Hack RPI will hold a November 2-3 hackathon event aimed at welcoming experienced coders and neophytes alike. The hackathon will draw 400 students for a 24-hour session devoted to natural disaster mitigation, artificial intelligence, and accessibility and education.

“The typical hackathon participant comes from engineering or computer science, but we’d like to expand our draw beyond that and make the event more interdisciplinary. The participants are here to code, but we believe that HackRPI can benefit from more critical thinkers and designers,” said Ian Streenstra, president of HackRPI.

Streenstra said that, with support from principal sponsor IBM, technology start-ups and smaller organizations, and the Capital Region Google Developers Group, HackRPI has secured a wealth of mentors and volunteers to work with participants during the event, guiding less experienced coders through coding software and concepts, and creating overall a more welcoming environment.

HackRPI has been spreading the word on the increased support for inexperienced participants through classroom presentations and contact with departments across campus.

As in previous years, the competition is entirely free, with food provided during the event, and scheduled speakers, workshops, and networking events.

For more information, or to register, visit HackRPI.