About the challenge

The National Software Competition (NSC) is an annual event that brings together young software developers from secondary schools across Singapore. This time, hosted by the Apple Developer Society, this five-day event provides students with an opportunity to learn Swift programming and apply their skills in a project-based Hackathon. 

On the final day, all teams will showcase their projects in a gallery walk at the Apple Developer Center, allowing participants to present their ideas to attendees, industry professionals, and fellow developers. A panel of judges, including lecturers from Singapore Polytechnic and representatives from Apple, will evaluate the projects and recognize outstanding submissions.

NSC 2025 offers an exciting opportunity for young developers to explore Swift programming, engage with the developer community, and gain valuable exposure in a dynamic and inspiring environment.

Get started

March 19 (Wednesday) – Competition Day 1:

  • 8:30 – 9:00 AM: Participant check-in, and seating
  • 9:00 – 9:05 AM: Participants get seated at LT18A
  • 9:05 – 9:20 AM: Welcome speech by Mr. Peter Lee (SoC Lecturer)
  • 9:20 – 10:00 AM: Theme Reveal: Briefing on rules, judging criteria
  • 10:00 – 10:45 AM: Consume Refreshments (provided by SP) at SoC T21 Level 2, then go to T2147 to loan out MacBooks
  • 10:45 AM – 12:30 PM: Planning, team brainstorming, idea validation in their respective groups
  • 12:30 – 1:30 PM: Lunch Break (Participants self-serve at FC5)
  • 1:30 – 3:30 PM: Create and develop initial prototype
  • 3:30 – 4:00 PM: Mentors review progress with participants and provide feedback
  • 4:00 – 4:30 PM: Return MacBooks
  • 4:15 – 4:45 PM: Debrief: General feedback and what to do for tomorrow

March 20 (Thursday) – Competition Day 2:

  • 8:30 – 9:00 AM: Participant check-in; MacBook loan out
  • 9:00 – 9:30 AM: Updates from teams and planning of work for Day 2
  • 9:30 – 10:30 AM: Coding, UI/UX development, and integration of prototype
  • 10:30 – 11:00 AM: Tea Break (Refreshments provided by SP)
  • 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM: Coding, UI/UX development, and integration of prototype
  • 12:30 – 1:30 PM: Lunch Break (Participants self-serve at FC5)
  • 1:30 – 3:30 PM: Finalize prototypes, debug code
  • 3:30 – 3:45 PM: Mentors review progress with participants and provide feedback
  • 3:45 – 4:30 PM: Prepare Presentation Slides on Keynote
  • 4:30 – 5:00 PM: Final project submissions
  • 5:00 – 5:15 PM: Return MacBooks
  • 5:15 – 5:30 PM: Debrief: General feedback and what to do for tomorrow

March 21 (Friday) – Competition Day 3:

  • 8:30 – 9:00 AM: Participants’ Arrival at ADC

Requirements

What to Build

Participants will develop a Swift-based app that aligns with the competition’s theme, which will be revealed on March 19. Since the problem statement is intentionally vague, teams are encouraged to:

  • Identify real-world challenges that fit the theme.
  • Brainstorm innovative solutions using Swift.
  • Develop a functional prototype that demonstrates the core concept.
  • Ensure a user-friendly UI/UX with smooth navigation.
  • Optionally, integrate features like APIs, animations, or accessibility improvements.

The app can be a native iOS application built using Swift and Xcode. Participants will be given access to MacBooks for development.

 

What to Submit

1. Zipped Xcode Project

  • A compressed (.zip) file containing the full Xcode project.
  • Ensure the project includes all necessary files, assets, and dependencies.
  • A ReadMe file with setup instructions (if needed).

2. Keynote Presentation

  • Overview of the problem, solution, and key app features.
  • Explanation of design choices and technology used.
  • Future improvements and possible extensions.

Hackathon Sponsors

Prizes

3 non-cash prizes
First Prize
1 winner

A glass trophy from Singapore Polytechnic

Second Prize
1 winner

A glass trophy from Singapore Polytechnic

Third Prize
1 winner

A glass trophy from Singapore Polytechnic

Devpost Achievements

Submitting to this hackathon could earn you:

Judges

Edwin Lim

Edwin Lim
Senior Specialist - Singapore Polytechnic

Chee Seng Chong

Chee Seng Chong
Senior Lecturer - Singapore Polytechnic

Vic Sent

Vic Sent
Apple INC

Ernie Bright

Ernie Bright
Apple INC

Jiang Tongyu

Jiang Tongyu
Apple INC

Yee Jiachen

Yee Jiachen
Apple INC

Judging Criteria

  • Technical Accomplishment
    Technical Accomplishment assesses the app’s complexity, innovation, and execution. Higher ratings go to well-executed, innovative solutions, while lower ratings reflect basic implementations.
  • Creativity of Idea
    Creativity of Idea evaluates the originality and innovation of the app’s concept. Higher ratings are given to unique and inventive solutions, while lower ratings reflect derivative ideas with little new perspective.
  • Feasibility
    Feasibility assesses how practical and realistic the app’s solution is. Higher ratings go to well-executed, functional solutions, while lower ratings reflect significant challenges in implementation or practicality.

Questions? Email the hackathon manager

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