HackYeah is one of those events that’s hard to forget. Hundreds of participants, sleepless nights, a huge wave of innovation, and an unforgettable atmosphere at TAURON Arena in Kraków. It’s not just a coding marathon—it’s a space for creativity, learning, and networking. As Mike Grochowski, who helps organize the hackathon, says:
“HackYeah stands out because of its scale. It’s hard to find an event like this in Poland, in Europe, or even worldwide. The event has a unique atmosphere—it brings together interesting, valuable people, allowing you to build new connections, friendships, or even business partnerships.”
What is a hackathon?
Formally: an event where solutions are created for specific challenges.
Informally: you gather a team, build an innovation, and have a great time doing it.
Duration: 24 hours of intensive work (with an option for a short nap).
For whom? Not just for programmers!
“Hackathons aren’t just events for nerds and coders. It’s a space for creative people who can find solutions to any problem.”
The team – who should you start with?
Your first source of teammates is often friends, whether from school, university, or work. Discord and online groups also work well for team-building. You can also form a team on-site; a session will be held for participants looking for a team.
Ideal team composition:
- Developer (backend/frontend) – handles the technical layer.
- Leader/Project Manager – organizes work, keeps tasks and… time!
- UX Designer/Graphic Designer – responsible for the project’s visual side.
- Pitch Master – the “salesperson” who can convince others of the idea.
- Tester/Hacker – ensures the demo doesn’t crash at a crucial moment.
- Creative person – brings fresh ideas, coding not required.
How to choose a challenge?
Don’t waste time on endless discussion – spend at most an hour analyzing topics. Mike recommends a tried-and-true system:
- Read the regulations and requirements.
- Narrow the list to three topics.
- Choose one – if there’s no 100% agreement, pick the one most people like.
You can also listen to teaser presentations of the challenges. At 12:30 and 13:00, there will be short presentations detailing partner challenges.
Remember: it’s better to take a risk and try something new than waste hours deciding.
Team action plan
After selecting a challenge, everyone should do some short research, then hold a “mini stand-up” to present their vision. A good way to optimize this stage is recording ideas (voice recorder + transcription + ChatGPT → list of key points).
Next, create the first project brief and visual mockup. Many free tools are available: Canva, Figma, Miro, or even a piece of paper. Assign tasks and maintain a simple structure; use basic progress-tracking tools like Kanban, Trello, or Linear.
“These 24 hours are like a mini-version of real startup life. At the end, you must not only create a solution but also sell it – the investor or client must believe in your product.”
What to pack
Basic checklist:
- Must-have: laptop, cables, power bank, USB drive, phone for testing.
- Optional tools: e.g., Raspberry Pi or VR equipment if your idea requires it.
- Basics: snacks, water bottle, sleeping mat, sleeping bag, blanket, pillow, toiletries. Comfort matters!
- Software:
- Developers: ready repository, basic setup (no heavy CI/CD)
- Designers: Figma, Canva, FigJam/Miro
- Task management: Trello, Linear
Stick to simple, proven solutions.
How to take care of yourself during the hackathon
24 hours of intense coding – even with the best company – can be physically taxing. Tips for maximum performance:
- Take breaks from the screen – walk around the arena or outside, play basketball or volleyball in the Small Hall (don’t forget extra shoes).
- Use the large space at TAURON Arena – stretching and movement help concentration.
- Step away from the screen to talk to people, attend a lecture, or take a mental break for a fresh perspective.
- Avoid too much caffeine – opt for short naps instead.
- Stay hydrated and snack regularly.
Use mentors and the community
“Mentors are like cheat codes – teams that consulted them often ended up on the main stage.”
Mentors share technical and business experience. They know what works in the real world and which business approaches are effective for the given challenge. Mentors are available both on-site and via Discord if you prefer remote contact or need quick answers.
Why it’s worth it
HackYeah isn’t just about prizes and prestige. It’s an intense school of creativity, collaboration, and developing a startup mindset. In 24 hours, you’ll experience an accelerated product creation simulation – from idea to prototype to jury presentation.
“It’s a bit like ‘The Wolf of Wall Street’ – you need to show that your team and product are trustworthy. A hackathon isn’t just about code; it’s about selling your idea.”
A few final words
HackYeah is for anyone who loves to act creatively. Key elements: a strong team, fast challenge selection, and a clear work plan. Maintain balance – take care of your health, take breaks, and use mentor support. Most importantly: have fun and channel that energy into creating something extraordinary.
HackYeah 2025: Step by Step
- Register at: https://eventory.cc/event/hackyeah-2025/tickets
- Check challenges here: https://hackyeah.pl/tasks-prizes/
- Arrive at TAURON Arena Kraków on Saturday (October 4) at 8:00 AM – with your equipment and team, or solo.
- Take a spot at a table with power and internet access.
- If you don’t have a team, team building starts at 11:00 AM.
- At 12:00 PM, detailed challenge info (guidelines and rules) will be published on the website.
- Choose the challenge best suited for you or your team. Project work continues until 12:00 PM on Sunday (when the submission platform closes).
- Consult mentors on-site, attend lectures, visit partner zones, use showers or nap areas, or step outside for fresh air.
- Note: 8:00 PM Saturday is the final deadline for submitting a working project on Challenge Rocket.
- Sunday, 12:00 – 3:00 PM: free time while projects are being evaluated. Don’t leave if you don’t have to – you’ll miss Mateusz Chrobok’s presentation!
- 3:00 PM Sunday: finalists announced – if you make it, start refining your pitch.
- 4:00 PM Sunday: finalists present ideas to the jury (5-minute pitch per team).
- 5:45 PM Sunday: results announced. Winners take the stage and receive prizes.
