Build beyond fear. Build beyond perfection. Build beyond what you thought was possible.

Our Annual Hackathon is all about experimentation, creativity, collaboration, and giving yourself permission to try. Whether you're writing your first line of code, designing your first prototype, or leading a team for the first time, innovation starts with curiosity and courage, not credentials.

This is a failure-friendly event for people who want to explore, build, and grow in a supportive, welcoming space. You don't need experience. You don't need a perfect plan. You just need the courage to show up and start.

Hackathons are collaborative events where people come together to design, code, and create solutions. At GDI, it's not about competition — it's about learning, connecting, and discovering what's possible when you give yourself permission to build beyond what you thought you could.

Come as you are. Build beyond your limits. Make something you're proud of.

What to Expect

• Build Without Fear: This is a judgment-free zone. Try the thing you've been putting off. Break it. Learn from it. Try again.

• Pitch Your Ideas: Propose your concepts and help shape team projects from the ground up, no polish required.

• Collaborate: Work alongside teammates and mentors to build something meaningful together.

• Learn by Doing: Gain hands-on experience and real confidence through building, not just watching.

• Connect: Meet a community of curious beginners and experienced builders ready to cheer you on.

Hackathon Agenda

Pre-Hackathon (Nov. 3–9). These will be separate events hosted, and all Hackathon attendees will be invited.

• Info Session: Learn what to expect, how to prep, and how you can have the time of your life this Hackathon.

• Project Ideation/Team Formation: Join our friendly group to pitch your ideas and find your people you will serve as your team during the Hackathon competition (we use "competition" lightly - it's all fun and games here!).

Wednesday + Thursday (Nov. 11–12):

• Keynote Speakers

• Project Ideation

• Team Formation

• Panel Discussions

• Hands-on Workshops

• Team Time to Design, Build, and Practice

Friday ( Nov. 13):

• Team Work Day

• Practice

Saturday (Nov. 14): Team Presentations and Awards

How to Participate

We offer three ways to join:

• Attendee: Join a hacking team or attend classes and workshops, including panel discussions and presentations.

• Mentor: Support teams, workshops, and events. Mentors set their own schedules and attend a brief info session.

• Speaker: Have an idea, a skill, or words of encouragement to share? Propose a session and join us on stage! Read more about how you can share your talents and experiences with us here. 

Want to Make a Bigger Impact?

Thanks to our amazing sponsors and donors, the GDI Hackathon is 100% free for all participants — giving beginners and emerging technologists the chance to gain hands-on experience, build skills, and connect with the tech community.

There are several ways to support the work:

Sponsor the Hackathon: We're actively seeking sponsors and partners to help us provide prizes, mentorship, and an unforgettable experience. If you're passionate about empowering the next generation of tech innovators, we'd love to connect. 📩 sponsorship@girldevelopit.com

Make a Donation: Individual contributions go directly toward keeping this event free and accessible. Every dollar helps. Donate here

Give Through Your Workplace: Many employers match charitable donations — sometimes doubling or even tripling your impact. Check with your HR team or employee giving portal to see if your company participates. Workplace giving is one of the easiest ways to make your support go further.

Code of Conduct: Girl Develop It is focused on providing opportunities for women and non-binary individuals to learn web and software development, but our classes and events are open to all genders and identities. We are dedicated to providing a welcoming and comfortable environment for all to learn to code, and every attendee is expected to uphold our Code of Conduct.