Demand Transparency in GenAI Exchange Hackathon 2024 Results from Devfolio and Google
Demand Transparency in GenAI Exchange Hackathon 2024 Results from Devfolio and Google
The Issue
I was a round 1 participant in the GenAI Exchange Hackathon 2024, presenting project in Big Basket category that at the end of Round 1 "judging period" had only two views and was even misclassified as lacking a Github link. Many of us question whether the judging process was actually conducted, and if so, whether it was conducted fairly, impartially, and without errors. It is deeply concerning that the organizers have abdicated any responsibility and have only selectively communicated results via email to winners of Round 1, while not sending rejection emails or make public the list of qualifiers - an inconsistent stance considering the requirement of public Github URLs for submission. Many had also faced technical issues like no logo or images displayed in their projects which may have hampered the judging.
The lack of transparency and accountability undermines the faith in the Hackathon and raises questions about the legitimacy of the contest. This situation demands an urgent need for full transparency and accountability. Google and Devfolio must commit to publicly releasing the list of qualifying projects to ensure that the judging process is both transparent, fair, and can withstand scrutiny. If some projects were disqualified, participants deserve to know why.
Since our IP was openly accessed by Google India, we as participants have the basic right to see which projects actually cut the mark in terms of rubric and who their creators are (and if they are associated with Google/Devfolio which would be a conflict of interest). Many participants with promising projects have been unable to find projects at similar level in their category which could be potential winners, indicating maybe less than 5 were actually selected.
The spirit of Hackathon events should not merely be about winning or losing but about ideation, learning, collaboration, and innovation. By fostering an environment of trust, fairness, and transparency, we can all become better problem solvers and innovators. We deserve transparency. We demand it.
Join me in asking Google and Devfolio to provide full transparency in the GenAI Exchange Hackathon 2024 results. Sign this petition.
46
The Issue
I was a round 1 participant in the GenAI Exchange Hackathon 2024, presenting project in Big Basket category that at the end of Round 1 "judging period" had only two views and was even misclassified as lacking a Github link. Many of us question whether the judging process was actually conducted, and if so, whether it was conducted fairly, impartially, and without errors. It is deeply concerning that the organizers have abdicated any responsibility and have only selectively communicated results via email to winners of Round 1, while not sending rejection emails or make public the list of qualifiers - an inconsistent stance considering the requirement of public Github URLs for submission. Many had also faced technical issues like no logo or images displayed in their projects which may have hampered the judging.
The lack of transparency and accountability undermines the faith in the Hackathon and raises questions about the legitimacy of the contest. This situation demands an urgent need for full transparency and accountability. Google and Devfolio must commit to publicly releasing the list of qualifying projects to ensure that the judging process is both transparent, fair, and can withstand scrutiny. If some projects were disqualified, participants deserve to know why.
Since our IP was openly accessed by Google India, we as participants have the basic right to see which projects actually cut the mark in terms of rubric and who their creators are (and if they are associated with Google/Devfolio which would be a conflict of interest). Many participants with promising projects have been unable to find projects at similar level in their category which could be potential winners, indicating maybe less than 5 were actually selected.
The spirit of Hackathon events should not merely be about winning or losing but about ideation, learning, collaboration, and innovation. By fostering an environment of trust, fairness, and transparency, we can all become better problem solvers and innovators. We deserve transparency. We demand it.
Join me in asking Google and Devfolio to provide full transparency in the GenAI Exchange Hackathon 2024 results. Sign this petition.
46
The Decision Makers
Petition created on 8 October 2024