Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Plastic Fantastic is an online innovation event structured in two phases (Bootcamp and Hackathon Days), spanning over a total of 5 days of workshops, mentoring talks and pitching competitions. For a total of 16 hours straight, up to 20 participant teams during the Bootcamp Phase and 12 teams during the Hackathon Days phase will enjoy support activities to help them improve their projects and will have a chance to win the competition.
No, while hackathons are often associated with software programming competitions, this is not the case. Plastic Fantastic is an innovation hackathon, understanding innovation in a broad sense, not only in technology. We are seeking all kinds of solutions to marine pollution challenges.
Plastic Fantastic Hackathons are free for all registered participants.
Yes, the Plastic Fantastic Hackathon is open to participants from all over the world with innovative ideas to solve marine pollution problems.
No, can can register as an individual. However, we strongly encourage you to participate with a team in the Hackathon as one of the criterias to evaluate the project will be exactly that, the team, as a critical aspect for the success of the implementation of the initiative.
No, only one registration per team is required. We ask you for a contact person who will make the registration but you will need to introduce the team in the registration form.
The participation of at least one team member in all sessions is not mandatory, but it is highly recommended. However, it is mandatory that at least one person from the team participates in the the 1:1 Sessions (May 18th)and both pitching sessions for the Bootcamp (May 13th) and the Hackathon Days (May 19th).
No, you need to register with an idea. But if you need help coming up with one, we offer an ideation workshop on April 15th at 17:00 CET. You can register in the following link.
No, but recordings will be made available afterwards in PHAROS YouTube channel.
You can participate, but it is recommended that at least one team member be fluent in English. While in the online sessions, there will be an option to use subtitles, the pitching of your team needs to be done in English as a common spoken language.
No, although the prize award is intended to support the development and implementation of your project, there are no obligations attached to it and no need to report how it is used. You can spend it on whatever you consider most important for your project. For those participating in Track A, individual people can receive the funds, while in Track B the funds will be transferred to the company or established organisation.
Evaluation Criteria:
The evaluation of participant projects in all stages of the Hackathon will be based on four core criteria:
- The Team/Expertise: Focuses on the capacity, diversity, expertise and complementarity of the people behind the project—whether working as a team or individually. Recognising that there is strong potential and leadership capacity for the successful implementation of the idea or the startup.
- Climate Impact: Assesses the extent to which each idea or early-stage initiative contributes to environmental protection and climate resilience, prioritising solutions with clear and measurable benefits.
- Business viability – Financial Sustainability: Examines whether the proposed solution can become economically viable and scalable over time, beyond initial funding or support.
- Implementation Potential – Feasibility: Evaluates how realistic and actionable the solution is and how ready the idea is to move from an early concept to practical implementation or from an early stage to a scale up. Considering the clarity and feasibility of the execution plan and the next steps required to move forward.
Together, these criteria ensure that the hackathon supports ideas with lasting impact and real-world applicability.
Organisers
