Come collaborate with amazing people, learn important new skills, and compete for your share of our prize pot!

HackRTC is coming up soon!  Join us in Chicago, over the weekend of October 5 and 6, as this hackathon , associated with the  Real-Time Communications Conference at Illinois Tech and the IEEE Chicago Section, brings together developers, designers, and tech enthusiasts to create prototype solutions to real-world challenges, while providing a platform for participants to showcase their skills, learn from industry experts, network with sponsors, and compete for prizes.

Why we hack…

The RTC Conference at Illinois Tech is passionate about fostering innovation, collaboration, and technological advancements. We are focused on demonstrating the power of programmable real-time communications and we offer HackRTC as a way to bring together developers from schools, industry and our community, in an intense, collaborative environment where participants can learn, code, meet, socialize and win prizes.  Winners will also be offered a time at the RTC Conference during which they can pitch their apps to the conferees!

Who should hack?

Whether you are a seasoned programmer or a curious beginner, HackRTC welcomes participants of all skill levels. You can participate by gathering your own team, but individuals are also encouraged to register and join in onsite team-building.

What resources are available?

HackRTC participants will utilize a wealth of developer resources provided by HackRTC sponsor Agora, including cutting-edge technologies, APIs, and mentorship from industry professionals to create real-time communications enabled hacks (prototype applications).

Will they feed me?

Of course, throughout HackRTC we’ll be fueling hackers energy with tons of great food and drink.

How does it end?

At the conclusion of the event on Sunday afternoon, the hacking teams produce 5-minute demo pitches showcasing what they have created. Based on these pitches, judges from the sponsors award prize money to the teams deemed to have created the most compelling hacks on the sponsor resources.

The demo pitches will also be live-streamed and recorded and published on our website so hackers effort is rewarded with collateral that can be used on their resumes, at work, or simply to wow friends.

And we’ll also be keeping the buzz going Oct. 8-9 at the RTC Conference by inviting the winning teams to return to deliver their demo pitches in a presentation to an influential group of industry leaders.

Approximate Schedule:

Saturday Oct. 5

• 9:30 AM – 10:00 AM – Register
• 10:00 AM – 12:00 Noon – Ideation, Team Formation, & Begin Hacking
• 12:00 Noon – 12:45 PM – Lunch
• 12:45 PM -5:45 PM – Continue Hacking
• 5:45 PM – 6:30 PM – Dinner
• 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM – Continue Hacking
• 8:00 PM Close for the day

Sunday Oct. 6

• 9:00 AM – 12:00 Noon – Arrive & Complete Hacks
• 12:00 Noon – 12:45 PM – Lunch
• 12:45 PM – 2:00 PM – Create Demo Pitches
• 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM – Deliver Demo Pitches
• 3:30 PM – 3:45 PM – Judges Huddle
• 3:45 PM – 4:15 – Winners Announced and Prizes Awarded

Register and help spread the word!

Please complete the simple HackRTC Registration form on our website to secure your spot at HackRTC. We invite all participants to spread the word and share this incredible opportunity with their friends, colleagues, and networks. The more diverse the participants, the greater the potential for groundbreaking ideas and collaborations. We’re eager to see what hackers create as they mash up programmable telecoms with many other services available over the web to solve problems across all aspects of people’s lives!