Hackathon Logo2025-WhitePre-Hack Day : 1 February 2025

Hack Day: 8-9 February 2025 

Turn your boldest ideas into reality at Thailand's premier student hackathon. Back for its fifth groundbreaking year, VERSO HACK welcomes ambitious students ages 13-18 from across Thailand and the region for an incredible 2.5-day innovation journey.

Whether you're a complete beginner or an experienced coder, this is your platform to create, collaborate, and make an impact.

 

VERSO HACK 2025 THEME

Future-Ready Spaces: Innovating Tourism, Homes, and Transportation for All

Highlights from VERSO HACK 2024

To watch more videos from VERSO HACK, please click here.

What is VERSO HACK?

VERSO HACK is a guided hackathon, where students (ages 13-18) come to gain fundamental tech skills and entrepreneurial mindsets and is organized and hosted by VERSO International School in Bangkok.  Students embark on an exciting challenge or business problem to tackle within a limited timeframe. Collaborating with their teammates, they will harness their collective creativity and problem-solving abilities to devise innovative solutions or technologies for the given challenge.

Purpose of Hackathons

Hackathons are designed to stimulate students' entrepreneurial mindset and inspire them to address real-world issues. Participants will receive essential skills training on-site, ensuring they have a rewarding learning experience while developing the key competencies shared by the world's leading entrepreneurs.

Who Can Join?

No prior experience in coding, technical skills, entrepreneurship, or business is required to participate in VERSO HACK. However, it is beneficial for students to possess some basic familiarity with computers and applications. There are 2 categories, Junior (ages 13-15 years) and Senior (ages 16-18 years).

 

VERSO HACK IS POWERED BY

Reactor School

 

Here's what to expect:
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Build Your Network, Ignite Your Ideas
 
The Pre-Hack  Day event is your opportunity to kickstart your hackathon journey and network, form teams, and make new friends.
 
You'll have the chance to connect with like-minded individuals and exchange ideas, bringing your innovative concepts to life.
 
So, get ready to network, form your dream team, and make lasting connections !
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Learn What it Takes to Start Your First Venture
 
You'll learn the following tools used by top startups:
 
  • Problem Identification
  • Ideation & Solution
  • Unique Value Proposition
  • Customer Validation
  • Prototyping
  • Business Model
  • Pitching to Investors
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Mentorship by Startup Founders, Innovators,  Investors, and Specialists
 
  • Meet top experts & entrepreneurs
  • Be mentored by them and get guidance and advice on how to take your first steps as a student entrepreneur
  • Opportunity to learn, improve, and grow
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Gain Confidence to Pitch in Front of Investors & Entrepreneurs
 
VERSO HACK is your opportunity to create and perfect your pitch for investors and entrepreneurs.
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Discover your Future Business Partners
 
Do you have a business idea but don’t know where to begin? Connect with fellow aspiring student entrepreneurs and tech enthusiasts at VERSO HACK. Rest assured, those who take on the challenge and participate are the perfect partners for your future endeavors.
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 Did you say...Prizes?!
 
Winner and Runner-up teams in both Junior and Senior categories will get cash vouchers, certificates, and trophies along with other prizes.
 
All participants will get a free swag  and certificate of participation. 
 
 
 

AGENDA

Click here for directions to VERSO.

Pre-Hack Day: Saturday 1 February 2025

Pre-Hack (Students)

*This agenda may be subject to change.

Click here for directions to VERSO.

Pre-Hack: 1 February 2025 

Parent session

*Agenda may be subject to change

Click here for directions to VERSO.

Hack Day 1: Saturday 8 Feb 2025 

Day 1-1

  *Agenda may be subject to change

Click here for directions to VERSO.

Hack Day 2:  Sunday 9 Feb 2025

Day 2

*Agenda may be subject to change.

Click here for directions to VERSO.

TICKETS powered by SOLDOUTT

 

Note: Tickets are on sale ONLY via the official website. Tickets once purchased are nonrefundable and can not be exchanged or transferred to another person or the following year.

