About the Challenge
At Jewel City Hacks, the challenge is simple: invent something that matters and show how it could grow into a real business.
Participants will form teams to tackle problems in industries like technology, civic infrastructure, creative media, and small business support. Whether it’s a tool for local entrepreneurs, an AI-powered platform, or a product that helps people connect, the goal is to build a prototype that addresses a real problem and has the potential to become a B2B or B2C company rooted in Glendale.
Throughout the hackathon, you’ll work with mentors, join mini-workshops, and use open lab time to refine your concept and develop your demo. By the end, teams will present their creations to a panel of judges that includes technologists, investors, and civic leaders.
This is your chance to take an idea from concept to prototype and play a part in shaping the innovation economy of Jewel City.
All hackathon participants, judges, mentors, and production staff must abide by the Hacker Fund Code of Conduct.
All hackathon participants entering the contest on Devpost must abide by this Hackathon Contest Agreement.
This hackathon is being funded by a State Grant awarded through the City of Glendale Economic Development Division.
Requirements
Submissions
Where: Submit here on Devpost!
Deadline: 6:00 PM PT, Sat Aug 23
Judging/Demo Expo: 6:15–7:15 PM PT
What to Include
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Project name + 1–2 sentence elevator pitch
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Description: what it does, how you built it, and what’s next
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Repo link (ie. GitHub) with run/setup instructions
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Demo: 2–3 min video or 3–6 screenshots/GIFs
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Team members (use the “Join team” feature on Devpost)
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Tools/tech used (frameworks, APIs, hardware)
Rules & tips
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One submission per team on Devpost.
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Edits allowed until 6:00 PM. After the deadline, submissions lock.
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No late submissions (this keeps judging fair).
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Bring your laptop/project ready to demo offline—Wi‑Fi can get crowded.
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If your project needs credentials/keys, provide a test key or recorded demo.
Demo Expo format (6:15–7:15 PM)
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Science‑fair style at your table/space.
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Plan for a 3–4 minute walkthrough + quick Q&A.
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Judges look for clarity, impact, feasibility, and craftsmanship.
Team size
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Teams of 1–4 are welcome. Solo is okay; collaboration is encouraged.
Need help?
Ask in Discord #help (link provided 8/22) or find an organizer on site.
Prizes
GRAND CHAMPION
This prize is awarded to the top hacker at JEWEL CITY HACKS!
CIVIC INNOVATION AWARD
This prize is awarded to the team that develops the most useful civic-oriented technology.
MOST POWERFUL PITCH
This prize is awarded to the team that delivers the most powerful pitch during the Demo of the hackathon.
BEST USE OF HARDWARE
This prize is awarded to the team that produces the most innovative or technically-advanced implementation of a hardware solution.
MOST INNOVATIVE PROJET - B2B
This prize is awarded to the team that produces an innovative project that has highest potential of becoming a B2B company.
MOST INNOVATIVE PROJET - B2C
This prize is awarded to the team that produces an innovative project that has highest potential of becoming a B2C company.
Devpost Achievements
Submitting to this hackathon could earn you:
Judges
Tatiana EL-Khouri
Road to Artdom Foundation
Gemma Busoni
Forbes 30 under 30 LA
Mike Telcide, CBCP
U.S. Space Force
Emi Wayner
Google for Startups
Jyoti Shah
ADP
Nik Kale
Cisco
Surbhi Madan
Google
Bhavuk Jain
Google
Judging Criteria
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Creativity & Innovation
Is the idea original or novel? -
Technical Execution
Does the prototype function as intended? -
Social/Local Impact
How does this solution benefit the community? -
Presentation Skills
Is there clarity in storytelling and visual design? -
Feasibility
Could this idea realistically be implemented?
Questions? Email the hackathon manager
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