What happens when you lock over 2,500 ambitious developers in a massive science museum for an entire weekend? We posted a documentary on the freeCodeCamp.org YouTube channel that takes you to the heart of Cal Hacks 2025, held at the iconic former Exploratorium in San Francisco.
In this film, freeCodeCamp founder Quincy Larson explores the "ocean of developers" who navigated an intense 36-hour sprint to turn raw ideas into functioning prototypes. From grueling application processes to sleeping under tables on air mattresses, the documentary captures the true grit required to compete at the world's largest collegiate hackathon.
The documentary follows students from across the country. You’ll witness the diverse range of problems these hackers chose to solve, including:
Social & Accessibility Tools: Projects like an ASL translator using motion control and tactile visual aid devices for the visually impaired.
Government & Financial Innovation: AI-driven systems designed to slash Social Security processing times from seven months to two days.
Creative AI & Robotics: The "Burger Bot" automated food assembler and "Figure Flow," which turns body movements into musical instruments.
Engineering Humor: A "Deodorant Robot" equipped with odor sensors to maintain hygiene in crowded coding rooms.
The journey wasn't without its obstacles. By Saturday morning, the initial excitement often gives way to work as participants face technical hurdles. This year, students had to "chase the waves" of Wi-Fi across the venue or resort to mobile hotspots to keep their projects alive.
Watch the full documentary now on the freeCodeCamp.org YouTube channel.