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4 months ago

Update: Solo Builders Welcome + How We're Keeping Things Fair

Hi #75HER builders,

Thank you for all the thoughtful feedback and questions you've been sharing. A few of you asked about building solo, and we've been listening. We're making two important updates to the Hackathon:

• Solo builders are now officially welcome
• We're adding simple code originality guidelines so judging stays fair for everyone

You can now submit a project as an individual builder.

We still strongly encourage teams (2–5 people) because #75HER is about collaboration, shared learning, and building relationships—but we also recognize that some of you feel most in flow doing a focused solo build. Both paths are now supported.

To keep things fair and to celebrate what you build during #75HER, we're asking that the core of your project is created within the #75HER window (January 6 – March 7, 2026).

In simple terms:

✅ Totally OK

• Using frameworks and libraries (React, Flask, TensorFlow, etc.)
• Building on starter templates or boilerplates (as long as you name them)
• Integrating APIs and third-party services
• Adapting open-source components with your own logic
• Continuing something you started during a #75HER workshop

❌ Not OK

• Submitting a project you mostly built before February 16th and just tweaking it
• Backdating commits to fit the timeline
• Repackaging a pre-built solution as if it's brand new

In your README, please include:

1. Tech Stack – the main tools/frameworks you used
2. What You Built During #75HER – features you worked on in the Hackathon period
3. What You Built On Top Of – any starter templates, boilerplates, or existing code you used
4. GitHub Link – a public repo with commit history that shows your timeline

This doesn't need to be fancy. Clear and honest is perfect.

Judges will:

• Glance at commit history for timing
• Use your README to understand what's original vs. what you reused
• Focus on your ideas, decisions, and implementation during #75HER

If something looks unclear, we may ask you to walk us through it rather than assume bad intent. Disqualification is only for clear, intentional violations.

Our goals with these updates are to:

• Make space for different ways of building (teams and solo)
• Keep judging as fair and transparent as possible
• Honor the real effort you're putting in during this season

Full details are now live:

• Hackathon Page — Timeline, milestones, and requirements
• Participant Guide — Tools, workshops, and resources

• Hackathon Period: February 16 – March 7, 2026
• Final Submission: March 7, 2026, 11:59 PM EST
• Demo Day: March 8, 2026 (International Women's Day) 🎤

• ⭐ Best Use of AI/ML (with goose) — $600
• ⭐ Best Use of AR/VR/XR — $500
• ⭐ Best Use of Blockchain — $400

Each project can win one track award to ensure multiple teams are recognized. Awards support builders who have actively participated in the community throughout the program. Solo builders and teams are both eligible.

View Full Prize Details & Eligibility →

If you're unsure whether your idea or code setup fits these guidelines, please ask—we'd much rather help you shape something that works than have you worry in silence.

• Discord: Drop them in #support
• Email: info@createherfest.com
• Devpost Discussions: Post in the Discussion tab

We're excited to see what you and your teams (and solos!) bring to life.

Let's build something incredible! 💜

The CreateHER Fest Team

P.S. Remember to document clearly, commit regularly, and reach out if you have questions. We're here to support your build!