Inside a 24-hour vibe coding hackathon in Singapore, where caffeine-fueled coders locked in for one shot at big prizes

In a whirlwind of creativity and competition, participants at Cursor's 24-hour hackathon in Singapore transformed caffeine into code, racing against the clock for coveted prizes. As the event unfolded at the Singapore University of Technology and Design, the atmosphere shifted dramatically from relaxed camaraderie to a focused frenzy of innovation. With 147 projects submitted, the energy in the room was palpable. Teams, including contenders like RizzedIn.ai, showcased their creations, while the judges faced the daunting task of selecting just 15 finalists. The night was punctuated by upbeat rave music intended to keep spirits high, leading to peak productivity hours between midnight and 2 a.m. As the sun rose, the scene morphed into a sea of determined coders, fueled by adrenaline and snacks. Among the participants were a diverse group, from seasoned hackers to newcomers. Workshops led by experts from companies like OpenAI and DeepMind provided invaluable insights and guidance. Notably, a young coder, just 13 years old, collaborated with his family to develop an AI tool aimed at guiding students through the complexities of academic choices. The hackathon not only emphasized innovation but also the importance of community, with participants forming bonds over shared challenges. Rach Pradhan, a recent graduate, completed his project in just two and a half hours, highlighting the event's fast-paced nature. Additionally, free tokens for various AI services were a generous perk, complementing the hearty meals provided throughout the event. As the competition drew to a close, finalists were evaluated based on technical execution and creativity, with the standout project being an AI art generator that translates finger gestures into digital brushstrokes. The event encapsulated the spirit of collaboration and innovation, proving that even in a sleep-deprived state, great ideas can flourish. Ultimately, the hackathon demonstrated the power of technology and teamwork, as many participants opted for solo or duo collaborations, citing efficiency as key to their success. Organizers, like Sherry Jiang, reflected on the intense experience, having barely caught any sleep while fueling the creative fire with pizza and coffee for hundreds of eager coders.