A modular AI agent skill suite for accelerating hackathon development workflows.
Hackathons are time-compressed competitions where developers must simultaneously understand a problem space, generate viable ideas, build a working prototype, and deliver a compelling pitch — all within 24–48 hours.
Most teams fail not because their idea is weak, but because they:
- spend too long on ideation and lose implementation time
- build too many features and ship nothing cleanly
- neglect the demo and pitch until the final hour
- walk into judging unprepared for adversarial questions
hackathon-ai-devkit provides structured AI agent skills that eliminate these failure modes by giving teams a repeatable, agent-assisted workflow from track analysis through final submission.
The fastest way to use this devkit — paste a hackathon URL and the agent runs the full pipeline.
Input: hackathon event URL
team_size: 3
team_skills: ["Python", "React", "OpenAI API"]
Agent steps:
1 Parse event page → hackathon-event-parser
2 Extract tracks & criteria → hackathon-track-analyzer
3 Map problem space → hackathon-problem-space
4 Generate ideas → hackathon-idea-generator
5 Score and select idea → hackathon-idea-scoring
6 Cut scope to MVP → hackathon-scope-cutter
7 Identify wow moment → hackathon-wow-detector
8 Write PRD + task plan → hackathon-doc-writer + hackathon-task-planner
9 Implement prototype → hackathon-code-implementer (×N tasks)
10 Verify demo path → hackathon-test-generator
11 Build pitch + video → hackathon-pitchdeck + hackathon-demo-video
12 Simulate judging → hackathon-judge-simulator
13 Prepare submission → hackathon-submission-prep
Output: complete project brief, task plan, pitch deck, submission package
Pipeline orchestration guide: skills/hackathon-shared-resources/playbooks/hackathon-workflow.md
hackathon-ai-devkit is a reusable collection of AI agent context modules (skills) and shared resources designed to support every phase of a hackathon — from track analysis through final submission.
Each skill is a self-contained specification that AI agents load to perform a focused task in the hackathon workflow.
┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ hackathon-ai-devkit │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ skills/ │
│ │
│ 26 standard skills + 1 shared resource package │
│ │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
Skills are the core unit. Each SKILL.md defines a single agent capability with typed inputs, outputs, rules, and examples.
The hackathon-shared-resources skill is a special container package that houses the shared resources used across the entire suite:
- Knowledge files (
skills/hackathon-shared-resources/knowledge/) provide reference information agents load as context — judging patterns, winning strategies, demo psychology, and tool recommendations. - Templates (
skills/hackathon-shared-resources/templates/) are structured Markdown documents agents populate with project-specific content (PRDs, ADRs, pitch decks, demo scripts). - Playbooks (
skills/hackathon-shared-resources/playbooks/) are time-boxed execution guides that sequence skills, knowledge, and templates into a full hackathon strategy.