Hackathon 2025 - Price Bar-01Last Min

VERSO STUDENTS & PAST PARTICIPANTS

Sold Out


JUNIOR PARTICIPANTS (13-15 yrs)
SENIOR PARTICIPANTS (16-18 yrs)
 
SPECIAL PRICE ENDED 12 DECEMBER 2024
 
  • 2 .5 days of all-access Hackathon 
  • Get fundamental startup and entrepreneur ship skills
  • Learn how to design your own startup, build a prototype, and then pitch your ideas to a panel of investors and entrepreneurs
  • Learn to identify problems, develop ideas and find solutions, and learn about different types of business models
  • Training, mentorship, and tools
  • Experiential Workshops
  • Meals, snacks, and beverages

ALL STUDENTS

 
 
JUNIOR PARTICIPANTS (13-15 yrs)
SENIOR PARTICIPANTS (16-18 yrs)
   
SALE  ENDED 29 JANUARY 2025
 
  • 2 .5 days of all-access Hackathon 
  • Get fundamental startup and entrepreneur ship skills
  • Learn how to design your own startup, build a prototype, and then pitch your ideas to a panel of investors and entrepreneurs
  • Learn to identify problems, develop ideas and find solutions, and learn about different types of business models
  • Training, mentorship, and tools
  • Experiential Workshops
  • Meals, snacks, and beverages

GENERAL AUDIENCE (FREE)

Get Tickets

 

PARENTS, GUESTS, AND FRIENDS

  • For parents, media, friends, and guests who want to watch the Grand Finals Pitch at 1:30pm on Sunday 9 February 2025
  • These tickets are also accessible to the Parent Session on Saturday 1 February 2025.   
  • Complimentary snack & beverages
  • Connect with inspiring people

Meet The Judges

Our judges bring a wealth of experience from across the tech industry, academia, and entrepreneurship. With diverse backgrounds in software development, product design, and innovation, they'll evaluate projects based on creativity, technical skill, and potential impact. Get to know the experts who will be selecting the winners and helping participants take their ideas to the next level!

