Looking back at DUHacks 3.0, I remember the excitement, challenges, and the joy of bringing people together for something bigger than ourselves. But this time, it was different. This time, I was not just part of the team—I was leading it.

Organizing DUHacks 4.0 was not just about managing an event. It was about carrying forward a legacy, building a space where ideas could flourish, and making sure every hacker walked away with an experience they would cherish.

The Beginning: Carrying Forward the Spirit

DUHacks 3.0 taught us a lot—how to work under pressure, the importance of teamwork, and the power of community. With those lessons in mind, we set out to make DUHacks 4.0 even better.

The planning started months before the event. From securing sponsorships to designing the website, every step required dedication. There were sleepless nights, countless calls, and moments of doubt, but the excitement of creating something meaningful kept us going.

The Road to DUHacks 4.0: Sleepless Nights and Unbreakable Bonds

Bringing DUHacks 4.0 to life was no small feat. While the excitement of organizing a hackathon was there, the reality was a rollercoaster ride of planning, execution, and unexpected hurdles.

One of the biggest challenges was securing sponsorships. Just like in DUHacks 3.0, funding the event was a tough battle. This time, I had an incredible organizers team by my side - Shaily Fadadu, Kavya Shah and Krish Desai. The three of them played a massive role in ensuring DUHacks 4.0 had the resources it needed to succeed.

Our sponsorship meetings were a mix of long discussions, hopeful pitches, and moments of doubt. I still remember sitting together, drafting emails, refining presentations, and strategizing how to approach potential sponsors. Some doors closed, but many opened, all thanks to the persistence and determination of our team.

There were days when it felt like we were stuck, but looking back, those struggles made the victories even sweeter. When we finally secured the sponsors, it wasn't just about funding—it was about knowing that people believed in what we were building. Thanks to the dedication of our team and the trust of our sponsors, we secured the support needed to make DUHacks 4.0 a seamless experience for participants.

Beyond the logistics, the best part was the people. Working alongside such an incredible team reminded me why hackathons are not just about coding—they're about collaboration, learning, and building something together.

Building the DUHacks 4.0 Website

A hackathon’s website sets the stage, and I initially took the lead on it, but the web team was so capable that I soon stepped back, letting them take full control.

They worked tirelessly, from crafting designs to late-night debugging, making sure everything—from registrations to event updates—ran flawlessly. Watching them bring DUHacks 4.0 to life was incredible, and trusting them with the process was one of the best decisions.

Day 1: The Beginning of Something Special

February 22nd—the day we had all been waiting for. Months of planning, endless meetings, and sleepless nights had led to this moment. As organizers, we were excited but also nervous. Would everything go as planned? Would the participants enjoy the experience?

The morning started with registrations and the buzz of participants filling the venue. Seeing people from different backgrounds, all eager to build and innovate, was truly heartwarming.

Then came the opening ceremony—a moment that felt surreal. Standing there, welcoming everyone to DUHacks 4.0, I couldn’t help but think about the journey that led us here. The energy in the room was contagious.

Once the hackathon officially kicked off, the real magic began. Teams quickly found their spots, brainstorming ideas, sketching out plans, and diving into coding. Walking around the venue, I saw people deep in discussion, some debugging furiously, and others sketching UI designs on paper.

And of course, no hackathon is complete without good food and fun breaks. From high tea to quick snack breaks, we made sure participants stayed energized.

A Musical Break: Jamming & Garba 🎶💃

After hours of intense coding, we took a break the best way we knew—music and dance! A jamming session filled the room with melodies, laughter, and a much-needed energy boost. And since this was Gujarat, Garba was bound to happen! Soon, participants and organizers alike were on their feet, spinning in rhythm, momentarily forgetting deadlines and debugging.

As organizers, we barely had a moment to rest, ensuring everything ran smoothly. But seeing everyone enjoy, collaborate, and make memories made every effort worth it. DUHacks 4.0 was truly coming to life.

Day 2: The Final Sprint 🚀

We kicked off the second day with a Treasure Hunt, bringing an extra dose of fun before the final rush. Participants ran around, solving clues, cracking puzzles, and working together in teams. It wasn’t just a game—it was a reminder that hackathons are about teamwork, creativity, and thinking outside the box.

The Hacking Continues 💻🔥

With the energy levels high, teams jumped back into their projects, pushing towards the finish line. Laptops were buzzing, whiteboards were filled with ideas, and the atmosphere was a mix of intensity and excitement.

Last-Minute Push & Mentorship

As the deadline approached, teams scrambled to fix last-minute bugs and refine their ideas. Mentors walked around, offering quick suggestions and feedback—sometimes, just a fresh perspective was enough to crack a stubborn problem.

The Clock Runs Out

As the final moments approached, teams made their last commits, wrapped up their documentation, and took a deep breath. The sheer creativity and innovation on display was awe-inspiring. From AI-driven solutions to impactful social initiatives, every project carried a unique story.

With projects submitted, the hacking phase of DUHacks 4.0 came to an end. But the day wasn’t over yet—everyone needed one last thing: food and fun!

The Heart of DUHacks ❤️

Behind every late-night meeting, every brainstorming session, and every tiny detail that made DUHacks 4.0 special, there was a team—a group of people who gave it their all, not for recognition, but because they truly cared.

From the very first discussion to the final moments of the hackathon, we were more than just organizers—we were friends, problem-solvers, and dreamers. The journey wasn’t always smooth, but through every challenge, we had each other’s backs.

There were days when exhaustion kicked in, when plans fell apart, and when we questioned everything. But somehow, there was always someone to lift the mood, crack a joke, or just remind us why we started in the first place.

DUHacks 4.0 wasn’t just about the event—it was about the people who built it, piece by piece, with passion, dedication, and a whole lot of heart.

Even after the hackathon ended, what remained wasn’t just an experience—it was a bond, one that time wouldn’t break.

DUHacks 4.0 will always be a part of me. If you were there, you know. If you weren’t, I hope you’ll be there next time. Until then, keep building, keep dreaming.

— With love and code, Kris Patel ❤️