[URL] → Event Parsing → Team Setup & Recruiting → Track Understanding → Idea Development → Scope Definition → Risk Analysis → Project Planning
↓
Post-Mortem ← Submission ← Deployment Prep ← Evaluation ← Demo Preparation ← Build
| Step | Phase | Skills |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | Event Parsing (autonomous entry) | hackathon-event-parser |
| 0.5 | Team Setup | hackathon-team-recruiter OR hackathon-role-allocator |
| 1 | Track Understanding | hackathon-track-analyzer |
| 2 | Idea Development | hackathon-problem-space → hackathon-idea-generator → hackathon-idea-scoring |
| 3 | Scope Definition | hackathon-scope-cutter → hackathon-wow-detector |
| 4 | Project Planning | hackathon-risk-analyzer → hackathon-doc-writer + hackathon-task-planner |
| 5 | Build | hackathon-repo-bootstrap → hackathon-git-master → hackathon-sponsor-integrator → hackathon-mock-data-generator → hackathon-code-implementer (with hackathon-milestone-monitor) → hackathon-test-generator |
| 6 | Demo Preparation | hackathon-demo-script + hackathon-demo-video + hackathon-pitchdeck |
| 7 | Evaluation | hackathon-judge-simulator |
| 8 | Deployment Prep | hackathon-deployment-prep |
| 9 | Submission | hackathon-submission-prep |
| 10 | Post-Mortem | hackathon-post-mortem |
Full orchestration guide: skills/hackathon-shared-resources/playbooks/hackathon-workflow.md
hackathon-ai-devkit/
│
├── README.md
│
├── skills/ # 26 agent skill modules
│ ├── hackathon-event-parser/ # Parse hackathon URL → structured event data
│ ├── hackathon-team-recruiter/ # Generate team recruitment posts
│ ├── hackathon-role-allocator/ # Allocate team roles based on skill profiles
│ ├── hackathon-track-analyzer/ # Analyze hackathon tracks and themes
│ ├── hackathon-problem-space/ # Map problem domains and user pain points
│ ├── hackathon-idea-generator/ # Generate project ideas
│ ├── hackathon-idea-scoring/ # Score and rank ideas
│ ├── hackathon-scope-cutter/ # Trim scope to MVP
│ ├── hackathon-wow-detector/ # Identify wow-factor moments
│ ├── hackathon-risk-analyzer/ # Identify technical and demo risks
│ ├── hackathon-doc-writer/ # Write technical documentation (PRDs, ADRs)
│ ├── hackathon-task-planner/ # Plan and sequence tasks
│ ├── hackathon-repo-bootstrap/ # Scaffold project files and templates
│ ├── hackathon-git-master/ # Rapid collaboration branch workflow & conflict handling
│ ├── hackathon-sponsor-integrator/# Scaffold minimal boilerplate for integrating sponsor APIs
│ ├── hackathon-mock-data-generator/# Generate realistic seed/mock data conforming to judging rules
│ ├── hackathon-code-implementer/ # Guide code implementation of individual tasks
│ ├── hackathon-milestone-monitor/ # Monitor progress velocity at checkpoints (25/50/75/90%)
│ ├── hackathon-test-generator/ # Generate demo-protecting test cases
│ ├── hackathon-demo-script/ # Generate time-coded demo scripts
│ ├── hackathon-demo-video/ # Script and structure demo video recordings
│ ├── hackathon-pitchdeck/ # Build pitch decks (React or traditional formats)
│ ├── hackathon-judge-simulator/ # Simulate judge evaluation and hard Q&A Qs
│ ├── hackathon-deployment-prep/ # Validate deployment targets and checklists
│ ├── hackathon-submission-prep/ # Compile and validate final submission artifacts
│ ├── hackathon-post-mortem/ # Cleanup cloud assets, scrub history credentials, and build public READMEs
│ └── hackathon-shared-resources/ # Shared resources (knowledge, templates, and playbooks) for CLI packaging
│ ├── SKILL.md # Package entry point for npx skills add
│ ├── knowledge/ # Domain knowledge files
│ │ ├── hackathon-winning-patterns.md
│ │ ├── hackathon-judging-criteria.md
│ │ ├── hackathon-demo-patterns.md
│ │ ├── hackathon-mvp-strategy.md
│ │ ├── hackathon-pitch-strategy.md
│ │ ├── hackathon-pitchdeck-winning-pattern.md # Pitchdeck Rule of Three & 7-slide framework
│ │ ├── hackathon-pitchdeck-design-with-react.md # Genspark-style React slide deck design guide
