NeuroHack 2025 | May 3–4, 2025
Hosted by NeuroTech@UIUC

NeuroHack is a 24-hour hybrid hackathon centered on cognitive wellness, neurodiversity, and technology for mental health. We welcome students from all disciplines—computer science, psychology, neuroscience, healthcare, design, etc—to build creative solutions for human-centered problems.

Whether you're a seasoned programmer or a first-timer, NeuroHack offers opportunities for both beginner and advanced participants, with another option for non-technical project formats. This is more than a competition—it's a platform to explore how tech can support the brain, body, and community.

💡 Event Highlights:

  • Keynote Speakers from Neuroscience, Computer Science, and Wellness Research: 

    • Dr. Florin Dolcos — Opening keynote

    • Prof. Geoffrey Challen — Fireside Q&A

    • Dr. Ekaterina Gribkova — Closing keynote

  • Idea Pitching, Team Formation, & Mentorship

  • Technical and Non-technical Track Option

  • Judging panel consisting of NeuroTech Exec Members and Researchers in Cognitive Wellness:

    • Dr. Raksha Mudar — Cognitive Wellness

    • Dr. Ekaterina Gribkova — Computational Neuroscience

    • Anagha Shailesh Dangi  — NeuroTech Alumni President (24' - 25')

    • Sid Gurumurthi — NeuroTech President

  • 1st, 2nd, 3rd Place Prizes for Non-Technical & Technical Teams

Requirements

To submit a project for NeuroHack 2025, your team must include:

  • ✅ A prototype — This can be a coded solution, design, or research-backed concept aligned with one of the official prompts.

  • ✅ A Devpost submission — Submit your project on Devpost before the deadline.

 

🔥 Devpost Submission Must Include:

📋 Required for All Teams:

  • Project Title and Team Member Names (1 - 3)

  • Project Description that includes:

    • What your project does

    • Why it matters (the problem it addresses, who it helps, and how it relates to cognitive wellness)

  • Screenshots or Diagrams (mockups, workflows, sketches, UI designs, storyboards, etc.)

  • Relevant Links:

    • GitHub repository (for technical projects)

    • Notion docs, Figma boards, PDFs, or any relevant supporting files

🎥 Optional but Encouraged:

  • A 2–3 minute demo video walking through your project
    (hosted on YouTube, Google Drive, or similar platforms)

 

💡 For Non-Technical / Research-Based Projects:

If you're submitting a conceptual or research-driven solution with no code:

  • Include a well-researched concept supported by literature or credible sources

  • Provide a clear explanation of the problem and its relevance

  • Detail your proposed solution and its potential impact

  • Support feasibility with evidence, such as:

    • Small surveys, competitor analysis, real-world examples, or expert input

  • Present your idea using a visual storytelling format:

    • A 5–10 slide deck, storyboard, infographic, user journey map, poster, or similar

Focus on clarity, insight, and real-world potential.

 

🎯 Reminder:

Your submission should thoughtfully address one of the NeuroHack prompts and demonstrate a clear impact on cognitive wellness. Even if your project isn’t fully finished, clear communication, insight, and creativity are key to making an impression.

Hackathon Sponsors

Prizes

4 non-cash prizes
First Place - Non-Technical
1 winner

T-Shirts, Mugs, Mini-Journals ($50 Value)

First Place - Technical
1 winner

T-Shirts, Mugs, Mini-Journals ($50 Value)

Second Place - Non-Technical
1 winner

(3) $5.00 Dunkin Gift Cards, Merch T-Shirts

Second Place - Technical
1 winner

(3) $5.00 Dunkin Gift Cards, Merch T-Shirts

Devpost Achievements

Submitting to this hackathon could earn you:

Judges

Dr. Raksha Mudar

Dr. Raksha Mudar
Speech and Hearing Science Deparment

Dr. Ekaterina Gribkova

Dr. Ekaterina Gribkova
Neuroscience Department

Dr. Florin Dolcos

Dr. Florin Dolcos
Psychology & Neuroscience Department

Anagha Shailesh Dangi

Anagha Shailesh Dangi
NeuroTech Alumni President

Sid Gurumurthi

Sid Gurumurthi
NeuroTech President

Judging Criteria

  • Relevance & Understanding (5 pts)
    Does the project directly address one of NeuroHack’s official prompts? Judges are looking for a clear connection and insight into the core issue.
  • Innovation & Creativity (10 pts)
    Is the idea original or presented in a fresh way? Creativity in concept, design, or use of tools will stand out.
  • Execution & Feasibility (10 pts)
    How well was the project built or supported? Tech: Functionality, stability, and completeness of the prototype. Non-Tech: Real-world viability, backed by research or user insights.
  • Presentation & Communication (10 pts)
    Is the project clearly and professionally explained through Devpost, slides, visuals, or video?
  • Devpost Submission (10 pts)
    Is the submission complete, organized, and easy to follow? Strong entries include a compelling description, visuals, and helpful links.
  • Visuals (5 pts)
    Are diagrams, screenshots, or other visuals used effectively to explain the concept?
  • Demo Video (Optional - 5 pts bonus)
    A clear and engaging walkthrough or pitch helps judges understand the project’s flow and impact

Questions? Email the hackathon manager

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