Winning at Hack The Future 2023

On November 9, 2023, Niels Soete and I embarked on a thrilling “hackers day” adventure. The event? The 10th edition of “Hack the Future ,” courtesy of the Cronos Group. Not only did we delve into the future of hacking, but we also had the unique opportunity to observe animals nearby.

Entering The Jungle

Our journey to Antwerp covered 200 km, culminating at the Flanders Meeting & Convention Center . A warm cup of coffee and a hearty breakfast melted away the fatigue of travel as we geared up for an exciting day. The event began with an engaging introduction from a Cronos ambassador, setting the stage for the challenges ahead. Niels and I were soon drawn into the “Jungle Hike Logger” challenge.

The “Jungle Hike Logger” challenge tasked us with developing an app that enables hikers to record and share crucial observations about their environment. This tool would offer real-time updates on potential hazards and highlights within the jungle, complete with an interactive map to guide their journey.

Time to Hunt

Our briefing wrapped up around 09:30 AM, signaling the start of our coding marathon. Faced with a choice between enhancing a provided Svelte template or pioneering a new solution, Niels and I opted to innovate using VueJS.

A well-timed lunch break provided a moment to recharge and reflect on our progress. The event’s catering kept us fueled with a selection of sandwiches, and we even managed a quick visit to the adjacent Zoo of Antwerp—a welcome diversion that refreshed our spirits for the coding sprint ahead.

Resuming at 01:00 PM, we plunged back into development, navigating through complex codes and features under escalating pressure. By 04:00 PM, it was time to showcase our solution. We presented our application, articulating its benefits and demonstrating its capabilities in a live demo to an attentive audience.

King of The Jungle

After the presentations, the atmosphere buzzed with anticipation and excitement. As everyone mingled and enjoyed French fries in the reception area, the announcers began declaring the winners for each challenge. The tension peaked when the “Jungle Hike Logger” announcement approached. To our astonishment, Niels and I heard our names called out as the crowd favorites! We ascended the stage to receive our prize—a The North Face duffel bag, marking a memorable victory at our first hackathon.

Winning a prize at my first hackathon was a remarkable milestone, and it would not have been possible without Niels’s incredible partnership, Optis’s invaluable coaching, and the Cronos Group’s exceptional organization. This event was not just a competition but a celebration of innovation and teamwork.

Thank you for reading!

HTF Trailer 2023 - Jungle Expedition from Hack The Future on Vimeo.