What is Technica?
Technica is the world’s largest all-women and nonbinary hackathon, hosted annually by students at the University of Maryland. In response to COVID-19, we will be hosting Technica virtually this year to keep our hackers healthy!
Over the duration of 24 hours, women and non-binary people are immersed in tech culture and encouraged to exercise their imagination to create interesting and innovative hacks.
Technica 2020's theme is “Expand Your Horizons”. We want to challenge our hackers to step out of their comfort zone and try something new, whether that's exploring a new technology, tinkering with hardware hacks, or coding for the very first time! This year we're introducing our beginners and hardware tracks, designed for hackers looking for extra support or interested in trying their hand at electronics. At Technica, we want our hackers to learn, grow, and meet new people, so join us at Technica 2020 to #ExpandYourHorizons!
Tracks
We are offering 4 different tracks for Technica this year! Each track is designed to best accomodate a hacker's interests and skill level with track-specific mentors. Hackers may express interest in multiple tracks during registration but will only be able to participate in one.
General: CLOSED
For any and all hackers! Come build to your heart's content using hardware, software, or anything you want with other hackers! Hackers can be students, designers, or just any tech-lover out there. Hackers of all skill levels are welcomed and supported!
We have reached capacity for the general track and will no longer be accepting additional hackers.
Research: CLOSED
Calling all undergraduates interested in research! Come explore the fields of research within computer science. This track is a separate 3-day workshop where you’ll get to work hands-on with faculty researchers and other students to use technology and research to address social issues!
We have reached capacity for the research track and will no longer be accepting additional hackers.
Beginners: CLOSED
New to hackathons? Don't know how to code? No worries! You'll be provided with dedicated resources to help you be successful at Technica and beyond! This includes everything from an introduction to hackathons and Technica to universal coding and logic concepts!
We have reached capacity for the beginner track and will no longer be accepting additional hackers.
Hardware: CLOSED
Spark up your project with some hardware! We’ll provide you with the resources needed to kickstart your own hardware projects and master the fundamentals from the ground up. This includes a kit with instructional materials to personalized sessions helping you code and build your own projects!
We have reached capacity for the hardware track and will no longer be accepting additional hackers.Registration
Come build using hardware, software, or anything you want with other hackers! You don't have to know how to code to be a hacker. Hackers can be students, designers, or just any tech-lover out there!
Come help hackers with their ideas by being a resource for hackers who may have questions about their projects. Mentors can be anyone of any gender willing to share their knowledge!
Learn more about mentor expectations here.
Come help with the operations! Volunteers are a huge helping hand and help make sure the hackathon runs smoothly. Anyone of any gender can volunteer and help make Technica a success!
Keynote Speakers
Jewel is a proud board member at Goodie Nation and the Harvard Debate Council Diversity Project, and spends much of her free time mentoring startup founders and angel investing.
Jewel has been featured in notable publications such as Forbes, Wired, TechCrunch, Essence, Glamour, and Business Insider. Prior to founding Partpic, Jewel served in management, enterprise sales, and strategic diversity roles at McMaster-Carr Industrial Supply and Google, Inc. Jewel is a native of Nashville TN, and graduate of Howard University. She currently resides in Atlanta, GA with her husband, Zekarias.
Click to see bio
Jewel is a proud board member at Goodie Nation and the Harvard Debate Council Diversity Project, and spends much of her free time mentoring startup founders and angel investing.
Jewel has been featured in notable publications such as Forbes, Wired, TechCrunch, Essence, Glamour, and Business Insider. Prior to founding Partpic, Jewel served in management, enterprise sales, and strategic diversity roles at McMaster-Carr Industrial Supply and Google, Inc. Jewel is a native of Nashville TN, and graduate of Howard University. She currently resides in Atlanta, GA with her husband, Zekarias.
