2025

Where minds meet machines. Build the future of brain-computer interfaces in one revolutionary day.

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About CogniHacks

The most advanced neurotechnology hackathon in the world

When

August 30, 2025
7:30 AM - 8:00 PM PT

Where

Zoho Corporation
Pleasanton, California

Who

150 Innovators
Students, professionals, researchers

Why

$1,200+
In prizes and opportunities

Cutting-Edge BCI Hardware

Access to Emotiv Insights, Mn8, and Emotiv Pro Licenses. xperience the future of brain-computer interfaces firsthand.

AI-Powered Development

Leverage the latest AI tools and frameworks. Build intelligent systems that can interpret brain signals and respond in real-time.

Expert Mentorship

Learn from industry leaders in neurotechnology, neuroscience, and AI. Get personalized guidance throughout your hackathon journey.

Our Sponsors

Proudly supported by industry leaders in neurotechnology and AI

Innovation Tracks

Choose your path to neurotech innovation

BCI & Human Enhancement

Explore BCI applications to improve health, cognition, and daily human life.

BCI Neurotech Wellness Enhancement Health

GenAI & Agentic AI

Build AI-powered solutions that make everyday human tasks simpler and smarter.

GenAI Agentic AI Automation Productivity Humans

Event Schedule

Your journey through 12 hours of innovation

07:30 AM

Check-in & Breakfast

Registration desk open, coffee & snacks, team formation & finalization

08:30 AM

Opening Ceremony - Sponsors

Introducing Sponsors

08:45 AM

Opening Ceremony - Kickoff

Explain Schedule, Ground Rules, Wifi, etc.

09:10 AM

Keynote Speaker (10 min)

Launch event with Keynote

09:20 AM

Project Demo

Showcase a Project Demo for all attendees

09:35 AM

Track Dispersion

Let attendees disperse to respective tracks

09:45 AM

Learning Track

Learning Track starts BCI, Demo Project GenAI4Human & HCI starts

10:00 AM

Hacking starts

Hacking starts for GenAI4Human, HCI

10:15 AM

Hacking starts (BCI)

Start Hacking for BCI

12:30 PM

Lunch Break

Grab food, recharge, and network with fellow innovators

01:30 PM

Optional Product Demos

30-minute showcase of partner tools & platforms (parallel with hacking)

02:00 PM

Hack Time

Continue hacking & developing your projects

04:00 PM

Hack Time

Heads down—keep building

06:30 PM

Hack Finalization

Wrap up coding, polish demos, and prepare pitches

06:45 PM

Judging & Dinner

Light dinner/snacks served as judges review projects (3–5 min per team)

07:45 PM

Awards & Closing Ceremony

Winner announcements, thank-yous, and wrap-up

08:00 PM

Event Close

End of CogniHacks 2025

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about CogniHacks

What is CogniHacks?

CogniHacks is a 12-hour neurotechnology hackathon where participants build innovative projects with brain-computer interfaces using cutting-edge hardware and AI tools provided by Emotiv.

Who can participate?

Students, professionals, researchers, and anyone passionate about neurotechnology and AI. No prior BCI experience required!

What equipment do I need?

Just bring your laptop! We provide all BCI hardware, including Emotiv Insights and Mn8 Headphones.

How do I form a team?

You can come with a team or form one on-site. We'll help match you with complementary skills. For the BCI Track, we require at least a group of 5 and based on necessity we may require these existing groups of 5 to add more people

What are the prizes?

We have over $1,200 in prizes, mentorship opportunities, and potential investment connections for winning teams. Depending on how good you make your project, the judges (especially the ones in a startup/VC field) may decide to invest in them as actual projects in the future!

What skills should I have?

Basic programming knowledge (Python, JavaScript, or similar) is helpful, but we welcome all skill levels. Curiosity, creativity, and learning are most important!

Is food provided?

Yes! We provide breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks throughout the event. We have dietary accommodations for vegeterians and non-vegeterians. If you have further restrictions (allergies, etc), please bring your own food for your own safety.

Can I work on my own project outside of the hackathon?

Projects can only be started during the hackathon, but you can come with ideas, research, and team groups. We will be providing a project example for each track that showcases what the judges are looking for.

Are there workshops or tutorials?

Yes! for the Brain Computer Interface track, we will make sure everyone understands how to operate a BCI and Emotiv's SDK. For the GenAI4Human track, We will provide example projects, a demo project, and other reqources like OpenAI API keys

What's the judging criteria?

Innovation & Creativity (20%), Effective Use of BCI Hardware/GenAI Tools (20%), Impact in improving Human–Computer Interaction (20%), Execution & Functionality (10%), and Presentation Clarity. (10%)

Can I use external APIs or libraries?

Absolutely! You may use any open-source libraries, APIs, or tools. Just focus on an unique implementation.

For the BCI Track, can I modify the Emotiv hardware or use another device/software that doesn't work with Emotiv's?

You may not modify the headset hardware in any way. These headsets are loaners and damaging/modifying them will mean you have to pay for them

Is there a code of conduct and ground rules?

Zoho CRM has generously offered us their office space so we can come together, learn, and have fun. In return, it’s important that we maintain a respectful and inclusive environment. At the start of the ceremony, we’ll share ground rules that must be followed throughout the event.

What if I need to leave early?

Please talk to one of our members and ensure you are escorted out with an organizer. Zoho's alarm will sound if you open the door without approval, so finding an organizer if you need to leave is required, unless its a medical or physical emergency

Can I bring guests or spectators?

We are not allowing any spectators, guests, parents, or people that are not registered for the hackathon

What should I bring?

A laptop, charger, comfortable clothes, and a mind that is ready to meet new people, learn, and compete! We will provide BCI hardware for the BCI members and free food.

How do I prepare for CogniHacks?

Brush up on basic programming, and go through the "Getting Started with Emotiv Headsets and Software" hosted by Emotiv Academy, which if you search up on youtube you will find

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