# Why Hardware Hackathons ## What are hardware hackathons? A hardware hackathon is a 24-36 hour prototyping or product-ideation event where participants design and build tangible products in service of a theme, or to solve a problem. It is a specialized hackathon focusing on creations that leverage microcontrollers, sensors, and actuators. Projects can include manufactured parts using machining, laser cutting, and 3D printing. The combination of hardware and fabrication makes prototypes come to life, creating potential future products or efficient or miniaturized designs. Recent hardware hackathons MLH has partnered with: * HardHack * MakeCU * MakeMIT * MakeUofT *Let us know if you’re running a hardware hackathon, we’d love to partner with you and add your event to our list!* ## Why host a hardware hackathon? Hardware hackathons share the core benefits of non-specialized events but break the status quo by bringing hardware and fabrication into the limelight. They thrive by focusing on sustainable technology, civic advocacy, and accessible living, often appealing to participants' call for community service. Participants "hack together" physical prototypes—tangible inventions that can be held and demonstrated. These projects span a wide creative background, ranging from assistive devices, smart home applications, and automated kitchen tools, to wearable electronics and hands-on learning tools. This process actualizes participants into becoming incredible inventors. ## Your Goal As A Hardware Hackathon Organizer Ensure hackers can maximize their ideation and build time rather than get bogged down in debugging. Remember that hackers are juggling their time to do the following in 24 hours: ideation, dev, packaging (printing, fitting, etc.), and documentation (for submission). Ideation should take the least amount of time with hardware selection and software writing, and making enclosures taking the most amount of time. Minimize technical friction for your hackers by providing them with high-quality, easy-to-use hardware that your team has already vetted. --- # Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter: ``` GET https://guide.mlh.io/hardware-hackathon-guide/why-hardware-hackathons.md?ask= ``` The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.