PalmettoHacks is a 24-hour hackathon hosted by Kappa Theta Pi at the University of South Carolina. Participants form teams, pick an idea, and build it into something they can demo—all in one weekend, supported by mentors, workshops, and food along the way.
The event is free to attend with no entry fee; participants simply need to bring a laptop. It is open to all majors, years, and skill levels, making it an ideal first hackathon for beginners. Teams can consist of up to four members; attendees may come with friends or arrive alone, as team formation runs on-site. Throughout the 24 hours, KTP members and industry mentors are available to assist.
The schedule typically opens Saturday morning and wraps Sunday midday. The event includes check-in, opening ceremonies, and building sessions. Workshops, such as a cloud engineering session led by CVS Health, are offered alongside provided meals: lunch, dinner, a midnight snack, and breakfast. On Sunday, submissions are due by 10:00 AM, followed immediately by judging where teams demo their projects to a panel of industry judges. The event concludes with a closing ceremony and awards announcement.
Prizes are awarded to top teams based on the judges' evaluations. While the event is student-run end-to-end by the Professional Development Team of Kappa Theta Pi, it features industry sponsors who provide mentors, challenges, and hiring opportunities.
Venue
Columbia, Colombia