NeurAlbertaTech (NAT) is thrilled to present natHACKS, Alberta’s inaugural brain-computer interface hackathon! natHACKs will inspire beginners to develop practical neurotech skills and challenge competent hackers to apply themselves in this growing and exciting field.
Spanning two weeks and culminating in a 64-hour hackathon weekend (commencing July 30), the event will combine workshops, challenges, and networking opportunities for anyone interested in neurotechnology. With three different paths related to cutting-edge brain-computer interface topics, and separate judging based on experience level, we’re thrilled to allow neurotech enthusiasts to get their hands dirty in a diverse selection of projects.
To learn more about the event, feel free to visit our event webpage as well!
To participate in natHACKS:
- The registration deadline has now passed. The following instructions are for those who have already registered as an individual for natHACKS.
- Form a team (if desired). Teams should be formed and declared through NeurAlbertaTech's team declaration form no later than July 30 at 17:00 MDT.
- Start hacking on July 30 at 19:00 MDT!
- Submit your project on Devpost by August 2 at 10:00 MDT.
Please see the Rules page for information on participant eligibility.
Tracks
All teams will have the chance to participate in a Track of their choice, with three Senior Tracks related to cutting-edge BCI topics, and a Junior Track for those new to the neurotech world. Project ideas and challenges for each Track will be provided closer to the event.
BCI Recreation |
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BCI Rehabilitation |
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BCI Research |
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Junior |
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Deadlines
All listed times are in Mountain Daylight Time (UTC - 6).
Individual Registration |
July 5 (23:59) - Early Bird July 15 (23:59) - Final |
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Hardware Application |
July 9 (23:59) |
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Team Formation and Track Finalization |
July 30 (17:00) |
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Event Schedule
All listed times are in Mountain Daylight Time (UTC - 6). For a full schedule of events, see the event page on the NAT website.
Pre-Event Networking |
June 16 - July 29 |
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Educational Sprint |
July 16 - July 29 |
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Opening Day |
July 30 |
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Hackathon |
July 30 - August 2 |
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Closing Day |
August 2 |
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Requirements
All competitive submissions must include:
- A project code repository, with code developed solely during the hackathon time window.
- A video presentation explaining the project, which should not exceed 5 minutes.
- A brief written project summary, which should not exceed 250 words.
More details on submissions, and detailed project rubrics, will be provided closer to the event.
Note that prizes can only be offered to teams with at least one member from Alberta.
Prizes
$CAD10,000 in prizes
1st Place - Senior Tracks
(3)
Winning teams in each of the BCI Recreation, Rehabilitation, and Research tracks will earn up to to $2000 CAD in funding for the future development of their hackathon projects.
2nd Place - Senior Tracks
(3)
Second place teams in each of the BCI Recreation, Rehabilitation, and Research tracks will earn up to to $1000 CAD in funding for the future development of their hackathon projects.
1st Place - Junior Track
The winning team in the Junior track will earn up to to $1000 CAD in funding for the future development of their hackathon project.
Devpost Achievements
Submitting to this hackathon could earn you:
Judges

Eden Redman
NAT

Ankur Pandit
AltaML
Deepak Khatri
Upside Down Labs

Kris Hans
Campus Alberta Neuroscience
Noah Batiuk
NAT
Annette Lau
NAT
Cameron Hildebrandt
NAT

Giancarlo Pernudi Segura
UAIS
Paul Saunders
UAIS
Dominique Beaupre
Aliud
Judging Criteria
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Please view this rubric!
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1p3yLHYs2MWDl0RW1GIdBD4l9LpZ7SELwo5BxkevYYak/edit#gid=0
Questions? Email the hackathon manager
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