HACK SONIC: The 3rd Edition of the Exciting Hackathon by G's Academy

Digital Hollywood Co., Ltd., which operates G's Academy, an engineering and entrepreneurship school, has announced that the third edition of the hackathon "HACK SONIC" will take place from September 5 to September 7, 2025, allowing participation either in person or online.

The tagline for the hackathon emphasizes that technology is about love. G's Academy has a strong track record of cultivating engineers and entrepreneurs who aim to change the world through technology. It is also a community where GEEKS—those who love technology—come together.

HACK SONIC focuses on the fusion of love and technology, enabling participants to express their creativity swiftly and freely. This event will mark the third iteration, drawing in enthusiastic creators eager to tackle challenges and innovate.

What is a Hackathon?

A hackathon is a portmanteau of "hack" (development) and "marathon," which brings together IT engineers, designers, and other creatives to develop apps or services around a specific theme within a set short period. The essence of a hackathon lies in its fast pace and competitive spirit, often resulting in the birth of new businesses.

The Theme for the 3rd Edition: "HACK Your Self-Actualization!"

Participants will be challenged to explore their potential and transform their aspirations into tangible outcomes. The hackathon encourages individuals to discover what they truly wish to accomplish and create prototypes that embody their visions for the future. This theme resonates with everyone in today’s fast-paced environment, where personal growth is a common goal.

Collaboration with Benesse Corporation

This year's HACK SONIC welcomes Benesse Corporation as a gold sponsor. They are actively involved in theme selection, and judges from Benesse will be present during the event. Outstanding prototypes may lead to collaborative opportunities with Benesse, allowing winners to significantly impact the future.

Meet the Judges

Some notable judges include:

- Tomoko Matsuoka: An artist who intersects science, philosophy, and art. A former research student at the University of Tokyo, Tomoko now works on projects aimed at the conceptualization of will.
- Taro Osugi: An engineer and lead instructor at G's Academy Fukuoka, with years of experience guiding aspiring programmers and technologists.

Prize for the Winning Team

The victor will earn a prize of 100,000 yen, but more importantly, they'll gain recognition in the tech community and among potential partners.

Judging Criteria

The judging will assess the love for the theme portrayed in the project, the technical challenge's appeal, user experience, and originality.

Schedule Overview

- Day 1 (Sept 5): Orientation day with mandatory attendance.
- Day 2 (Sept 6): Hack day with continuous development.
- Day 3 (Sept 7): Demo day to showcase projects before the judges.

Event Details

The event will take place at G's TOKYO and online via Zoom from September 5th at 19:00 to September 7th at 21:00. Participating teams must register by August 29, 2025. Prerequisites include prior app development experience and a respectful attitude towards technology. Free participation is offered, with a limit of around 10 teams.

Participants are required to have their development environments ready, including a PC and necessary software, as well as a Zoom setup for online interactions.

For more information on how to participate, visit G's Academy.

About G's Academy

Previously known as G's Academy, this educational institution empowers participants to harness technology effectively and create significant changes in the world around them. Approximately 80% of graduates aspire to ventures or startups, and the academy has seen the emergence of 116 startups with total funding exceeding 16.1 billion yen (as of August 2025). Their incubation initiative, D ROCKETS, invests up to 5 million yen to foster entrepreneurial talent, further facilitating exceptional innovations in Japan.