Time to build, network and have fun: Florida’s largest hackathon, ShellHacks, returns to FIU September 27-29
By Krysten Brenlla
ShellHacks, Florida’s largest hackathon, is back and bigger than ever. On the weekend of September 27-29, 2024, Florida International University (FIU) students are invited to the Graham Center on the Modesto Maidique Campus to trade their lack of sleep for a weekend of hacking, networking, and socializing.
First launched in 2017, the hackathon attracts thousands of students every year. Organized by student leaders from the INIT FIU chapter (formerly known as UPE), the goal of ShellHacks is to motivate students to develop new and exciting projects while having a fun weekend they won’t forget.
“More than ever, we’re providing students with the opportunity to meet people and have fun as a community through INIT and events like ShellHacks,” said David Ulloa, a senior at FIU majoring in computer science and president of the INIT chapter at FIU. “This year, we’re meeting more people who would never have thought of going to a hackathon and are now open to it and participating. I think that’s really special for this community.”
At this year’s ShellHacks, attendees can look forward to not only 36 hours of hacking, but also networking with sponsors and recruiters, including this year’s title sponsor Microsoft and other notable sponsors like Netflix, Ford, Google, GitHub, Southwest and more. Workshops, activities, scavenger hunts, prizes, networking and a career fair are on the agenda throughout the weekend.
“Participants can expect to meet a lot of nice people – people you wouldn’t necessarily make friends with,” says Elizabeth Hechavarria, a third-year student at FIU studying cybersecurity and program manager at ShellHacks. “This year we also have dorm rooms where participants can take a break and take a nap or relax.”
Last year, the hackathon featured over 1,200 hackers, over 50 partners and sponsors, over 230 projects, and over 20 workshops. This year, the students want to bring even more to the table.
“We’re seeing more artificial intelligence (AI) projects this year, and we’re seeing so many recruiters and sponsors like Google and Microsoft interested in our students,” Ulloa said. “People who are new to the scene or have never thought about it are now applying and getting involved.”
When Refresh Miami When I asked the student leaders of this year’s hackathon what advice they would give to new hackers or participants, they said participants should just have as much fun as possible while being open to learning while building.
“If it were my first hackathon, I would choose a topic to learn about in advance. Once you’re at the hackathon, work on the first version of your project and save the features you want to build on for the next version,” said Hechavarria.
“My advice is to make the most of the event, even if you decide not to be super technical and develop a project,” Ulloa said. “There are a lot of beginners – go, enjoy the workshops, eat for free, network and have fun.”
For more information about this year’s ShellHacks at FIU, visit the website at https://www.shellhacks.net/For more information about INIT at FIU, visit the website at https://www.weareinit.org/.
READ MORE AT REFRESH MIAMI:
Krysten Brenlla is a Media Relations Specialist for Jackson Health System, where she leads media relations for the health system’s Cardiology, Neurosurgery, Rehabilitation and Miami Transplant Institute service areas. Prior to Jackson, Krysten worked at Florida International University as an Account Manager for FIU’s Office of Engagement. In 2022, Krysten received her Master’s degree in Global Strategic Communication from FIU.
