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A hackathonthe name is a portmanteau of hacking and marathonis a type of social event where coders, programmers and others interested in computer science fields come together to learn, collaborate and compete for prizes within a set period of time, frequently 24 hours. Historically, RowdyHacks has also served students by incorporating workshops providing networking opportunities with local tech industries.

Yet, RowdyHacks is for more than hardcore coders. On the contrary, the hackathon features multiple tracks and challenges to include hackers of all skill levels and areas of specialization. These include a beginner and advanced track, as well as challenges for the best retro hack, best hardware hack, a specific cybersecurity challenge and more.

Thats the great thing about a hackathon, said RowdyHacks Director and junior computer science major Quynh (Quincy) Nguyen. You dont have to know anything; you dont spend anything because its free and you can come and learn all these different things.

Nguyen has personally experienced the trepidation that first-time hackers face.

I remember going into my first hackathon being so scared, not knowing anyone because I was so new and not sure of my technical skills yet, she said. But I came out of it running to Google looking for the next hackathon to go to because it was just so fun. Thats what kind of encouraged me to run to become RowdyHacks director, because I want to help others experience what I did.

While the students organizing RowdyHacks have made great strides to ensure the event is approachable for first-time hackers, they have also made sure there will be plenty to attract experienced hackers and repeat attendees. Regardless of level, they understand that the competition provides students with a hands-on learning experience to test the skills theyve learned in the classroom.

Theres something new that happens every year within RowdyHacks and thats the change of theme, said Vamshi Ponnala, RowdyHacks co-director and UTSA senior computer science major.

For example, Ponnala says last years theme was Retro while this years is called Into the Unknown and deals with exploration.

RowdyHacks has something new and exciting for everyone, says Ponnala.

Weve got new prizes, new swag, new workshops, new companies to talk to, he said. Theres just a lot of new things, especially the building; weve got a new, big building.

That new, big building is San Pedro I, and the directors of RowdyHacks are excited to commandeer the flagship of the School of Data Science, if only for 24 hours.

On a practical level, SPI can provide the hackers with more space than their previous, well-loved accommodations on the UTSA Main Campus. More philosophically, some view SPI as a symbol of the thriving technology industry located in Downtown San Antonio, part of the Silicone Hills that run north to Austin. Elijah Moya is one who shares this view.

When we had the opportunity to be here at San Pedro I, it was like my dreams were coming true, he said. We can show UTSA students and people interested in technology that theres technology in San Antonio and were going to use this data science building to show it off to everyone.

This is especially true this year, Moya adds, as the 2023 RowdyHacks will be the first to have a significant presence of participants from outside San Antonio. For the last year, Moya and other ACM members have been attending hackathons across Texas to spread the word about RowdyHacks. The results of their outreach efforts are evidenced by more than 500 students who signed up this year.

This isnt just UTSA students. These are people from all across Texas that are going to come to UTSA and experience RowdyHacks and experience the fun, Moya said. Our motto is Howdy, howdy, lets get Rowdy, so we want to be rowdy. We want to have fun and we want to make sure this is a great experience for everyone.

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San Pedro I opens its doors for eighth annual RowdyHacks on ... - UTSA