About HackScraper

Automatically discovering hackathons so you don't have to

What is HackScraper?

HackScraper is a platform of web scrapers built to automatically find hackathons I could participate in. As a student and big fan of hackathons myself, I wanted a single place where opportunities are discovered and aggregated automatically.

Instead of manually searching dozens of websites, HackScraper does the heavy lifting for you, continuously monitoring various sources to keep you updated with the latest hackathons from around the world.

Built for Reliability

HackScraper is built on the BEAM VM with the Phoenix Framework in Elixir. This technology stack was chosen specifically for reliability—one of the platform's core features.

BEAM VM & Phoenix

Built on Elixir's fault-tolerant BEAM virtual machine and the Phoenix Framework for robust, concurrent operations.

Oban Scheduler

Uses Oban as a reliable job scheduler to ensure scrapers run consistently and handle failures gracefully.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does HackScraper work?

HackScraper runs automated web scrapers that periodically check various hackathon listing sites and organizer pages. When new hackathons are found, they're automatically added to our database and made available to users. The scrapers run approximately once a month to stay updated without overwhelming source websites.

Can I submit a hackathon to be added?

Yes! If you know of a hackathon that's missing from our platform, you can submit it yourself. Simply create an account and you'll be able to add hackathons. Our scrapers automatically find most hackathons, but community contributions help us stay comprehensive.

Is HackScraper free to use?

Yes! HackScraper is completely free to use. Our goal is to make hackathon discovery accessible to everyone.

What types of hackathons are listed?

HackScraper includes hackathons of all types: online, in-person, student-focused, professional, themed competitions, and more. Our goal is to be comprehensive so you can find the perfect hackathon for your interests and availability.

How accurate is the hackathon information?

We strive for accuracy by scraping directly from official sources. When you're ready to register, we'll direct you to the official hackathon website to ensure you get the most up-to-date information. If you notice any inaccuracies, please let us know!

Do you respect robots.txt?

Not yet. Due to the low frequency of our scraping (~10 requests per month), scraped websites shouldn't even notice HackScraper. Also, scrapers are only ever set up by real humans, not robots. If you have any concerns, just let us know!

Have Questions or Feedback?

We'd love to hear from you! Whether you have questions, found a bug, or want to suggest a feature, please reach out.