HackHive 2025: AI for a Better Tomorrow
HackHive 2025 is Ontario Tech University’s premier AI-focused hackathon, bringing together students from computer science, software engineering, business, game development, and more to create innovative AI solutions that improve daily life.
This year’s theme, AI for a Better Tomorrow, challenges participants to build AI-powered projects using existing models, APIs, and libraries—no AI training required. Whether you're an experienced hacker or a beginner, this is your chance to learn, build, and compete for exciting prizes while networking with industry leaders from Microsoft, Dayforce, Google, Amazon, and more.
Event Schedule
Friday, February 7, 2025 – Kickoff & Workshops (UA 1350)
- 7:00 - 7:50 PM | Opening Ceremony
- 8:00 - 9:00 PM | Dayforce Technical Interview Workshop
- 9:00 - 9:45 PM | Rippling Manager & Dayforce Talk
- 10:00 PM | End of Day 1
Saturday, February 8, 2025 – Hacking & Mentorship (Various Locations)
- 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM | Hacking Begins
- 8:00 - 3:00 PM | Workshops from Microsoft, Google, Amazon, and more
- 1:00 - 2:00 PM | Lunch Break
- 3:40 PM | End of Day 2
- Overnight Hacking Available
Sunday, February 9, 2025 – Judging & Closing Ceremony (BIT 2080 & Other Rooms)
- 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM | Judging Sessions
- 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM | Sponsorship Booths Open
- 12:00 - 1:00 PM | Lunch
- 1:00 - 3:30 PM | Closing Ceremony and Prizes
Hackathon Challenges
Participants will build AI-powered solutions in one of the following areas:
- Education & Learning – AI tutors and adaptive learning tools
- Health & Well-Being – AI solutions for mental and physical health
- Ethical AI – Ensuring fairness and transparency in AI systems
- Bridging the Digital Divide – Increasing accessibility and inclusion
- Bonus Challenge: AI for disability and elderly support
Prizes and Judging
Projects will be judged on impact, innovation, technical execution, and accessibility.
Winners will receive exclusive tech company referrals, HackHive swag, and more.
Register now to be part of the future of AI.
Requirements
All projects must be submitted on Devpost by 8:00 AM on February 9, 2025. Submissions must align with one of the two challenge tracks:
Option 1: AI Solution Design & Strategy Challenge
- Presentation Deck (PDF or PPT) – Overview of the problem, system architecture, AI integration, and scalability considerations.
- Basic AI Demo (Code) – A simple prototype demonstrating the AI concept using pre-trained models or APIs.
- Demo Video (Max 5 Minutes) – Explanation of the solution, AI functionality, and impact.
- Submission on Devpost – Upload all materials with a clear project description.
Option 2: AI-Powered Platform Development Challenge
- GitHub Repository – Well-documented code with a README outlining project setup, AI integration, and ethical considerations.
- Functional Prototype – A working web app, mobile app, or tool where AI plays a core role.
- Demo Video (Max 5 Minutes) – Walkthrough showcasing AI features and user interaction.
- Submission on Devpost – Include a brief summary of the project’s purpose and impact.
Late submissions will not be accepted. Ensure all required materials are uploaded before the deadline.
Prizes
Private Tour of Microsoft Toronto Office
A guided tour of the Microsoft offices in Toronto. It will be led by Microsoft employees with the opportunity to learn about the latest innovations happening at Microsoft as well as network after the tour.
Dayforce Technical Interview
A mock interview for all winning teams, followed by a real technical interview.
Reference From Microsoft
All members of the selected teams will receive job references.
Amazon Gift Cards
$50 Amazon gift cards for each team member.
HackHive Hoodies
Branded HackHive hoodies for all team members.
HackHive T-Shirts
Branded HackHive t-shirts for all team members.
OTU Merch
Ontario Tech University sunglasses and Yeti cups for all winning teams.
Devpost Achievements
Submitting to this hackathon could earn you:
Judges
Melike Ceylan-Leaman
Azure Senior Sales Lead, Microsoft
Krishna Venkataraman
Technical Specialist - Azure, Microsoft
Jessica Patel
Technical Accounts Manager, Amazon Web Services
Amanda Miller
Experiential Learning Officer, Ontario Tech University
Ken Wilson
Dean of Science, Ontario Tech University
James Leamen
IT Canada Market Team - Finance & Operations, IBM
Ali Neshati
Assistant Professor, Ontario Tech University
Munazza Fahmeen
Data Scientist, TD Cybercrime
Judging Criteria
-
TBA
Questions? Email the hackathon manager
Tell your friends
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.