PixelRiot - AI Hackathon Platform

Overview

PixelRiot is a large-scale AI-focused hackathon that attracted over 5,000 participants from across the globe. As Technical Lead, I owned the complete technical infrastructure for the event, from the initial planning stages through execution and post-event operations. This encompassed everything from building the event platform to coordinating with tier-1 AI partners and producing promotional video content.

The Challenge

Organizing a hackathon of this scale presented several critical challenges:

• Building a robust platform to handle 5,000+ participant registrations and project submissions
• Coordinating distribution of $600,000 in API credits from multiple tier-1 AI partners
• Creating automated workflows for participant communication at scale
• Designing and deploying a public-facing website that effectively showcased the event
• Managing on-site technical operations at Varso Tower for the physical kickoff
• Producing professional video content to amplify event reach and engagement

Solution & Approach

I designed and implemented a comprehensive technical solution that included:

• Full-stack event platform with registration system and project submission pipeline
• Automated email workflow system for participant communications and updates
• Partner management system for API credit distribution across ElevenLabs, Runway, Bolt, and Fal AI
• Public-facing website optimized for participant acquisition and partner showcasing
• Video production featuring jury interviews to build credibility and excitement
• On-site technical infrastructure management at the Varso Tower kickoff event

Technical Implementation

The platform was built using modern, scalable technologies:

• Next.js and TypeScript for a performant, type-safe frontend and backend
• Cloudflare infrastructure for reliable global distribution and security
• Database architecture designed to handle thousands of concurrent users
• Automated email system integrated with event triggers and milestones
• API integrations with partner platforms for seamless credit distribution
• Analytics and monitoring systems for real-time event tracking

Key Responsibilities

As Technical Lead, my role encompassed:

• End-to-end ownership of technical infrastructure and platform development
• Partnership coordination with ElevenLabs, Runway, Bolt, and Fal AI for $600k API credit distribution
• Video production and content creation featuring jury member interviews
• Physical event management and technical operations at Varso Tower
• Team coordination and technical decision-making across all event systems
• Community engagement strategy to drive participant growth and retention

Outcomes

The project achieved significant impact:

• Successfully attracted and managed 5,000+ participants from around the world
• Coordinated distribution of $600,000 in API credits from tier-1 AI partners
• Built scalable technical infrastructure that handled peak loads without issues
• Created sustainable systems for future hackathon events
• Established PixelRiot as a significant player in the AI hackathon space
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex technical operations at scale