Hackathon FAQ

FAQ 

Here is a list of questions we are commonly asked about the Wireless Innovation Hackathon for Accessibility.

Project Guidelines and Expectations 

1. Does my team have to choose a topic related to employment, healthcare, or community living? 
   Not necessarily! These are our main focus areas, but you’re welcome to explore other topics as long as your idea addresses a meaningful challenge faced by individuals with disabilities and uses wireless technology in some way.  

2. Does my team have to use one of the real-world challenges provided on the website? 
   Not at all! The challenges shared on our website were submitted by individuals with disabilities and clinicians to help spark ideas, but you’re not required to use one of them. If your idea doesn’t come directly from lived experience, we strongly encourage you to validate it with your assigned community mentor who has a disability. It is a great way to make sure your solution addresses a real need in a meaningful and respectful way.  

3. Should we look into existing solutions before designing our own? 
   Yes—please do! Understanding what tools, products, or approaches already exist can help you avoid reinventing the wheel and instead build something truly innovative. We encourage teams to explore how your ideas improve upon, complement, or fill a gap in current solutions. Your project doesn’t need to be brand-new technology—but it should offer a meaningful advancement in accessibility, usability, or impact.  

4. Do we need to have a fully working prototype? 
   No, a fully built product is not required. A “working prototype” just needs to demonstrate your core idea in a functional way. The goal is to show how your solution works and how it meets the challenge, even if it’s not fully polished. Examples include: 

•  A physical setup with responsive devices, which involves using sensors or IoT devices that react to user input or environmental changes. Teams can use their own devices or borrow from the Hackathon’s IoT device library.    

• A voice, mobile, or web app that performs a few key functions related to the application 

• A clickable mock-up with some backend logic, which may include a visual web or app interface (created using design tools like Figma or Adobe XD) where users can click through screens or buttons to simulate how the solution would work. While the interface itself isn’t fully coded, it is connected to lightly coded or no-code backend that power functions like submitting a form, saving data, or triggering an automated response.  

5. Do I need to have prior experience with IoT or app development? 
   No prior experience is required to participate! We encourage creativity and exploration, and mentors will be available to guide you throughout the event. However, we recommend that each team include at least one member with technical experience relevant to your proposed solution (e.g., IoT, app development, or prototyping) to ensure you can build a functional prototype. 

Hackathon Participation Requirements  

1. Why is it important to complete the required videos and readings by Sept 26? 
   These resources are essential for building a foundational understanding of disability rights, accessibility, and respectful engagement. They will help ensure the Hackathon is inclusive and that participants can collaborate effectively with community mentors and peers with disabilities. 

2. How long will it take to complete the requirements? 
   You’ll need approximately 3–4 hours in total to watch the videos, review the readings, and submit the agreement. 

3. What happens if I don’t complete everything? 
   You cannot participate without completing the materials and submitting the signed agreement by Sept 26. 

4. How will you know if I’ve completed the requirements? 
   We’ll track completion based on your submission of the signed Hackathon Participation Agreement by Sept 26. By signing it, you confirm that you’ve reviewed all required materials. There won’t be a quiz, but we trust your commitment to creating an inclusive experience. 

Mentorship 

1. Does my team have to meet with the community mentor with lived disability experience before the Hackathon? 
   Yes, we strongly encourage each team to meet with their assigned community mentor with lived disability experience for 1–2 hours during the week leading up to the Hackathon. This is a valuable opportunity to gather feedback, refine your ideas, and ensure your solution addresses real-world needs. Mentors may not be local to Pittsburgh, so meetings will typically take place over Zoom. Once mentors are assigned (by September 29, 2025), we expect each team to take the lead in reaching out and coordinating a mutually agreeable meeting time. 

2. Can we meet our mentor after the Hackathon starts? 
   Yes, you can continue working with your community mentor during the Hackathon. They may also be available for Friday night. On Saturday, all teams will have access to a range of mentors throughout the day, including your assigned community mentors and a group of accessibility experts, clinicians, and technical advisors.  

Tools & Resources 

1. What tools or devices will be provided? 
   We provide access to an IoT device library that includes ESP32 boards, Arduino kits, beacons, sensors, and other components. A full list of available devices will be shared closer to the event. You're also welcome to bring your own devices 

2. Do we need to bring our own laptops or software? 
   Yes, please bring your own laptops or devices. If you're using specific software or tools for app development, you should ensure you have access to them.  

3. Can we incorporate 3D printing into our project? 
   Yes, you may incorporate 3D-printed components into your project, but we will not provide on-site 3D printing during the event. You are welcome to bring 3D-printed parts with you, as long as they are basic components (e.g., mounts, enclosures, holders) that support your Hackathon work. The primary focus of your project should be on designing and building solutions during the event, such as developing an app, programming IoT devices, or integrating systems. Pre-printed 3D parts may be used as supporting elements, but they should not constitute the core of your solution. Projects will be evaluated based on the innovation and development that occurs during the Hackathon. 

Teamwork & Structure 

1. How many people can be in a team? 
   Each team should have 3 to 5 members. We strongly encourage forming diverse teams that combine technical and non-technical skills—for example, coding, UX/UI design, business, and clinical or lived experience. This mix helps ensure more creative, user-centered, and impactful solutions. 

2. Can we work with people outside of our team during the event? 
   You can collaborate with other participants for advice or brainstorming, but your primary team should remain the focus of your project. 

3. What if I don't have a team yet? 
   You can sign up as an individual and we will help you find a team prior to the event.  

Submission & Judging 

1. What is the submission process? 
   At the end of the Hackathon, each team will present their solution and submit a working prototype or demo. The submission details, including how to upload or present your work, will be shared closer to the event. 

2. How will the projects be judged? 
   Projects will be evaluated based on understanding of the problem and user needs, innovation and creativity, feasibility and potential impact, technical execution, accessibility and inclusion, and communication and teamwork. Each category is worth 10 points, for a total of 60. Judges will include industry professionals and members of the disability community. 

Other 

1. Will there be food and beverages? 
   Yes! We will provide meals, snacks, and drinks throughout the event to keep you fueled and ready to work. 

2. Do we need to register beforehand? Yes, registration is required to participate. Please register as early as possible to secure your spot, but no later than 9/24/2025. 

3. Can I participate remotely or is it in-person only? 
   The event will be in-person at the University of Pittsburgh Campus (Benedum Hall 157). 

4. Where can I park?
   Parking in Oakland can be difficult! There are some on-street parking spots in the surrounding blocks as well as a few pay to park parking lots including the Health Sciences Lot (shown above) which is next door and the Soldiers and Sailors garage which is about two blocks away.