Ideas to Impact:
24-Hour Hackathon & Pitch Event
Presented by the Frank G. Daveler Entrepreneurship Institute
August 7–8, 2025 | FSW Lee Campus, Building K, Second Floor
24 hours to change Southwest Florida.
This is the region’s most inclusive innovation event — and you’re invited.
Whether you’re a student, recent graduate, or passionate community member, this hackathon is your chance to turn ideas into real-world solutions. No coding required. Just creativity, collaboration, and a drive to make a difference.
Over the course of 24 hours, teams will develop solutions to challenges submitted by local businesses, government agencies, nonprofits — or choose to work on your own meaningful idea. From policy concepts to product designs, creative campaigns to community improvements, all approaches are welcome.
What You’ll Do:
Choose a challenge from local partners — or bring your own
Work solo or form a team (teams encouraged)
Get support from expert mentors throughout
Build and test your solution over 24 hours
Pitch your idea to a panel of judges for a chance to win cash prizes
Cash Prizes:
1st Place: $1,000
2nd Place: $500
3rd Place: $250
Event Schedule:
August 7
11:00 AM – 1:00 PM: Check-in, team formation, and welcome
12:00 PM – 12:30 PM: Challenge presentations
1:00 PM: Hacking begins
6:00 PM: Dinner break
8:00 PM: Optional evening workshops
August 8
7:00 – 8:00 AM: Breakfast
10:00 AM: Progress check-in
1:00 PM: Hacking ends
1:00 – 3:00 PM: Pitch prep and lunch
3:00 – 5:00 PM: Live pitch event
5:00 – 6:30 PM: Final judging, networking & awards
Location:
FSW Lee Campus – Building K, Second Floor
Fort Myers, FL
What’s Included:
Free registration
All meals, snacks, and beverages provided
Free T-Shirt
Mentorship and support throughout
A chance to make an impact and meet like-minded innovators
Registration:
Questions? Email: davelerinstitute@fsw.edu