#United States #Ypsilanti #Eastern Michigan #Hack The Nest #Chanuth Jayatissa

Eastern Michigan University's Groundbreaking Hackathon: Hack The Nest

Eastern Michigan University (EMU) is set to host its first student-led flagship hackathon, aptly named Hack The Nest, on November 14-15. This innovative event will invite high school and college students from across the country to EMU's campus for a free 24-hour competition that encourages creativity and technological development. Over 20 dedicated EMU students have come together to make this hackathon a reality, seeking to foster a collaborative environment for participants from more than 18 states.

Chanuth Jayatissa, a computer science major and the brain behind Hack The Nest, shared that the event stemmed from his experience in establishing the university's Google Developer Group. The organizers are a diverse group of students with varying levels of technical skills, many of whom have competed in and won up to 13 other hackathons within the past five months. Jayatissa emphasized, "This is EMU's first student-led flagship hackathon, so there is no playbook we can simply follow. This is a passion project built from everything our community has taught me."

The unique aspect of Hack The Nest is its inclusivity; no prior coding knowledge is required to participate. Throughout the competition, mentors will be on-hand to support students in developing their ideas and honing new skills. Salma Ibrahim, a co-lead and marketing head for the event, mentioned that a primary goal is to make this experience accessible to those who might feel intimidated by the prospect of a hackathon. She noted, “We have surpassed 125,000 views on Instagram, and the message we receive is students often ask if they can attend if they can't code. The answer is yes, and those are the students this event was designed for.”

Apart from simply providing a venue for creators to showcase their talents, Hack The Nest also serves as a potential launchpad for internships, job opportunities, and professional networking. Karthikeya Thota, another co-lead noted, “Participation in events like these can open doors for students. It’s where opportunity begins, all it takes is the drive to solve a problem that matters to you.”

The organizers have been unwavering in their commitment to keeping the event free for all participants. “Keeping this completely free was the one thing we would not compromise on,” said Melvin Karupati, finance lead for the hackathon. He further explained that they are collaborating with partners to cover all meals, accommodation, and event swag, ensuring that financial barriers do not exclude potential attendees. “The moment there is a ticket price, you lose exactly the students you most want in the room,” he added.

Taking place in the Student Center and the GameAbove College of Engineering and Technology, Hack The Nest promises a comprehensive network for aspiring innovators, integrating workshops, mentoring sessions, and opportunities for team-based project development.

This event is an incredible opportunity for students interested in technology, innovation, and problem-solving regardless of their experience levels. Even those who may feel unsure of their coding abilities are encouraged to join in and learn. With Hack The Nest, Eastern Michigan University is not just making history; it is also laying down the groundwork for a vibrant tech community where everyone has a place.

Join us on this exciting journey towards innovation at EMU’s first hackathon. Sign up today and be a part of something groundbreaking in the heart of Ypsilanti!