it is recommended. If you can handle the necessary tasks yourself, you don't need to involve other people.
  4. Can I do multiple projects or challenges at once? No
  5. Can I start the project earlier? No, we start the builds and stuff on Friday night.
  6. Who can participate? Anyone who feels they can contribute with the skills we have listed below. We do not have an age limit, although the target group of our event is (university) students.
  7. What is expected? For the judging process, you will be required to present either a prototype or a mock-up, along with a completed business plan. You can find the business plan template below. The judges will ask questions related to various aspects of the business plan.
  8. Evaluation Criteria: Problem Definition: 15% Innovativeness of the Solution: 25% Sustainability and Energy Efficiency: 20% Impact and Future Potential: 20% Presentation and Communication: 10%

Rules

  • You must not prepare things in advance, write code, etc.
  • The language of the event is English. You can make the video and pitch in Estonian, but English is recommended.
  • While we encourage everyone to find a team during the event, please note that team formation is the participant's responsibility. Unfortunately, those who are unable to join a team may not be able to participate in the hackathon.
  • Everyone makes a video (1.5 min) of their prototype, with a description of the idea, its uses and the market of the product, who is the customer, an explanation of the technical solution that distinguishes you from your competitors.
  • Other tools (e.g. computer, chargers and necessary programs) must be available by the participant. We have our own extension cords for charging.
  • In addition to the prizes for the top three, there is also a chance to win a special prize for the challenge. If you solve the task presented by our partner, you have a chance to win a prize presented by this partner.

Equipment

At Mektory, we have a bunch of gadgets and cool devices to work with.
  • Welding equipment + laser welding
  • Lathes
  • Metal and plastic milling machines
  • Roll bender
  • 3D printers
  • Soldering stations
  • Microscopes
  • Oscilloscopes
  • Raspberry PI, Raspberry PI camera
  • Arduino Uno
  • ESP
  • Kits for different sensors
  • Hand tools
  • Consumables
You can bring your own tools and unprepared material. If you have special requests regarding materials, please let us know at least a week before the event and we will accommodate them within reason.

Judging and final presentation

The top six teams will advance to the final stage round, where they will each have three minutes to present their product. The remaining teams will still compete for special prizes, which will be awarded based on a pre-recorded video submission.

During the three-minute presentation, teams are expected to cover the same key points highlighted in their video but are encouraged to expand upon their ideas. While the use of slides or other presentation tools is permitted, it is not mandatory. Following each presentation, the jury will have three minutes to ask questions.

FINAL PRESENTATIONS

At the end of the event, each team will present their prototype. We give you 3 minutes on stage to show us and talk about the cool stuff you built, how you built it and why you built it.