2025 ASIAN CREATIVE FESTIVAL
Social Impact Hackathon
May 23 - 25, 2025 | Pratt Institute
Join us for the 2025 Social Impact Hackathon, where AAPI creatives, nonprofits, and businesses come together to tackle real-world challenges. Through storytelling, social media campaigns, and digital solutions, participants will collaborate with seven nonprofits to drive awareness and impact!
What's included?
Create. Collaborate. Make a social Impact. Team up with four creatives, tackle real-world challenges for nonprofits, join expert-led workshops, and pitch your ideas for exciting prizes.
Non profits
We’re a hackathon with social good at its heart. Our nonprofits have presented several problem areas and projects to tackle their most pressing needs. Here are the incredible organizations that we’ve partnered with:
Judges & Mentors
Guided by industry pioneers, participants will receive expert mentorship and feedback to help bring their ideas to life.
Gabrielle Zevin
New York Times best-selling novelist whose books have been translated into forty languages. Her tenth novel, Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow was published by Knopf in July of 2022 and was an instant New York Times Best Seller, a SundayMore.
Jiaoying Summers
Chinese-American stand-up comedian, actress and producer. She is best known for her TikTok videos and her focus on combating Asian racism and promoting Asian representation.
Lee Sung Jin
Korean-American writer and director. He is known for creating the Netflix series Beef, for which he received the 2023 Primetime Emmy Awards for directing and writing for a limited series.
Rich Tu
First-generation Filipino-American, award-winning designer, and artist based in Brooklyn, NY, serving as Partner and Executive Creative Director at Sunday Afternoon
Helena Berbano
Second-generation Filipina American with 10+ years in nonprofit management, civic engagement, and political campaigns, and a seasoned speaker and trainer.
Susana Chen
Founder of Never Have I Ever Shop, the first artist-licensed press-on nail brand, driven by passion, creativity, and innovation.
Sally Chung
Founder @Designpreneurs Hackathon. A NYC-based design leader, educator, and startup advisor, Sally teaches interaction design at Parsons and SVA, shaping the next generation of designers.
Ian So
CEO of Chicken & Rice Guys and the National Asian Chamber of Commerce & Entrepreneurship, Ian is a recognized Boston business leader and a Boston Business Journal’s 40 Under 40.
Hackathon Schedule
Day 01
Fri, May 23
Check-in
6:30 PM
Kick-off - intro, rules, prize
7:00 PM
Team greeting
8:00 PM
Mentor check-in
8:30 PM
Day 1 ends
9:30 PM
Day 02
Sat, May 24
Check-in
9:00 AM
Workshop
10:00 AM
Keynote speakers & sponsors
11:00 AM
Lunch break
12:00 PM
Hacking
1:00 PM
Submission
4:00 PM
Pitch presentation
4:30 PM
Ceremony
8:00 PM
Mentor check-in
8:30 PM
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Who can participate in this hackathon?This hackathon is open to students and professionals who are passionate about using technology to create innovative solutions for nonprofit organizations.
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How do I register for the hackathon?You can register by clicking on the Sign Up button at the top of the page, which will redirect you to the participation form.
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What should I bring to the hackathon? Are there any prerequisites or required skills?This hackathon is open to all, regardless of experience level. Just bring your creativity, problem-solving mindset, and any tools or devices you need to code and collaborate.
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What are the judging criteria?Projects will be judged based on the following criteria: Creativity – How original, engaging, and impactful is the idea? Does it bring a fresh perspective to the nonprofit’s mission or challenge? Feasibility – Can the idea realistically be implemented given the available resources, timeline, and nonprofit capacity? Viability – Does the solution have long-term potential? Is it sustainable and adaptable for the nonprofit's future use? Judges will also consider how well each team collaborates with their nonprofit partner and aligns their solution with the organization’s goals and audience.
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How can I stay up-to-date on hackathon news and announcements?Follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and our website to stay updated with the latest news and announcements.
Join Now
This year, we are shifting our focus toward actionable initiatives that give back to our community. The hackathon provides a unique opportunity for creatives, technologists, and change makers to collaborate, innovate, and craft impactful solutions. Inspired by the power of technology and storytelling, teams will develop creative strategies and digital solutions that amplify the missions of these organizations.
Our Sponsors
Our Sponsors