Click to see bio
Schedule
11:00 AM
11:30 AM
11:30 AM
4:00 PM
Hosted by Bank of America
12:00 PM
1:00 PM
1:15 PM
2:00 PM
Technica Community Meetup
2:00 PM
Hosted by Bank of America
2:00 PM
Hosted by MLH
2:15 PM
Hosted by Fifth Tribe & America Indivisible
2:45 PM
Hosted by M&T Tech
3:00 PM
3:30 PM
4:15 PM
4:00 PM
Technica Community Meetup
3:45 PM
Hosted by Abt Associates
4:15 PM
4:45 PM
Hosted by T. Rowe Price
4:30 PM
5:00 PM
Hosted by MLH
6:00 PM
6:00 PM
Technica Community Meetup
6:00 PM
6:30 PM
7:45 PM
Hosted by Wayfair
9:00 PM
8:30 PM
Hosted by PLUMAS
10:00 PM
9:45 PM
10:00 PM
12:00 AM
10:45 PM
11:00 PM
12:00 AM
1:30 AM
10:30 AM
11:30 AM
3:00 PM
4:00 PM
FAQ
What is a "hackathon"?
A hackathon is a technology-focused event where individuals and teams work on new projects in a short period of time. You can build anything you want. An app, a robot, a website. The only limit is your imagination!
Why make an all-women and non-binary hackathon?
Women, non-binary, and gender non-conforming people are underrepresented in the tech world, and it’s up to everyone to change that! Technica’s goal is to create a welcoming environment where people from underrepresented genders can build cool projects and share their stories!
Do I need to know how to code?
No, you don’t need ANY coding experience to participate! If you do, that’s great! If you don’t, that’s also great! Students of all skill levels are encouraged to attend, even if you’ve never written a line of code. We’re very beginner friendly and are prepared to teach you everything you need to learn right here. You can start learning from our Beginner Resources! This year we are also introducing a beginners track to further help beginner coders start their tech journey!
I am a first-time hacker, are there any resources available to help me get started?
Yes, check out our Beginner Resources!
Where and when is Technica?
Technica will be held virtually from October 24th-25th, 2020 over a 24 hour period.
Will this year's hackathon be different due to the COVID-19 pandemic?
This year, we are still planning on offering all the same perks as previous years. However, we are going completely virtual in order to follow coronavirus safety guidelines. All communication throughout the event will be done on Technica’s online platform, our Slack workspace, and Zoom video conferencing. We will be sending out specifics of the working of the platform closer to the event.
Who can attend Technica?
Anyone who identifies as a woman, non-binary, or gender non-conforming person may register as a hacker! All ages are welcome. Additionally, all participants must follow the MLH code of conduct and Technica code of conduct.
How much does it cost to attend Technica?
Technica is FREE for all participants, thanks to our amazing sponsors! Participation includes a lot of free gear and swag!
What if I'm under 18?
Under 18 and still want to code with us? Don’t worry! Technica is very minor friendly; we have accommodations for participants under 18!
What will I need?
To complete the pre-registration process you will need a valid student or government-issued ID card and your resume. Since this year Technica will be hosted virtually, all you will need is your hacking device (laptop, desktop, tablet, etc.) and Wi-Fi!
How do teams work?
You can work on a project on your own, or you can work with a team. Teams can be formed prior to the day of the hackathon with other participants, or at the team formation event before official hacking begins. You can meet other hackers in the Technica Hacker Facebook group and Slack workspace. Team size must not exceed four members, per MLH rules.
How do I get swag?
To get swag, submit a hack during Technica or attend at least 3 events, meetups, and/or workshops during Technica! At least one of those 3 events must be Expand Your Horizons events, which is labeled on our website schedule and on our online platform.
Who can I reach out to with questions or concerns?
If you have any special needs you feel our organizers should be aware of or other questions or concerns, please chat with us in the bottom right-hand corner or email hello@gotechnica.org.
How can I register?
Registration for Technica is now open! You can register here!
Sponsors
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Interested in becoming a sponsor?
Reach us at sponsorship@gotechnica.org and check out our sponsorship prospectus here.
