Queen’s University • February 1-3, 2019
Queen’s University’s annual hackathon.
Join us for an unforgettable experience!
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Dream It. Build It.
QHacks is back in 2019 for another year of collaboration, ideation, and creativity! On February 1st - 3rd, more than 500 students from all over North America will come together to turn their ideas into reality. Attend workshops, play with hardware, take part in hacker challenges, and meet some new friends. Out-of-the-box thinkers, creatives, and innovators from all faculties and skill levels are encouraged to attend. We can't wait to see you there!
Grow Your Network.
With hundreds of talented, ambitious, and like-minded individuals all in one place, QHacks is the perfect playground for any tech enthusiast! Over the weekend, immerse yourself in the community, meet new people and talk shop with other students and companies! Strong connections aren’t only important for internet speeds - this is your chance to build, learn and grow!
Showcase to Experts.
This year, we’re bringing together a diverse group of mentors, speakers, sponsors and other industry professionals. Chat one-on-one, learn about current tech trends and opportunities, and show off your skills! Looking for some inspiration? Encountering a roadblock? Does python feel like it’s constricting you? Not to worry, there will always be a helping hand at the ready.
Fireside Chat Speakers
David Hariri
Co-Founder of Ada
David is the Co-Founder and current Head of Design at Ada. He graduated from Queen’s University’s Geological and Earth Sciences program in 2012. At Ada, he is designing and built tools that allow companies to answer common questions automatically, improving customer satisfaction and saving everyone's time. Ada is used by Telus, Medium, Wattpad, Shopify and millions of their customers.
Kaheer Suleman
Principal Research Program Manager at Microsoft
Kaheer is a Principal Research Program Manager at the Microsoft Research Montreal lab. Kaheer co-founded the deep learning for language startup Maluuba and served as its CTO prior to its acquisition, by Microsoft, in early 2017. He currently works on machine learning approaches for natural language processing focusing on question answering, conversation systems and common sense reasoning.
Additional Speakers and Mentors
Eric Braun
Machine Learning Engineer
Vivek Chachcha
Product Technology Manager
Nicole Fitzgerald
Machine Learning Engineer
John Martin
Data Platform Engineer
Layne Lafrance
Product Manager
Zack Harley
Software Engineer
Graham Miller
Software Engineer
Enoch Tam
Software Engineer
Sponsors
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a hackathon?
A hackathon is a sprint-like event where people from a variety of backgrounds come together to collaborate on software and hardware projects.
Who is invited?
Any college or university student of any skill level! All you need is a passion for tech/data/design and a willingness to learn! We welcome applicants from all fields of study.
Where is it?
QHacks will be taking place at Queen's University in the city of Kingston, Ontario. The event will be held in Grant and Kingston Hall. Don’t worry about getting lost! We will have maps for you and volunteers all over campus to guide the way.
How much does it cost to attend?
Absolutely nothing! Not one penny. (Remember those?)
What if I don’t have a team?
Not to worry! We'll have a team-formation session prior to the hackathon for you to find people you’d like to work with. There will be plenty of other people in the same situation, and we’ll have you up and running in no time!
What if I don’t have an idea?
Ideas can come from anywhere! Call a friend, ask your mom, or check out our Facebook group to discuss with other hackers. Sponsors will also provide different project prompts during opening ceremonies to get the juices flowing.
Can I work on a past project?
No. All projects must be started from scratch at the event.
What if I’m new to programming?
That's okay! A hackathon is a great place to gain valuable experience. There will be tutorials, workshops and mentors to help throughout the event!
What can I create?
Anything you’d like! Whether it's a new mobile app, website, or a cool project using something from the hardware lab, it’s really up to you. The possibilities are endless.
What should I bring?
Bring whatever helps you hack! Some important items to bring include a valid form of student ID, laptop and charger, deodorant (arguably mandatory) and maybe a sleeping bag and change of clothes. If you have specific hardware you’d like to work with, feel free to bring it. MLH will also be providing a hardware lab with a wide range of items.
How will my project be judged?
Industry experts from a variety of organizations will be coming to QHacks to view your projects. Pitch them your idea, show them a demo, and answer their questions for your chance to win awesome prizes.
Is there a Code of Conduct?
Yes! Hackers are expected to adhere to the Major League Hacking Code of Conduct.
What if I'm not from Kingston?
Encountering a 307 status? We'll be sending busses to Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto and Waterloo. If those aren't convenient for you, we'll be offering travel reimbursements on a case by case basis.
How do I apply?
Applications will roll out at the end of November, so make sure to stay in the loop by following our social media pages or signing up for our newsletter (link to top). You don't need to be an expert hacker or to have been to a hackathon before - we just want to see what makes you creative and unique!
Have additional questions?
Feel free to reach out to us at hello@qhacks.io or on Facebook
Listen to our podcast!
Queen’s University has produced a lot of great tech talent - and we want to hear their stories! The QHacks Podcast is our opportunity to learn from current and former Queen’s students who have become leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs in the tech industry!