HackQuest - Hack@Arch 4.0

About the event: HackQuest is an 18-hour national hackathon with a twist. This is not the usual sit-and-code format. Teams will face evolving problem statements, random constraints, trivia battles, and a marketplace where they can buy or trade resources. The challenge is not just about building a great project, but also about adapting to surprises, managing resources, and working together under pressure. Your mission is simple: keep your project alive through changing requirements, earn credits through mini challenges, and use the HackStore wisely. Strategy, teamwork, and quick thinking will decide the champions. This is Hackquest - not your usual hackathon but an 18 hour adventure full of surprises, strategy and teamwork. Grab your friends, your ideas and your best problem solving skills. Because the goal here isn't just to code......its to survive the quest. Event Details: Date & Time: 5 PM, 28th March 2026 – 11 AM, 29th March 2026 Duration: 18 hours Venue: Government Engineering College, Thrissur, Kerala Prize pool: 30,000 INR Platform: It will be an offline hackathon Eligibility: Open to students from all colleges and specializations Teams of 3-4 members Inter-college and inter-specialization teams allowed Format: Teams will present their projects to the judging panel at the end Tracks will be announced after the start of the event only 12+ hours for project development Surprise elements will be introduced during the event Registration & Submission Guidelines: All submissions must be original and free of plagiarism Top 15 teams will be shortlisted based on team profile and have to compete offline at the venue. Only software projects are welcome Code of Conduct: Teams must adhere to ethical standards at all times Cheating, copying, or IP violations will lead to disqualification Participants may use any programming language, tools, and frameworks Rules: Participants must adhere to the 18-hour timeline All code must be developed during the hackathon (pre-built solutions are not allowed) Basic facilities (internet, power, workspace) will be provided Participants must bring their own laptops and equipment Food and refreshments will be provided Teams can seek clarifications but must work independently Judging Criteria: Creativity and functionality of the idea Quality of presentation and teamwork Marketability of the product Adaptability to constraints