│ │ ├── hackathon-submission-guidelines.md
│ │ ├── hackathon-common-failures.md # failure pattern catalogue
│ │ ├── hackathon-demo-psychology.md # judge psychology and demo techniques
│ │ ├── hackathon-tools.md # rapid development tools + recommended stack
│ │ └── hackathon-reference-architecture.md # reference stack architecture
│ │
│ ├── templates/ # Reusable document templates
│ │ ├── ADR-template.md
│ │ ├── PRD-template.md
│ │ ├── feature-spec-template.md
│ │ ├── pitchdeck-outline.md
│ │ └── demo-script-template.md
│ │
│ └── playbooks/ # Time-boxed strategy playbooks
│ ├── hackathon-workflow.md # master skill orchestration guide
│ ├── 24h-hackathon-playbook.md
│ ├── 36h-hackathon-playbook.md
│ └── 48h-hackathon-playbook.md
| Skill | Purpose |
|---|---|
hackathon-event-parser |
Parse hackathon URL; extract tracks, criteria, timeline, sponsor tools |
| Skill | Purpose |
|---|---|
hackathon-team-recruiter |
Generate strategic and targeted team recruitment posts |
hackathon-role-allocator |
Allocate team roles and responsibilities based on skill sets |
| Skill | Purpose |
|---|---|
hackathon-track-analyzer |
Parse tracks, themes, and sponsor constraints |
hackathon-problem-space |
Identify problem domains, users, and pain points |
hackathon-idea-generator |
Produce candidate project ideas |
hackathon-idea-scoring |
Rank ideas by feasibility, impact, and novelty |
| Skill | Purpose |
|---|---|
hackathon-scope-cutter |
Reduce features to a shippable MVP |
hackathon-wow-detector |
Identify and amplify the primary wow-factor moments |
hackathon-risk-analyzer |
Identify and mitigate technical and demo risks |
hackathon-doc-writer |
Author ADRs, PRDs, and technical specifications |
hackathon-task-planner |
Sequence work into time-boxed tasks and paths |
| Skill | Purpose |
|---|---|
hackathon-repo-bootstrap |
Scaffold workspace, repositories, and config templates |
hackathon-git-master |
Establish rapid trunk-based workflows and resolve merge conflicts |
hackathon-sponsor-integrator |
Scaffold minimal boilerplate for integrating sponsor APIs |
hackathon-mock-data-generator |
Populate realistic seed/mock data conforming to judging rules |
hackathon-code-implementer |
Direct code implementation tasks and checklist verification |
hackathon-milestone-monitor |
Track and analyze velocity at major completion checkpoints |
hackathon-test-generator |
Generate demo-protecting test cases and validations |
| Skill | Purpose |
|---|---|
hackathon-demo-script |
Generate time-coded live presentation scripts |
hackathon-demo-video |
Script and storyboard pre-recorded presentation videos |
hackathon-pitchdeck |
Design and construct pitch deck narrative and React components |
hackathon-judge-simulator |
Perform judge mock evaluations and Q&A hardening |
hackathon-deployment-prep |
Verify production builds, fallbacks, and checklists |
hackathon-submission-prep |
Package artifacts and optimize submission text |
hackathon-post-mortem |
Archive assets, purge secrets, and publish portfolio READMEs |
You can install this skill pack directly into your AI coding agent (e.g. Claude Code, Cursor, Windsurf) using the Skills CLI:
# Add the entire hackathon devkit to your agent
npx skills add bernieweb3/hackathon-ai-devkitThis installs all 26 skills alongside the hackathon-shared-resources package, which contains all shared playbooks, knowledge, and templates.
Point your AI agent at the installed skill's SKILL.md as a context module:
skills/hackathon-track-analyzer/SKILL.md
Provide the required Inputs defined in the skill specification. The agent will produce the Outputs defined by the skill.
Select the playbook matching your hackathon duration from the shared resources package:
skills/hackathon-shared-resources/playbooks/24h-hackathon-playbook.md
skills/hackathon-shared-resources/playbooks/36h-hackathon-playbook.md
skills/hackathon-shared-resources/playbooks/48h-hackathon-playbook.md
Each playbook maps skills and milestones to time blocks.
