Camp Polyhacks

Introducing Camp Polyhacks: Cal Poly's first student-run social entrepreneurship hackathon that will change your life, guaranteed. This event is where, over the course of 12 hours, teams of students will create an app (or website, or other form of digital media) that will solve a real-life problem, and then pitch their product to judges to win awesome prizes. 

By attending Camp Polyhacks, not only will you build something meaningful in a fast-paced environment, you will also gain leadership skills, be guided by professional mentors (many of whom are Cal Poly alum), have the opportunity to network with companies, win prizes and free swag, and so much more. Did we mention there's free catered food? Yeah. It's a pretty big deal.

Wanna know more? Read some of the Frequently Asked Questions below!  

What is a Hackathon?

A hackathon is a fast-paced event where random teams are formed to create a product within a certain amount of time.

Camp Polyhacks is a 12-hour hackathon where designers, developers, entrepreneurs and other students come together to create a fully functional product. It’s "learn by doing" at its finest. 

When is it happening?
This year's Hackathon will be kicking off on Friday, January 13 at 5pm. Here, teams will be formed, ideas will be hashed out, a keynote speaker will present, and dinner will be served. The hacking begins 8am on Saturday until the awards ceremony at 8pm. Full schedule will be announced closer to January.

Where will it be?
Camp PolyHacks is taking place at the San Luis Obispo Hot House, an incredible 13,000 square foot space in the heart of downtown San Luis Obispo.

How much does it cost?
Camp Polyhacks is 100% FREE! 

Do I have to be a Cal Poly student to participate?
Yes, given the capacity of the Hot House, we are only opening this event to Cal Poly students.

I need a ride! Is there transportation to and from the Hot House?
TBD -- we are crossing our fingers that transportation can be provided!

I want to drive! What does the parking situation look like?
Downtown San Luis Obispo parking rates apply, whether you are in the parking lots or on the street. You can check parking rates here.

What if I'm not a designer or developer?
You don't have to be! This event is open to ALL majors. We welcome everyone who has good ideas, good attitudes, and who are willing to work with teams and learn new things.

What is "social entrepreneurship"?
Social Entrepreneurship refers to using business ideas and techniques to solve communal and societal problems.

What companies are going to be there?
Many of our sponsors will be holding booths at the "company alley". The entire list of companies is TBA.

Who is sponsoring Camp Polyhacks?
Our big sponsors are General Electric, Amazon, Mindbody, Transunion, and Puravida Solutions. There will also be mentors from other companies as well--we're still finalizing those. 

How is this different than the previous hackathons?
Let's see... we'll have a gourmet chef cooking HEALTHY food, it'll feel like a MUSIC FESTIVAL/ SUMMER CAMP, there's BIGGER sponsors, a BIGGER and BETTER workspace, a COMPANY ALLEY where you can NETWORK with companies, this hackathon is about SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP, and we are welcoming INTERNET OF THINGS developers! Its also completely run by STUDENTS (with supervision, of course).

Registration begins November 28, 2016 at 9am and ends on December 16, 2016 at 5pm.
THE FIRST 20 PEOPLE TO REGISTER GET A FREE SWAG BAG!