Meet the Winners of HackATL 2021
HackATL is the most prominent business hackathon in the Southeast, attracting 1,000+ students from top undergraduate programs across the United States since its establishment in 2013. The participants are given 48 hours to develop a prototype and pitch it to judges, angel investors, and venture capitalists. At HackATL, we aim to create innovative solutions that cater to the world’s most pressing issues.
This year’s HackATL participants were faced with a relatively broad challenge- to innovate solutions to today’s largest dilemmas- against all odds. The theme “The Great Hacksby” reflects this very idea- only a century ago, the world experienced a period of tremendous challenge and difficulty. With everything from a global pandemic, high levels of consumer debt, and even rising income inequality weighing society down, it seemed that these obstacles would be insurmountable. However, the 1920s aren’t remembered for those challenges — they’re remembered for the incredible innovation that resulted from the challenges.
How did our participants respond?
The participants of this year’s HackATL accepted the challenge, and in 48 hours, conjured up high-impact, unique solutions to some of our most pressing issues. Three teams, in particular, rose up to the challenge in ways that amazed our judges. After their grand win, each team spoke with IQ Magazine and shared their insights- we are excited to introduce their insights and ideas today.
HackATL’s First Place Team: Clip
Clip is a faster and more seamless way to reorder products they currently use- through QR code technology. Before users throw out items, they can tap the QR code on their item, press order, and within ten seconds, the new item is already on its way. Their goal is to provide companies with opportunities to increase the lifetime value of their consumers, particularly small businesses.
Did you face any obstacles in your process that made you step back or really pushed forward your progress?
Devan: In order for our idea to work, brands would have to attach Clip’s QR codes to their product- or the codes would have to be included during manufacturing. This is a difficult thing for brands to do, so we had to think of alternatives. We thought- what if we used AR so there are no codes or just how can we make the QR scanning a seamless process?
Amaan: It was definitely a challenge. We actually found a lot of interesting ideas during this process, and we’d love to explore them. We’re thinking about how to build a feasible app and processes such as even entering the app store. With the number of ideas we thought of- I’m excited to go through them together and see what could be the most feasible.
HackATL’s Second Place Team: Trident
Trident is a whole new look into the market of used furniture. Trident utilizes augmented reality to transform their consumer experience- users can actually place listed used furniture “virtually” in their homes. Using the expansive tools of AR, users can examine furniture being sold hundreds of miles away, just like they could at a furniture store.
Do you have any tips for future contestants?
Sungho: Don’t be afraid of meeting new people. We only met yesterday- and are all introverts- but we were just really dedicated to our idea.
Silvia: We really trusted each other, everyone took their own part. If you can contribute- don’t be shy to offer help.
Artem: You should contribute in any way that you can and feel confident in your actions. In a time-pressured environment, it’s hard to double-check everything, so keep your trust in your teammates strong.
Third Place: Eco Friends
Eco Friends is an app that allows users to make small, conscious decisions that help our planet and our future. Users are presented with a range of options in terms of how to make an impact. For example, if a user wished to focus on their habit of using plastic water bottles, they’d be presented with options such as using single-use boxed water, purchasing a reusable water bottle, or even donating to an organization such as Klean Kanteen. With their thorough background in UI/UX development, they sought to make an environmental impact as accessible and user-friendly as possible.
What would you take to your next hackathon or venture in entrepreneurship?
Katrina: This is an idea that I love. I’m passionate about making a change, user experience, and designing things that are simple, effective, and easy to use. I’ll do anything I can to get this app in people’s hands, so I’m extremely excited about feedback about how we can make our idea a viable app.
Alex: Feedback is so crucial, having insight into how we can make a product that is more viable and could balance profit and education would be amazing.
Huge congratulations to Clip, Trident, and Eco Friends, we wish you the best for your future ventures!
Written by: May Zhou| IQ Director
