UPDATE: Just hours ago, participants at Google’s Gemini 3 Hackathon in Singapore raced against the clock to develop innovative applications, culminating in a thrilling seven-hour coding marathon. The event, which featured 189 participants competing for a prize pool of $100,000 in Gemini API credits, showcased the intersection of AI technology and creativity.
The hackathon kicked off early this morning with a diverse group of developers, including four Malaysian friends who aimed to create a unique app named “Feng Shui Banana.” Their goal? To analyze users’ outfits and workspaces in real-time using AI to provide personalized feng shui insights. This concept taps into Singapore’s obsession with property and wealth, reflecting a growing trend towards integrating traditional practices with modern technology.
At 9:30 a.m., the team gathered at Google’s developer space, armed with a loose concept and determination. Each member brought a unique skill set: Chan Wei Khjan, an accountant; Chan Ler-Kuan, an AI lecturer; Loh Wah Kiang from IT; and Lee How Siem, a startup CTO. With their diverse backgrounds, they quickly pivoted from their initial idea to focus on a real-time analysis app due to time constraints.
By 12:00 p.m., the team had a rough version of their app operational, though riddled with bugs. The AI-generated code required constant adjustments, and the team collaborated closely to refine its performance. “For people who don’t know how to read code, it’s helpful to have people who do,” Wei Khjan emphasized, highlighting the importance of teamwork in this high-pressure environment.
As the clock ticked down, the team faced mounting challenges. By 1:00 p.m., they successfully tested the app’s ability to analyze clothing colors based on feng shui principles, impressively adapting to user inputs. “The app suggested small tweaks that could enhance the feng shui of my outfit,” a test participant noted, showcasing the app’s functionality.
Despite the mounting pressure, the team found moments of levity, enjoying pizza as they worked tirelessly to perfect their project. By 3:00 p.m., they were filming their demo video, utilizing AI to generate a storyboard and script, a testament to the hackathon’s innovative spirit.
As the 5:30 p.m. deadline approached, the team made final adjustments, finalizing their video and submitting their project with mere minutes to spare. “Sometimes, the best experiences come from saying ‘yes’ without overthinking,” Ler-Kuan reflected after the intense day of coding and collaboration.
Although they did not win a prize, the experience underscored the value of creativity and teamwork in tech innovation. The atmosphere was electric, with teams from all over Singapore showcasing their ingenuity.
This year’s Gemini 3 Hackathon has not only brought together diverse talents but also highlighted the exciting potential of AI in everyday life. As the event wraps up, all eyes are on the future of AI applications, with participants eager to explore what’s next.
Stay tuned for more updates on innovations emerging from this exciting hackathon as participants share their experiences and insights in the coming days.