Load knowledge files as background context for your agent:
skills/hackathon-shared-resources/knowledge/hackathon-winning-patterns.md
skills/hackathon-shared-resources/knowledge/hackathon-judging-criteria.md
skills/hackathon-shared-resources/knowledge/hackathon-demo-patterns.md
skills/hackathon-shared-resources/knowledge/hackathon-mvp-strategy.md
skills/hackathon-shared-resources/knowledge/hackathon-pitch-strategy.md
skills/hackathon-shared-resources/knowledge/hackathon-pitchdeck-winning-pattern.md
skills/hackathon-shared-resources/knowledge/hackathon-pitchdeck-design-with-react.md
skills/hackathon-shared-resources/knowledge/hackathon-submission-guidelines.md
skills/hackathon-shared-resources/knowledge/hackathon-common-failures.md
skills/hackathon-shared-resources/knowledge/hackathon-demo-psychology.md
skills/hackathon-shared-resources/knowledge/hackathon-tools.md
skills/hackathon-shared-resources/knowledge/hackathon-reference-architecture.md
Populate templates directly or instruct your agent to fill them:
skills/hackathon-shared-resources/templates/PRD-template.md
skills/hackathon-shared-resources/templates/pitchdeck-outline.md
- Single Responsibility — each skill does exactly one thing
- Agent-Optimized — specifications are concise and structured for LLM consumption
- Independent & Reusable — skills have no hard dependencies on each other
- Workflow-Aligned — skills map directly to hackathon execution phases
┌──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ AUTONOMOUS ENTRY POINT │
│ hackathon-event-parser (URL → structured event data) │
├──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ TEAM SETUP LAYER │
│ hackathon-team-recruiter hackathon-role-allocator │
├──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ STRATEGY LAYER │
│ hackathon-track-analyzer hackathon-problem-space │
│ hackathon-idea-generator hackathon-idea-scoring │
├──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ PLANNING LAYER │
│ hackathon-scope-cutter hackathon-wow-detector │
│ hackathon-risk-analyzer hackathon-doc-writer │
│ hackathon-task-planner │
├──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ BUILD LAYER │
│ hackathon-repo-bootstrap hackathon-git-master │
│ hackathon-sponsor-integrator hackathon-mock-data-generator │
│ hackathon-code-implementer hackathon-milestone-monitor │
│ hackathon-test-generator │
├──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ PRESENTATION, DEPLOYMENT & CLEANUP LAYER │
│ hackathon-demo-script hackathon-demo-video │
│ hackathon-pitchdeck hackathon-judge-simulator │
│ hackathon-deployment-prep hackathon-submission-prep │
│ hackathon-post-mortem │
└──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
| Layer | Skills | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Autonomous Entry | event-parser |
Parse hackathon URL; bootstrap pipeline without manual input |
| Team Setup | team-recruiter, role-allocator |
Assemble teammates or assign roles based on skills |
| Strategy | track-analyzer, problem-space, idea-generator, idea-scoring |
Understand tracks/rubrics and select a winning idea |
| Planning | scope-cutter, wow-detector, risk-analyzer, doc-writer, task-planner |
Cut scope to MVP, prioritize wow factor, write PRD/ADR, sequence tasks |
| Build | repo-bootstrap, git-master, sponsor-integrator, mock-data-generator, code-implementer, milestone-monitor, test-generator |
Scaffold project, establish git trunk flow, build sponsor API scaffolds, generate mock data, code features, monitor checkpoints, write tests |
| Presentation, Deployment & Cleanup | demo-script, demo-video, pitchdeck, judge-simulator, deployment-prep, submission-prep, post-mortem |
Design slides/demo/video scripts, run judge simulator Q&A, build fallback, package submissions, clean cloud assets |
This stack is optimized for fast hackathon deployment. The full stack can be operational in under 30 minutes.
