FAQ

What is a hackathon?

A sprint-like event where participants team up and create solutions to real-life challenges in an intense period of time. Using creativity, technology and mentoring, the weekend results in prototypes, fresh new concepts and innovative usages of tech.

What is an online hackathon?

In an online or virtual hackathon, all participants are remotely connected. Irrespective of their location, hackathon participants can work and demonstrate their skills on an online hackathon platform using various tools.

How and Where Will SportHack 2025 Take Place?

SportHack 2025 will run in a hybrid format, combining the flexibility of online collaboration with the excitement of an onsite finale. Most of the hackathon activities — including team formation, idea development, and mentoring — will happen online, allowing participants to join from anywhere. The event will conclude with an in-person Demo Day at Riga Stradiņš University in Riga, Latvia, where the teams will present their solutions live, meet mentors and partners face-to-face, and celebrate together.

Who can participate?

We welcome people of all job descriptions, whether you're a designer, developer, marketer, entrepreneur or project manager. Diverse groups often work incredibly well together to produce the best results. Participants in the hackathon must be at least 18 years old and either citizens of the UK, European Union (EU) and the European Economic Area (EEA), or possess a valid permit to live and work in these regions. If you are outside these territories or do not hold a valid permit to live or work in them, organizers will review your application to ensure a wide range of participation and maintain the diversity and inclusivity of our event.

Do I need to be able to code?

You can participate with any level of IT skills, even if you haven't written a single line of code. Understanding the basics of IT is a plus.

What kind of solutions can be developed during the hackathon?

Participants can develop any innovative solution that fits one of the SportHack 2025 challenges. This may include web or mobile applications, AI or data-driven tools, sensor-based solutions, XR or gamified experiences, or new product or service concepts that improve performance, sustainability, or fan engagement in sports. The goal is to create a working prototype, demo, or proof of concept that clearly demonstrates your idea’s potential impact.

During this hackathon can I work only on new ideas or on an existing product or solution?

It will be allowed to develop both new ideas and improve existing products and solutions. In the case of existing solutions, especially will be evaluated the work done during the hackathon. Teams that already have a solution before the hackathon are welcome — but it must not be commercially available or funded by investors yet.

How big should be the team?

We find that a team of 3 to 6 works best. It's large enough to have diverse skills, yet small enough to get to know your team members well in a short space of time—minimal team size - 3 team members, max - 6 team members.

What are the requirements for submitting initial ideas or teams for the hackathon?

Your submission should include the following information: the idea or team name, problem description, solution description, progress and goals (what has been done so far and what your team aims to achieve during the hackathon), as well as information about the team and what new members or skills you are looking for.

If your solution is not yet clearly defined, you can mention that — but it is recommended to briefly describe your planned solution in a few words (for example, app, platform, or sensor) without going into specific details. This will help participants who are looking for teams better understand your project and encourage them to join your team.

How can I find a team if I sign up for the hackathon alone or don't have a team already?

If you're signing up alone or don't already have a team, there's no need to worry. Even if you don't know anyone attending the hackathon, you'll have plenty of opportunities to connect with other participants. We will organise matchmaking and team formation events before the hackathon, which will be facilitated through our dedicated hackathon platform. This platform is designed to help you meet other attendees, share ideas, and form teams. It provides environment for networking and collaboration, ensuring that everyone can find a group that matches their interests and skills.

Who retains the intellectual property rights for the solutions developed during the hackathon?

All intellectual property rights for the projects developed during the hackathon belong to the teams that created them. However, teams must respect existing intellectual property rights, such as data and information, while developing solutions.

How will projects be judged?

Teams will be evaluated on innovation, functional prototype or demo, design, business potential, and real-world impact — this is not just a cool presentation competition.

Is participation free of charge?

Yes, participation in the hackathon is free of charge; however, please note that additional costs such as travel and accommodation are not covered and must be borne by the participants.