About the challenge

Welcome to the hackathon challenge! Our aim is to make it better and faster to transport medical samples from doctors' offices to Southampton General Hospital for testing. We want to develop a system that makes the delivery process more efficient. One way to do this is by combining routes from different services that go to the same places. This will help us use fewer vehicles, cover less distance, and save energy.

Your job is to create a smart system that can figure out which places we can deliver samples to together, so we can save time and resources. It's also important to choose the right vehicles for this task to make everything even more efficient.

To see if your solution works well, we will look at a few things. We will measure how far the vehicles travel, how many vehicles we need, how much money we save, or how much energy we save. If your solution can improve these things, it will show that your approach is effective.

By participating in this hackathon challenge, you have the chance to revolutionize how we transport medical samples. Your contribution can make the healthcare system smoother and more sustainable. Let's work together to optimize regional servicing and greatly improve the delivery of medical samples to Southampton General Hospital.

Get started

This "Get Started" section will guide you through the necessary steps to kick off your hackathon journey and set you up for success.

1. Registration: If you haven't already, make sure you have completed the registration process. This may involve providing your personal information, agreeing to the terms and conditions, and joining the hackathon platform or community.

2. Understand the Theme: Familiarize yourself with the hackathon theme or challenge. Read the provided materials, problem statements, and any additional guidelines or requirements. Gain a clear understanding of the problem you'll be tackling.

3. Explore Available Resources: Take advantage of the resources provided to you. This include the introduction vidoes, data sets, and their documentation. Links to the materials are provided under the "Resources" tab. Make sure to go through these materials and understand how they can assist you in developing your solution.

4. Form a Team (If You Want): This hackathon allows for team participation, therefore consider forming a team of like-minded individuals who share your passion for the challenge. Collaborating with others can bring diverse perspectives and complementary skills, enhancing your chances of success. If you already have a team, ensure that everyone is aligned with the goals and expectations. You can use our Discord server (link will be sent to you upon registration) to find like-minded individuals to join your team. Please note that teams may not exceed the maximum number of 5 individuals.
   

5. Plan Your Approach: Spend some time brainstorming and planning your hackathon strategy. Break down the problem into smaller components, define milestones, and set realistic goals within the given timeframe. Identify the tools, technologies, and methodologies you will employ. This will help you stay organized and focused throughout the hackathon.

6. Start Hacking: Begin working on your solution! Utilize your skills, creativity, and knowledge to develop an innovative and impactful project. Implement your ideas, test your code, and iterate based on feedback. Remember to document your progress and any challenges you encounter along the way.

7. Seek Help and Collaboration: Don't hesitate to reach out for assistance whenever needed. Engage with the hackathon community, mentors, or experts which will be available on the Discord server. They can offer guidance, answer questions, and provide valuable insights. Collaboration and knowledge sharing can lead to breakthroughs and improved solutions.

8. Submission Guidelines: As you near the hackathon deadline, carefully review the submission guidelines. Ensure that you meet all the requirements, including documentation, demo videos, and source code.

9. Finalize and Submit: Complete your solution and submit it before the deadline. Double-check that all the necessary files and information are included. Take a moment to celebrate your hard work and the innovative solution you've created.

10. Engage in the Community: Even after submitting your project, stay engaged with the hackathon community. Attend virtual events, webinars, or networking sessions. Learn from others, share your experiences, and celebrate the achievements of fellow participants.

Remember, the hackathon is not just about winning. It's an opportunity to learn, grow, and collaborate with like-minded individuals. Embrace the challenge, enjoy the process, and make the most out of this exciting hackathon experience!

• Design Quality
  The judging criteria for design quality focuses on the visual appeal and user experience of your application, as well as the quality of your pitch presentation.
• Potential Impact
  The judging criteria for potential impact assesses the clarity and effectiveness of demonstrating how your design, algorithm, or analysis can create a meaningful and significant impact.
• Addressing a Hackathon Challenge
  The judging criteria for addressing a hackathon challenge evaluates whether your design effectively addresses one or more of the specified challenges.
• Commercial Viability and Novelty
  The judging criteria for commercial viability and novelty assesses the potential marketability and uniqueness of your solution.
• Clarity of Presentation
  The judging criteria to evaluates the effectiveness and coherence of how participants present their ideas. This includes appropriately commented code