Participant resources
How to win a hackathon: Advice from 5 seasoned judges
Take a look inside the inner workings of the judging process from some of our most experienced hackathon judges.
Read more
Here’s a look at the numerous benefits of submitting early to a hackathon.
As a hackathon participant, you’ve poured your heart and soul into creating an innovative and impactful project. But did you know that submitting your project early can be just as crucial as the work you put into it?
In this article, we’ll explore six advantages of early submission and how it can enhance your hackathon experience.
In hackathons managed by Devpost, one of the most significant benefits of submitting early is the opportunity to receive a baseline eligibility check from our team. By submitting your project at least one week before the deadline, you'll have the chance to ensure that your submission meets all the necessary criteria and requirements. This early review process can save you valuable time and effort, preventing last-minute surprises or disqualifications.
Submitting early doesn’t mean your work is done, now's the time to refine your project and take it to the next level. Once you’ve submitted your initial project, you’ll have the freedom to continue refining and enhancing your submission until the final deadline. This flexibility allows you to address technical issues, implement additional features, or incorporate feedback from our team or your peers.
We've all been there—racing against the clock to meet a deadline, only to encounter unexpected technical glitches or connectivity issues. By submitting early, you can bypass these last-minute headaches and ensure a smooth submission process. No more worrying about demo uploads failing or internet connections crashing at the eleventh hour.
Take it from Babatunde, a seasoned Devpost user who has participated in over 160 hackathons:
“Some hackathons are very strict and don't give extensions, so if you don't give yourself enough time you may find your project is ineligible,” said Babatunde Onabajo.
Some hackathons require participants to respond to additional questions or prompts alongside their project submission. Submitting early gives you the time and space to carefully craft well-thought-out responses, ensuring that your project's narrative and purpose are effectively communicated to the judges.
Pro tip: Want to know what judges look for when evaluating projects? Get advice from 5 seasoned hackathon judges.
While not all hackathons on Devpost offer early submission prizes, some do reward participants who submit their projects ahead of the final deadline. By submitting early, you increase your chances of being eligible for these additional incentives and recognition!
Let's be honest, hackathons can be stressful if you don’t manage your time properly, especially as the deadline looms closer. By submitting early, you'll alleviate a significant portion of that stress, allowing you to focus your energy on refining your project and finetuning your submission video.
So, why wait? Take the first step towards enhancing your hackathon experience by starting your submission early, and unlock the full potential of your hard work and creativity with proper time management.
Feeling inspired to start a hackathon submission? Check out our hackathons happening now! We can’t wait to see the projects you bring to life, happy hacking!