Amarit Aim Charoenphan
Amarit is a key leader in SE Asia's startup world, managing over 40 investments through Aim Ventures and Unfold Ventures in Thailand's tech ecosystem. Recognized as an Obama Foundation Leader and Forbes 30 Under 30 recipient, he has mentored 1,000+ founders and leads Techstars initiatives across 30+ cities, driving technological and community impact. He is also founder of transplanetari.com and currently a visiting lecturer at Harbour.space .
Sakolkorn Sakavee
Sakolkorn Sakavee is the President of Bitkub Capital Group Holdings Co.,Ltd. and Co-Founder of Bitkub Online Co., Ltd. and all affiliated companies. He has over 15 years of experience in executive and strategic advisory positions in the financial and technology industries, having previously held positions as Chairman and top executive in several leading companies. He specializes in digital stock trading, digital currency market analysis, and AI technology innovation.
Chattan Kunjara Na Ayudhya
Chattan is currently an English Language Expert and tourism feature story writer for Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). He was formerly the deputy governor of TAT in various positions for over 8 years, leading teams to run a wide range of work to promote the country as a quality preferred tourist destination, including spearheading major promotions with international partners, running travel advertising and media campaigns and collaborating with businesses and tourism entities
Pat Naranpat Thitipattakul
Pat is an Investment Director at 500 TukTuks, Thailand’s leading early-stage startup investor, and a Managing Partner at Disrupt Health Impact Fund, a premier venture capital firm specializing in early-stage global health tech. With extensive experience in venture capital, she is also actively involved in innovation ecosystem development, driven by a commitment to empowering aspiring entrepreneurs and advancing Thailand’s innovation landscape.
Jonathan Brenes
Jonathan supports programs at Yunus Thailand to strengthen social business innovation in Thailand and Asia on various subjects such as access to inclusive health and circular economy transitions. He brings over a decade of international experience managing research and capacity development programs in inclusive development, social entrepreneurship, and climate action planning. Jonathan has supported programs of the AIT, U.S. Agency for International Development, Stockholm Environment Institute, and the Centre for Urban Sustainability. He also co-founded the Sustainable Energy Youth Network.
Charkhris Phomyoth
Charkhris Phomyoth, CEO & Co-Founder of YoungHappy, is a dedicated social entrepreneur committed to making a positive impact in the world. He is the founder and CEO of YoungHappy, a engaging community that helps seniors stay active, connected, and joyful. Through his work with YoungHappy, he strives to meet the evolving needs of the senior community, bringing joy and purpose to their golden years.
Tarlapraporn Punyorin
Tarlapraporn is a dynamic leader and advocate for social entrepreneurship, currently serving as the Assistant Dean for Student Affairs at the School of Entrepreneurship, Sripatum University. With a strong background in fostering social enterprise development, she previously held the role of General Manager at Social Enterprise Thailand Association, where she championed impactful initiatives to promote sustainable business practices and inclusive growth.
Tane Evans
Tane is a Senior Manager, Infrastructure Engineering at Agoda and has a wealth of experience in public/private clouds, engineering, operations and support. He has led diverse teams including Software Developers, System Engineers and Technical Managers. His specialties include people management, performance management, process improvement, service management, and leading cloud computing teams.
Michael Riley
Michael is the Co-Founder & CEO of Fullcircle.co, Thailand’s first Packaging as a Service (PaaS) provider. He is a firm believer that economical + ecological = smart business. He has successfully implemented a reusable bottle program at Twist Juices that saved the company money while preventing thousands of single use bottles from entering the waste stream. He is currently building Thailand’s first PaaS solution to provide reusable packaging for retail and food services. He has built two start-ups in Thailand (POV Media and Twist Juices) from concept to execution.
Chutimon (Mae) Sangain
Chutimon is the Sustainability Section Manager at BTS Group Holdings PCL. She excels in developing and implementing sustainability strategies that drive real impact, including policy drafting, commitment-setting, and conducting ESG assessments aligned with global standards. Mae has a strong history of building high-performing teams and launching sustainability-driven commercial and CSR projects from the ground up.
Lars Svensson
Lars Svensson is a Swedish business leader and sustainability expert with extensive experience in Southeast Asia and globally. Since 2005 he has been immersed in leading global and regional sustainability positions, driving both change, transformation, integration and development in the field. He has held leadership roles with IKEA. Currently, he is Founding Managing Partner of Ikuzo Advisory, Head of Strategic Partnerships at Midsummer AB for ASEAN+6, and Founding Partner of Wallander & Sson Impact Advisory.
Dr. Tassaneewan Laksanasopin
Dr. Tassaneewan is the Deputy Director, Hatch: University Student Incubator at King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi. Her research has been focused on the area of point-of-care testing and monitoring towards practical, reliable, and accessible healthcare technologies, especially for developing countries. She is passionate about entrepreneurship education and has initiated new courses and activities to promote and develop entrepreneurial skills in students and assisted in the technology commercialization and spin-offs from the university’s technologies.
Krit Buaprasert (Jay)
Jay is the Chief Happiness Officer at Social Success. Combining his passion and experience in Entrepreneurship & Dating, he is now running a training and consulting business that makes people “Love your business”. He was formerly a regional trainer with Reactor School where he worked with international students in college and universities to coached them to become entrepreneurs, giving them opportunities to get real seed-funding. Prior to that he was a startup community builder at HUBBA Thailand.

Meet The Mentors

Our Mentors are startup founders, entrepreneurs, innovators, and investors who have been invited to coach and mentor our participants and share their expertise. They will be visiting the teams to support them with their pitches, give feedback on their ideas, challenge them, and answer any questions they have.