| Layer | Technology | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Frontend | Next.js on Vercel | Zero-config deploy; production URL in 2 min |
| Backend | FastAPI on Render | One-click deploy from GitHub; free always-on tier |
| Database | Supabase (Postgres) | Instant managed DB + auth + REST API |
| AI Routing | Groq / OpenRouter / Nvidia NIM | Fast, flexible LLM inference |
User → Vercel (Next.js) → Render (FastAPI) → Supabase
↓
Groq / OpenRouter / Nvidia NIM
- Groq — ultra-low latency inference; best for real-time demo UX
- OpenRouter — single API key routes to 200+ models; ideal when sponsor requires specific model
- Nvidia NIM — GPU-accelerated open-weight model inference
Full stack guide: skills/hackathon-shared-resources/knowledge/hackathon-tools.md · skills/hackathon-shared-resources/knowledge/hackathon-reference-architecture.md
-
Parse Event URL: Load
skills/hackathon-event-parser/SKILL.md→ Provide:hackathon_url→ Output:event_name,tracks,judging_criteria,sponsors,timeline -
Team Setup: Load
skills/hackathon-team-recruiter/SKILL.mdorskills/hackathon-role-allocator/SKILL.md→ Output: Social recruitment post or team role allocation mapping -
Track Understanding: Load
skills/hackathon-track-analyzer/SKILL.md→ Provide:track_description,judging_rubric,hackathon_duration_hours→ Output:evaluation_axes,required_constraints,strategic_opportunities -
Map Problem Space: Load
skills/hackathon-problem-space/SKILL.md→ Provide:track_summary,domain→ Output:problem_statement,solution_gaps,user_segments -
Generate Ideas: Load
skills/hackathon-idea-generator/SKILL.md→ Provide:problem_statement,solution_gaps,track_constraints,team_size→ Output: 5 candidate ideas with risk levels and wow factors -
Rank Ideas: Load
skills/hackathon-idea-scoring/SKILL.md→ Provide:ideas,evaluation_axes,team_skills→ Output: Ranked ideas with a single recommended target idea -
Determine MVP & Wow Factor: Load
skills/hackathon-scope-cutter/SKILL.md&skills/hackathon-wow-detector/SKILL.md→ Provide: Selected idea, feature wishlist, duration → Output:mvp_features,mvp_demo_flow, and the target primary wow-factor moment -
Plan & Write PRD: Load
skills/risk-analyzer/SKILL.md,skills/hackathon-doc-writer/SKILL.md, &skills/hackathon-task-planner/SKILL.md→ Output: Mitigated risk log, PRD, ADRs, and a task checklist with time estimates -
Scaffold & Set Up Repo: Load
skills/hackathon-repo-bootstrap/SKILL.mdandskills/hackathon-git-master/SKILL.md→ Output: Repository template scaffolding and rapid collaboration branch/merge strategy -
Integrate Sponsors & Seed Data: Load
skills/hackathon-sponsor-integrator/SKILL.mdandskills/hackathon-mock-data-generator/SKILL.md→ Output: Minimal sponsor SDK boilerplate integration and rule-compliant demo seed data -
Implement and Monitor: Load
skills/hackathon-code-implementer/SKILL.mdandskills/hackathon-milestone-monitor/SKILL.md→ Output: Done-verified code files and milestone velocity/red-flag health tracking -
Generate Tests: Load
skills/hackathon-test-generator/SKILL.md→ Output: End-to-end regression checks protecting the key demo path -
Script & Build Pitch: Load
skills/hackathon-demo-script/SKILL.md,skills/hackathon-demo-video/SKILL.md, andskills/hackathon-pitchdeck/SKILL.md→ Output: Time-coded narration scripts, video storyboard, and interactive React/traditional slide deck -
Harden Pitch: Load
skills/hackathon-judge-simulator/SKILL.md→ Output: Adversarial judge Q&A bank, scoring forecasts, and rebuttal templates -
Validate Deployment: Load
skills/hackathon-deployment-prep/SKILL.md→ Output: Production build validation, fallback plan, and environment configuration -
Package Submission: Load
skills/hackathon-submission-prep/SKILL.md→ Output: Form-ready text, video links, demo description, and submission ZIP checklist -
Post-Mortem: Load
skills/hackathon-post-mortem/SKILL.md→ Output: Paused paid instances, git history purged of secrets, and public developer portfolio README
The devkit supports a fully autonomous pipeline triggered by a single hackathon event URL. An AI agent can execute the complete workflow — from event parsing through submission preparation — without manual input.
