Hack Western is Western University's annual hackathon and one of the largest student-led hackathons in Canada. Founded in 2014, Hack Western’s mission has been to foster an approachable and accessible environment for students from all backgrounds to learn about technology.
The 10th annual Hack Western ran from November 24-26, 2023. 400 students collaborated in teams of up to four to design and build technology projects. The event allows students to participate in workshops, team building events, learn from mentors, and compete for prizes. In total hackers submitted a total of 70 projects.
Hackathon team presenting their project at Hack Western 10
This year, students were greeted with an overnight campfire theme inspired by the decade of innovations, stories, ideas and adventures of Hack Western. The important milestone showcases how Hack Western continues to grow a larger community of diverse students interested in technology and provides an accessible environment for them to develop their skills.
Hackathon team presenting their project at Hack Western 10
Prizes were awarded to a number of projects representing a variety of uses, themes and purposes. Newts, which won Best DEI Hack, aims to connect new comers to services, such as health, financial and legal, that can best support the individuals first language. Best Hack using Blockchain, Cryptocurrency, Fraud Detection and Tax Compliance, presented by CRA, was awarded to BlockXism. In an effort to thwart ongoing laundering attempts leveraging new technologies and minimal regulations, BlockXism aims to place more transparency in the blockchain ecosystem through a simple verification system. First place overall went to SuperStage, a VR presentation program designed to create an interactive and exciting alternative to a traditional PowerPoint experience. All submissions and prize results can be found here.
Students receiving prizes at Hack Western 10’s closing ceremonies
Following the event, students reported their favourite elements of Hack Western were having the opportunity to meet new people, demo their project live, and being in a beginner-friendly learning environment.
Scotiabank is a Diamond-tier sponsor for Hack Western and plays an integral role in creating learning opportunities in technology for hundreds of students each year. Thank you to all the participating hackers, sponsors, volunteers, mentors, and judges, who made our Hack Western 10 possible. Congratulations to the Hack Western 10 organizing team on the milestone and for another successful iteration!
Scotiabank Team at Hack Western 10