Earlier this year, SUNY Oswego saw the launch of LakerHacks –- which, organizers said, redefined the traditional hackathon experience by being more than just a competition while setting a stage for more successful future events. 

This student-powered event with around 75 students participating became a dynamic launchpad for innovation, collaboration and professional growth, said Samantha Brown, a key student architect of the event.

The event in April created a vibrant space where strangers evolved into peers and collaborators, as “we wanted to tear down walls around tech and show that innovation belongs to everyone,” Brown said. 

A hackathon is an intensive, time-bound event where individuals or teams can collaborate. The objective of these events are to design, build and present creative solutions. For SUNY Oswego’s inaugural hackathon, entries went on the theme of “Next Gen Education.” 

Participants had to design projects that re-imagine the future of learning through apps, games, platforms or other creative tools of their choosing. 

“The goal was to encourage participants to use technology in ways that could make education more accessible, engaging and innovative, different from traditional learning environments,” Brown explained.

Typically, participants often present software prototypes, apps or innovative concepts that address certain challenges or ideas, presented to professional judges. The friendly competition featured more than $1,300 in prizes.

Awards across several categories, including Best Overall Hack, Best AI Hack, Best Non-AI Hack and Prettiest Hack (UI/UX). Prizes included a Keychron K3 keyboard, portable monitors, Bluetooth speakers and more. 

“The winning projects included creative applications of AI in education as well as polished UI/UX designs that made learning tools better,” Brown said. 

See the full list of submissions and winners, and what they created on organizers’ Devpost gallery and find pictures of the winners in this LakerHacks album. 

Curiosity and community

The success of LakerHacks at Oswego is a testament to the dedicated team that meticulously crafted an environment where boundaries dissolved and curiosity thrived. LakerHacks dismantled the intimidation often associated with technology, Brown said.

This philosophy attracted participants eager to experiment with coding, design, business concepts and beyond. 

The atmosphere, student participant Preston Precourt noted, “felt comfortable and open – like a true community,” validating the team’s commitment to inclusivity. 

The organizing team, led by passionate students, deliberately reimagined the hackathon blueprint. They infused the event with what Brown describes as “friendly summer camp counselor vibes.”

Organizers strategically incorporated activities like an Easter egg hunt and a spicy ramen challenge. These touchpoints weren’t mere diversions; they were essential tools to reduce stress, build authentic rapport among participants and foster a joyful environment where every academic major felt valued. 

Another student organizer, Kritika Parajuli, highlighted the profound impact of mentoring younger students becoming a “new and eye-opening” experience, underscoring the events focus on peer learning.   

The student team orchestrated LakerHacks 2025 through 50 days of intensive planning, which included securing seven sponsors and maximizing a $3,500 budget. The Oswego community actively took part in sponsoring the event, including SUNY Oswego’s Human-Computer Interaction Organization, Collegiate Science and Technology Entry Program (better known as CSTEP) and the Computer Science Association, as well as Wonzones Calzones.  

Their resourcefulness resulted in an event whose energy and quality rivaled nationally recognized hackathons while fulfilling a mission to make cutting-edge tech and innovation visible, accessible and fundamentally student powered at SUNY Oswego, organizers said.

Beyond this year’s success, the LakerHacks team envisions an even brighter future. Brown said the planning is off to a flying start, projecting triple the amount of overall prize amount. Plans are underway to apply for Major League Hacking approval in 2026 with expanded marketing outreach, strategic alumni partnerships and deeper engagement with local sponsorships. 

The goal is to position SUNY Oswego and the surrounding region as a thriving hub for student-driven innovation. As the team declares: “Hackathons are where great ideas are born.” 

Students are invited to learn more by visiting the LakerHacks website, and to consider becoming a part of the team organizing future efforts. 

–- Written by Keila Aquino-Lobato of the Class of 2025