Judging

This page covers the entire experience of undergoing judging as a hacker attending a hackathon on Devfolio.

Heads up!

This information is about judging in general. Hackathon organizers can set their own rules. Please refer to your organizer’s instructions for specific hackathon guidelines.

🛠 Can I Work on an Existing Project?

Unless otherwise specified, hackers are required to start their projects when the event begins so that no individual or team has a head-start. This ensures a fair playing field.

You'll be asked to share your source code (Git repo, Figma, etc.) during submission to confirm that work wasn’t done before the event.

You’re allowed to:

Use open-source libraries
Use starter kits/boilerplates
Design a spec in advance

You’re not allowed to:

Submit a modified version of a pre-existing project
Port or continue older work unless pre-approved (but you’ll be ineligible for prizes)

Version control is required

You must use version control throughout the hackathon. Submissions with a single commit or suspicious repo activity may be disqualified unless verified.

🚨 Process of Submission

Submit your project from your Hacker Dashboard.
- This is also where you apply for Sponsor Prizes.
(Optional) Add a demo video (minimum 2 minutes).
For offline events, you may be required to do a Live Demo.
Submitting early is recommended! You can update your project until the submission deadline.

You’ll Likely See Two Submission Options

Sponsor Prize Judging Only
- You won’t attend the Main Live Judging
- Present at the relevant sponsor booth
- Select sponsor prizes on the submission form
Finalist & Sponsor Prize Judging
- You’ll present in Main Live Judging and to sponsors
- Sponsor Judging also happens live at sponsor booths
- Be sure to manage your time—these may happen in parallel!

Offline Note

Not presenting live won’t affect your stake return.

❓ What if I Don’t Want to Submit My Hack?

We recommend submitting even unfinished hacks — celebrate your progress!

If you don’t want to present, you can still submit via your dashboard and receive your stake back.

Finalists must demo live

To qualify for the Finalist prize, live judging is mandatory.

🥇 Judging Criteria

Devfolio recommends evaluating based on:

Technicality – Complexity and approach to solving the problem
Originality – Is the idea fresh and creative?
Practicality – Is the project functional and usable?
Usability (UI/UX/DX) – Is it smooth for users or developers?
Wow Factor – Anything that leaves a lasting impression

Custom Criteria May Apply

Organizers may use their own judging criteria. Always check hackathon-specific rules.

🎥 Tips for a Good Demo Video

Submit a clear, concise walkthrough of your project
Minimum length: 2 minutes
Maximum length: 4 minutes
Upload via the Hacker Dashboard
Avoid music or copyrighted audio
Use voice narration (AI-generated voices are OK if clear)

Don't rush!

Speeding up your video might make it hard to understand. Edit wisely instead.

Suggested Recording Approach

Use Zoom or screen record tools to walk through your product
Show project in action (not just slides)
Avoid too much dead time (e.g., waiting on MetaMask)
Prepare multiple tabs for faster switching
Use slides sparingly — no more than 4 bullets per slide

❌ Common Mistakes (Avoid These!)

🚨 Don’t export videos below 720p
🚨 Don’t exceed the 4-minute limit
🚨 Don’t use sped-up videos
🚨 Don’t overlay music with just text
🚨 Don’t use a phone to record the submission
🚨 Don’t use text-to-speech (AI-generated voice is OK if clear)

Resubmissions may be required

Submissions with the above issues may be rejected and require re-uploading.