top of page

BUILD | SOLVE | INNOVATE

A Hardtech & Software Hackathon​

​

Launching in Spring 2026

SCI - Hackathon Website Background_1.png

A collaborative effort to bridge the gap between academia, industry, and grassroots innovation.

Space Coast Initiative: Hackathon brought to you by Groundswell Startups and AWS, this event brings together university students, industry professionals, founders, hackers, tinkerers, and tech enthusiasts to solve real-world challenges across a broad range of themes, from aerospace and agriculture to semiconductors and gaming. With two tracks tailored for both hardware and software innovation, participants will be supported by expert mentors and subject matter experts from across multiple verticals to build solutions that can shape the future of the Space Coast and drive innovation across the State of Florida.

SCI - Hackathon Website Background_1.png
Astronaut

HACKERS

TRACK

Software-based challenges

(AI, cloud, web/mobile apps including SaaS)

TINKERERS

TRACK

Software and Hardware

(IoT, robotics, embedded systems including HaaS)

**Teams will choose a theme or a core problem statement (or pitch their own relevant one) during onboarding. SMEs will guide idea shaping.

SCI - Hackathon Website Background_1.png
Experts and Mentors

JUDGING CRITERIA

Viability & Scalability

Can it grow in the real world?

 

Technical Execution

Working prototype? AWS usage?

 

Relevance to the Space Coast

Local need? Regional impact?

 

Innovation

How novel is the solution?

 

Team Commitment

How serious is the team about continuation?

SIGN UP

SCI - Hackathon Website Background_1.png

FAQs

Who can participate?

Open to students, professionals, startups, and innovators with a passion for software, hardware, or both. All skill levels welcome.

​​

Do participants retain IP?

Yes. Teams fully own any intellectual property they create during the event. Sponsors and organizers do not claim ownership.​

 

Will AWS credits be provided?

Yes. AWS credits will be made available to qualifying teams who set up their accounts in advance (2 weeks before the event).​

 

How are problem statements assigned?

Teams choose from 4–6 core subtracks and develop their own innovative solution based on curated challenge themes.

Who will judge the competition?

Panels include AWS experts, local business leaders, domain specialists (SMEs), and investors with relevant technical and commercial experience.​

 

Is this an open event?

Yes. All tracks are in-person only, and all demos and pitches will be shared in a public showcase format.​

 

Will teams have access to hardware?

Yes. Teams will have limited access to Groundswell’s Prototype Lab and tools. Lab credits will be provided on a case-by-case basis.​

 

Is there a deadline to register?

Yes. Registration closes two weeks before the event. Teams must finalize their AWS setup and choose a subtrack in advance.

SCI - Hackathon Website Background_1.png

KEY POLICIES

Team Size

3–6 members per team. Solo participants will be matched during team formation. 
(Note: Solo registrants will be paired with others who share similar interests or theme preferences to form teams.)​

 

Code of Conduct

All participants agree to a zero-tolerance policy for harassment, discrimination, or disruptive behavior.

​​

Hardware Use

Access to Groundswell’s Prototype Lab requires safety training and a signed waiver.​

Fair Competition

Any copied code, designs, or datasets without clear attribution will result in disqualification. Teams must build their own solutions from scratch or with properly licensed tools and frameworks.

​

Photography & Media

By participating, attendees consent to photos, video, and other media capture unless they opt out in writing.​

 

Shared Space

Groundswell is a shared workspace. Treat the environment, staff, and fellow innovators with care.

SCI - Hackathon Website Background_1.png

SPONSOR

PACKAGES

TRACK

SPONSOR​​​

​​

Co-branded with AWS and Groundswell

 

Prominent logo placement on all marketing materials

 

Keynote speaking opportunity

 

Judge seat during final pitches

 

Exhibit space during hackathon weekend

 

Exclusive networking dinner with judges, mentors, and partners

 

Featured post-event article and mention in PR

PROGRAM

SPONSOR​

​​

Logo placement on promotional materials

​

Opportunity to provide a challenge or workshop

​

Recognition at kickoff and closing ceremony

HOSPITALITY

SPONSOR​

​​​

Logo featured on event website and day-of signage

​

Option to place branded swag or flyers in welcome kit

SCI - Hackathon Website Background_1.png

SPONSORSHIP PACKAGES

TRACK SPONSOR​​​

​​

  • Co-branded with AWS and Groundswell

  • Prominent logo placement on all marketing materials

  • Keynote speaking opportunity

  • Judge seat during final pitches

  • Exhibit space during hackathon weekend

  • VIP networking dinner with judges, mentors, and partners

  • Featured post-event article and mention in PR

PROGRAM SPONSOR​

​​

  • Logo placement on promotional materials

  • Opportunity to provide a challenge or workshop

  • Judge seat or mentor option

  • Recognition at kickoff and closing ceremony

HOSPITALITY SPONSOR​

​​

  • Logo featured on event website and day-of signage

  • Recognition at event kickoff

  • Option to place branded swag or flyers in welcome kit

SCI - Hackathon Website Background_1.png

For any questions regarding registration, sponsorship opportunities, or event details, please contact: prototype@swellstartups.com

bottom of page