Computer Science Students go Ultrahack!
Ultrahack experiences
Ultrahack 2018 Sprint 1 is almost here, with many challenges to choose from and great opportunities for hackers to bring in their ideas and compete for amazing prices and much more.
TKO-äly, the computer science student organization at University of Helsinki, has been arranging open track since the first Ultrahack event in 2015, and it has been a very popular track indeed. People who have never applied to Ultrahack might be wondering why they should apply, and what short and long term benefits does Ultrahack offer. A hackathon is also much more than competing for prizes; the winner must be chosen by judges and mentors work hard to unlock the full potential of the competing teams.
Petja Valkama, a computer science student from University of Helsinki, who participated in Ultrahack 2016 Sprint II, answered a few questions about applying, competing and what sort of benefits the hackathon had for him.
- What made you apply to Ultrahack in the first place?
“Our computer science student organization, TKO-äly, was promoting the event, and it seemed interesting. And well, the two course credits you got from attending helped, too.”
- What were your expectations about the hackathon? What was the outcome of the hackathon?
“Our team mostly consisted of a bunch of first year students without much experience, so my plan was just to have fun and see what a hackathon would be like. We worked hard, learned a lot, and managed to create very little. In the end, our pitching guy slept late and nobody else from our team was at the venue either, so our idea was never even judged.”
- Did Ultrahack have any short or long term benefits for you?
“Sure, it made me interested in hackathons, and it definitely improved my teamwork skills. Not to mention all the interesting people I met at Ultrahack and other hackathons, great stuff.”
- Do you have any tips for newcomers?
“Ultrahack — and hackathons in general — is an invaluable place to network, throw around ideas, and meet like-minded people. Even if your idea or execution comes short this time around, there is much to gain. Use the opportunity well!”
- Why should people apply to Ultrahack?
“It’s fun. Also free food, drinks, sauna and experience. Oh, and often pretty good prizes, if you are skilled enough. So why should people not apply?”
Another person who I got an interview from was Ville-Veikko Saari. He is the former chairman of TKO-äly and has been a judge in many Ultrahack events that have been arranged throughout the years.
- From a judge’s perspective, how does the hackathon differ from a competitors’ perspective?
“I’ve yet to be a competitor in Ultrahack, but the challenges faced are somewhat different. While a judge usually has time to sleep during the night, the role of a judge is to also act as a mentor and the questions posed by the competitors widely varied. Choosing the best from multiple really good entries is something to keep you up at night.”
- What challenges do judges face? Is it always easy to pick the winner?
“I’ve been judging the open challenge with TKO-äly and it’s always hard to pick the winner as the projects may differ immensely. They may all be something revolutionary in their own field. We’ve attempted to focus on innovativeness and applicability.”
- Why should people apply to Ultrahack?
“Ultrahack is an awesome place to learn new things, to boost your ideas and to meet new like-minded people.”
- What would be your tips for newcomers?
“Keep an open mind and adapt fast.”
Thank you, Petja and Ville-Veikko for sharing your experiences!I hope the readers now know more about what it’s like to compete or be a judge in Ultrahack. We at TKO-äly hope to see you at Ultrahack 2018 Sprint 1 which is held in Helsinki, Museum of Technology, on May 18–20, 2018. Apply now, get your ideas heard and compete for awesome prices!
Blog by Aleksi Huotala, TKO-äly
