Traditionally, a hackathon is an event where developers join forces to create innovative applications. However, the usual 48-hour format does not provide sufficient time to produce complete and functional applications. And because this is a European event, the online format will ensure that everyone is able to take part.

An API (Application Program Interface) is a set of routines and protocols for accessing software applications via a specific programming language.

The challenge is open to any person of adult age with an interest in innovation and who wishes to create an innovative prototype. There are no specific entry requirements.

Not at all! Hack4Europe is a team event. Due to the nature of the challenge, at least one member of each team must have knowledge of coding, but that requirement does not apply to all members of team. Anyone with the necessary skills to contribute to the development of an innovative application or service is welcome to take part. You could be a marketer, designer, graphic designer, innovator or business developer. Alternatively you could be an entrepreneur, project manager, or someone with strong business or presentation skills.

First, you'll need to register on the platform at hackate.am. Once you've registered you can either create a new team or join an existing team. If you want to find members for your team, you can use the platform to search for relevant profiles. Experience has shown that multidisciplinary teams often produce the best ideas.

Once you've registered for the challenge, you can create your own team and specify the members that you're looking for. If other developers on the platform are interested in your profile and your team presentation text, they can contact you with a view to joining your team. This ensures that each team has the variety of skills required.

First of all, you'll need to register for the Hack4Europe challenge on the platform at hackate.am. Registration opens on 17 March 2015, and you will then have until 11:59 pm on 17 May to submit your deliverables.

Each team can have a maximum of five members.

YES !

A total of five winners will be selected for the Hack4Europe challenge. They will be chosen by a panel consisting of major players in the French innovation and digital sector.
The panel will make its decision on the basis of the following criteria:

- Diversity of APIs: number of APIs selected and relevance.
- Creativity (in terms of application functionality).
- Features and quality of the application or service: level of completion, operational capability and relevance
- "Wow" effect: scope of the service and representation of the potential of the European digital sector.

For the sake of Europe! For the fun of it!
And for other reasons too:
- To expand your network. You will have the chance to meet individuals from start-ups and key accounts, and some of you will even receive coaching from them.
- To learn. You will meet coders and people from other backgrounds, giving you an opportunity to share your respective experiences, learn a new language and test your APIs.
- To create applications.
- To win! And for the prizes on offer!

PRIZE GIVEN TO THE FIRST TEAM WINNERS

A trip worth € 1000 per member /maximum value is € 5,000

PRIZE GIVEN TO THE SECOND TEAM

For each team member, one Apple Watch worth € 400

PRIZE GIVEN TO THE THIRD TEAM

For each team member, one HP Slate HD worth € 250

Hack4Europe is a coding challenge, so you will need to submit a functional prototype of your application.
You will also need to include documentation outlining and explaining your concept. You can also submit images, explanatory videos, or any other elements that provide details about your project.

No, that is not a requirement.

All languages are permitted. The most important thing is that you have a functional prototype to submit at the end of the challenge.

You can use all the APIs you need for your application. However you must use at least one of the APIs provided by our partners, which are available on our platform.

You will retain full ownership of the prototype and the associated code. For more information, please read the challenge rules.