Hundreds of students from across Texas will convene in downtown San Antonio this fall for RowdyHacks 2025, a 24-hour innovation competition. The event, scheduled for October 25 and 26, is expected to draw more than 500 participants to collaborate on technology projects.
Hosted at San Pedro I, the event will feature a unique "Space Cowboy" theme, blending the city's western heritage with a futuristic vision. The hackathon aims to challenge students in software, hardware, and cybersecurity while fostering networking and skill development.
Key Takeaways
- RowdyHacks 2025 is a 24-hour hackathon taking place on October 25-26 in San Antonio.
- Over 500 students are expected to participate in software, hardware, and cybersecurity challenges.
- The event's theme is "Space Cowboy," combining local culture with a futuristic concept.
- Workshops for all skill levels and a career fair will be included.
- The event is organized by the UT San Antonio chapter of the Association for Computing Machinery.
Fusing Tradition with Future Technology
The theme for the 11th annual RowdyHacks was carefully chosen to reflect both local identity and the forward-looking nature of technology. Organizers said they wanted to create a fresh and exciting atmosphere for the event.
"Inspired by San Antonio’s western heritage, our team wanted to embrace a cowboy theme while adding a unique twist," said Alejandro Mugica, a senior computer science major at UT San Antonio and the Director of RowdyHacks. He explained that the concept aims to inspire creativity.
"By combining elements of space with the classic western theme, we created a fresh and exciting vision for RowdyHacks 2025."
This thematic approach will influence the projects and challenges, encouraging participants to think outside conventional boundaries. The goal is to merge artistic vision with technical execution in a way that is both fun and challenging.
A Platform for Learning and Connection
While the competition is central to the event, organizers emphasize that RowdyHacks is designed to be more than just a contest. It serves as a significant opportunity for learning and professional growth, welcoming students from all academic backgrounds.
What is a Hackathon?
A hackathon is an invention marathon where individuals or teams work intensively on software or hardware projects over a short period, typically 24 to 48 hours. The goal is to create a functional product or prototype by the end of the event.
"Our workshops are tailored to both beginner and intermediate skill levels so that there’s truly something for everyone," explained RowdyHacks Co-Director Trae Ramirez, a junior computer science major. He highlighted the event's inclusive nature.
Doors will open at 9 a.m. on Saturday, October 25, giving attendees time to participate in a career fair. This session allows students to connect directly with sponsoring companies, offering valuable networking opportunities before the main competition begins.
"A person with truly no experience can both experience networking and learn a certain niche skill," Ramirez added.
The 24-Hour Innovation Challenge
Once the hackathon officially starts, teams of students will work around the clock to develop their projects. The competition is an official Major League Hacking (MLH) event, adding a level of prestige and structure to the proceedings.
Participants will compete for prizes across several categories, including:
- Best Use of Theme
- Best Design
- Best Hardware Hack
- Best Cyber Hack
- Best Beginner Project
- Best Overall Project
The event is organized by the UT San Antonio student chapter of the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM), the university's premier technology organization with a decade-long history.
In addition to these general categories, financial technology company Swivel, the event's title partner, will sponsor a special track. This provides a focused challenge for students interested in the fintech sector.
"Teams of students collaborate to develop various projects," Mugica said. "At the end of the event, they are judged and winners are selected."
Building Confidence and Community
The leadership team, comprised of UT San Antonio students, has dedicated months to planning the logistics of the large-scale event. Their primary objective extends beyond the technical achievements produced during the weekend.
"By uniting students from diverse disciplines, we hope to enrich their technical knowledge and promote collaboration," Ramirez stated. The focus is on creating a supportive environment where students can experiment and grow.
Mugica echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the lasting impact the organizers hope to have on participants. The event is structured to encourage students to step outside their comfort zones.
"The event is about more than just creating outstanding projects — it’s about forging connections and encouraging risk-taking. Our goal is to inspire participants to continue building and growing long after the hackathon has ended."
Ultimately, the aim is to empower the next generation of innovators with not only new skills but also the confidence to pursue ambitious ideas. Registration for the event is open at RowdyHacks.org.