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From memes to machines: RevolutionUC set to dominate 1819 Innovation Hub

Weekend hackers ideate through technology transformation

headshot of Diana M Lara By Diana M Lara
4 minute read February 22, 2024

The University of Cincinnati's 1819 Innovation Hub is gearing up to host the 13th annual RevolutionUC Hackathon this weekend.

The student-run event Feb. 24 and 25 is organized by the Association for Computing Machinery at UC and supported by the UC Center for Entrepreneurship. RevUC is open to all college and high school students from across the Midwest, irrespective of major or programming background. 

Hacking the future

Students from last year's RevUC Hackathon.

Students from last year's RevUC Hackathon.Photo/RevUC

RevUC is UC’s oldest and the largest fully in-person student-planned hackathon in Ohio. And it is growing.

Last year there were 480 participants. To date, more than 600 hacking enthusiasts registered to take part in the immersive weekend of personal growth and community as they innovate coding, hacks and apps for web or mobile platforms and more.

“RevUC offers UC students of all majors and technical backgrounds the opportunity to experiment and test their innovative ideas in a fun and supportive environment while also taking advantage of the mentorship from leading industry partners who will be on site exposing students to the latest technology that corporate America offers,” said Kate Harmon, assistant vice president in the 1819 Innovation Hub and executive director of the UC Center for Entrepreneurship.

This event promotes inclusivity and diversity by welcoming students from diverse backgrounds and skill levels in a collaborative environment where students can learn from each other, build connections and create innovative solutions.

Daniel Vennemeyer RevolutionUC sponsorship lead

How it works

Students engage with team members during hackathon event.

Students engage with team members during hackathon event. Photo/RevUC

Upon arrival, participants will assemble into teams of up to four members, united by the common goal of bringing a project to fruition within the allotted time.

The scope of potential projects is boundless and limited only by one's imagination. From developing games and designing websites to tackling complex societal issues and crafting memes, the creative possibilities are endless.

The hackathon will span 24 hours, featuring a series of workshops, lightning talks, a retro game marathon, karaoke, a puzzle race and, of course, plenty of hacking sessions. Meals will be provided and participants can rely on an unlimited flow of coffee to keep them fueled. The RevUC Hackathon wraps up at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday with the announcement of winners and the distribution of prizes.

More than $10,000 in prizes and gift cards from corporate sponsors like Medpace, Tembo and CincyTech feature items such as:

  • Xbox Series S
  • Hoverboard
  • Sony XM4 Headphones
  • Apple TV 4k
Students celebrate during last year's RevUC event.

Students celebrate during last year's RevUC event. Photo/RevUC

“RevolutionUC benefits students by providing a platform for skill development, networking and showcasing their abilities to potential employers in a dynamic setting. The event encourages engagement between students and corporate partners, enabling companies to connect with a diverse talent pool. And students get to explore career opportunities in a supportive and inclusive environment,” said Daniel Vennemeyer, RevolutionUC sponsorship lead. 

“This event promotes inclusivity and diversity by welcoming students from diverse backgrounds and skill levels in a collaborative environment where students can learn from each other, build connections and create innovative solutions.”

RevUC guarantees full support throughout the event, providing participants with 24/7 access to mentors and advisors poised to offer project guidance. Furthermore, attendees can take advantage of a lineup of networking sessions seamlessly woven into the event schedule for added enrichment and collaboration opportunities.

After the programming period concludes, participants will present their creations to a panel of judges who will evaluate the projects and grant prizes to the most deserving winners based on their criteria.

Learn more about the event and register.

Featured image at top: UC will host the RevolutionUC Hackathon. Photo/RevUC

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The University of Cincinnati is leading public urban universities into a new era of innovation and impact. Our faculty, staff and students are saving lives, changing outcomes and bending the future in our city's direction. Next Lives Here. 

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