INPUT: hackathon event URL
│
▼
┌──────────────────────────┐
│ hackathon-event-parser │
└────────────┬─────────────┘
│
▼
┌──────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ hackathon-team-recruiter / role-allocator │
└────────────────────────┬─────────────────────────┘
│
▼
┌──────────────────────────┐
│ hackathon-track-analyzer │
└────────────┬─────────────┘
│
▼
┌──────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ hackathon-problem-space │
│ → hackathon-idea-generator │
│ → hackathon-idea-scoring (top selection) │
└────────────────────────┬─────────────────────────┘
│
▼
┌──────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ hackathon-scope-cutter │
│ → hackathon-wow-detector │
└────────────────────────┬─────────────────────────┘
│
▼
┌──────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ hackathon-risk-analyzer │
│ → hackathon-doc-writer │
│ → hackathon-task-planner │
└────────────────────────┬─────────────────────────┘
│
▼
┌──────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ hackathon-repo-bootstrap → git-master │
│ → sponsor-integrator → mock-data-generator │
│ → hackathon-code-implementer (checkpointed by │
│ milestone-monitor) → test-generator │
└────────────────────────┬─────────────────────────┘
│
▼
┌──────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ hackathon-demo-script + demo-video + pitchdeck │
│ → hackathon-judge-simulator (hardening) │
└────────────────────────┬─────────────────────────┘
│
▼
┌──────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ hackathon-deployment-prep │
│ → hackathon-submission-prep │
└────────────────────────┬─────────────────────────┘
│
▼
┌──────────────────────────┐
│ hackathon-post-mortem │
└────────────┬─────────────┘
│
▼
OUTPUT: secured submission &
portfolio-ready project
You are a hackathon AI agent. Use the hackathon-ai-devkit skill suite.
Input: <hackathon event URL>
Team size: <N>
Team skills: <list>
Hackathon duration: <hours>
Steps:
1. Load skills/hackathon-event-parser/SKILL.md
Fetch and parse the event URL. Extract tracks, criteria, and timeline.
2. Load skills/hackathon-team-recruiter/SKILL.md or skills/hackathon-role-allocator/SKILL.md
Establish team roles and generate recruitment templates.
3. Load skills/hackathon-track-analyzer/SKILL.md
Use the parsed track data. Confirm evaluation axes and constraints.
4. Run the full pipeline in sequence:
problem-space → idea-generator → idea-scoring →
scope-cutter → wow-detector →
risk-analyzer → doc-writer → task-planner →
repo-bootstrap → git-master → sponsor-integrator → mock-data-generator →
code-implementer (per task) → milestone-monitor (checkpoints) → test-generator →
demo-script → demo-video → pitchdeck → judge-simulator →
deployment-prep → submission-prep → post-mortem
5. At each phase gate, verify exit conditions before proceeding.
Pause and request human input at Phase 2 (idea commitment gate)
and Phase 5 (code freeze gate).
6. Output: complete hackathon project brief, task plan, pitch deck
narrative, and submission description.
The autonomous pipeline has two recommended human-in-the-loop gates:
| Gate | Phase | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Idea commitment | After Phase 2 | Human confirms the selected idea before scope is locked |
| Code freeze approval | After Phase 5 | Human approves demo state before pitch and submission begin |
- Entry point:
hackathon-event-parser - Orchestration:
skills/hackathon-shared-resources/playbooks/hackathon-workflow.md - Architecture:
skills/hackathon-shared-resources/knowledge/hackathon-reference-architecture.md - Pitch Deck Winning Pattern:
skills/hackathon-shared-resources/knowledge/hackathon-pitchdeck-winning-pattern.md - React Presentation Guide:
skills/hackathon-shared-resources/knowledge/hackathon-pitchdeck-design-with-react.md