Who can participate? Do I need to be a programmer?
Anyone who wants to solve real community problems! We need software engineers, data scientists, and UI/UX designers — but just as critically, we need madrassah teachers, mosque administrators, students, charity workers, and community leaders who understand the problems firsthand. Diverse teams build the most impactful solutions.
What if I don't have a team?
Over 40% of attendees arrive solo! On Friday evening, we host a dedicated, guided team formation session where solo builders pitch ideas, meet collaborators, and form well-rounded teams of 2 to 5 members before hacking begins.
Is the hackathon completely free to attend?
Yes, 100% free. There is zero participation fee. All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, and artisan coffee/tea), venue access, Wi-Fi, prayer spaces, and mentoring support are provided at no cost thanks to our partners and sponsors.
Where is the venue and how do I get there?
The hackathon takes place in person at Thistle London Heathrow Terminal 5 (Bath Road, Longford, Heathrow UB7 0EQ). It is easily accessible via the Elizabeth Line (Heathrow T5), Heathrow Express, Piccadilly Line, and local buses. Free parking is available on-site for registered hackathon participants.
Can I bring a pre-existing project?
To ensure a fair competition, the core prototype and code must be built during the hackathon weekend. You are welcome to come with ideas, research, wireframes, and use public open-source libraries, APIs, and frameworks — provided you clearly disclose them in your build log.
Who owns the intellectual property and code?
You and your team own 100% of your intellectual property. Neither Mosque Expo nor the organisers claim any ownership over your code or designs. We encourage open-source licenses to benefit the community, but the decision is entirely yours.
Is overnight stay permitted at the venue?
The venue closes at 23:00 on Friday and 22:30 on Saturday, re-opening at 09:00 the following morning. We strongly encourage participants to rest and sleep so you can build with clear minds. Attendees requiring local accommodation can book rooms at the Thistle Hotel or adjacent Heathrow hotels.
What should I bring with me?
Bring your laptop, charger/power cables, any hardware or mobile test devices, headphones, a notebook or sketchbook, and your enthusiasm. We provide high-speed Wi-Fi, power extensions, food, and drinks throughout the weekend.