Dr Shane Archiquette
Dr Shane is the Co-Founder of Technical Drone Vidya and AI Robotics Ventures. He is a visionary leader with 25+ years in IT As a GigaOm analyst and former CIO of the Oneida Nation, his expertise spans MultiCloud, IoT, Web3, and AI. With a doctorate in Computer Science, Shane excels in crafting transformative, sustainable tech solutions that align with global business strategies.
Dr. Pinnaree (Pin Pin) Tea-makorn
Dr. Pinnaree is a lecturer and AI Strategist at Sasin School of Management and a founding member of Sasin's Data Analytics Center. Her expertise is in computational psychology, artificial intelligence, and data science. She is also the Artificial Intelligence Venture Partner at Vectors Capital, an early-stage climate tech venture capital in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Sarisa Kanoktanyarat
Sarisa is the Senior Consultant at Kenan Foundation Asia, a regional, non-profit organization with Thai registered-charitable status, committed to creating a world where everyone has the knowledge, technology and skills to build a better life. An experienced leader in project management and youth development, she specializes in capacity-building initiatives and social change. Through mentorship and innovation, she builds strong collaborations and empowers the next generation to tackle complex challenges creatively.
Sukich Udindu
Sukich is the Sustainability Columnist at Daily News newspaper. He is known as a “CSR Man” due to his pioneer CSR work and long service in CSR society in Asia. He was a Vice President in CSR & Sustainable Development at The Minor International Group, one of the largest Asian Hospitality, Restaurant and Lifestyle Fashion Companies. He was a Vice Chairman and Founder of the “CSR Club” at the Stock Exchange of Thailand, Chairman and Founder of the National CSR Committee, a Fundraising Director at CARE International Thailand, the Resource Development Advisor at Plan International, and Thailand Representative of AVPC Asia Pacific Philanthropy Consortium.
Chanikarn Inthongpan
Chanikarn graduated from the School of Global Studies, focusing on Social Enterprise, Intervention, and Social Innovation. Her experiences as an exchange student in Chile and an intern at the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) have shaped her passion for sustainability. Currently working as a Digital Service Designer in Bangkok, she has contributed to 10+ projects in Thailand and internationally, aiming to create thoughtful, user-centered solutions. Khim has also been recognized as a Winner of the Beijing+30 Youth Challenge by UN Women Asia-Pacific.
Pete Chemsripong
As a COO of ShakeSphere, Pete drives operational excellence and strategic growth by aligning technology, design, and business to deliver impactful solution. With a deep background in digital product - and digital team - management, his focus is on optimizing the lead time from innovative business idea to market-ready solutions, ensuring clients achieve rapid and sustainable success. He regularly share insights on digital products on Youtube and at conferences across the region and is committed to nurturing the local design community, UX Thailand.
Erwin Lizarondo
Erwin Lizarondo, M.A., M.P.P., is a leader in Asia's social innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem, with extensive international experience. As the Social Innovation Lead at the Yunus Center at AIT in Thailand, he specializes in designing programs in social innovation and entrepreneurship, sustainability, and mentoring impact-driven ventures. A graduate of Yeungnam University in South Korea and a former fellow at the University of Pennsylvania, he actively mentors and facilitates programs in global social innovation programs. He is a certified expert in gamification for social entrepreneurship education from HEC-Montreal Social Business Creation and serves on multiple international organizational boards.
Dave Malhotra
Dave is a seasoned Digital Business Expert with 25 years of experience in technology, marketing, and startups. As CEO of ShakeSphere, he has led significant digital transformations for major corporations like Minor Group and Central Group. He specializes in helping traditional businesses adopt new technologies and assisting startups in developing minimum viable products rapidly. His agency, SoldOutt, focuses on creating data-driven event and ticketing platforms, achieving impressive lead-to-conversion rates and sales growth for various tech events.
Arpakorn Horsaengchai
Arpakorn holds a Master’s degree in Interior Architecture and has spent the past 4 years as a part-time lecturer, teaching courses on personal branding and presentation skills. He is currently the Sales Manager at Local Alike, a social enterprise focusing on community-based tourism (CBT).
Ivan Bilugan
Ivan Bilugan is the Campus Manager at Harbour.Space University at the University of Thai Chamber of Commerce campus. He is also a visual and interaction designer and has worked with different projects across arts, design, business, education and technology.

Meet Our Instructor

Saiful Anuar
An industry-agnostic design strategist & dialogue facilitator who actively advocates for diversity, inclusion, social innovation, & entrepreneurship education. Anuar has curated & conducted more than 100 forums, workshops, hackathons for public & also mentored youth leaders & startup founders.

Hear From VERSO HACK Participants!

At VERSO, we strive to continue empowering students to develop a wide range of skills and mindsets needed to navigate this increasingly unpredictable future, follow their passions, and build the confidence to lead their own journeys.

Last year over 100 students from Thailand worked on their challenge statement "How might we create products and services to encourage conscious consumerism to reduce waste and create a positive impact in the areas of fashion, tourism, and food waste/pollution." Click on the video below to see and hear what our past participants have to share!

Follow us now on facebook.com/versohack 

 

 

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My favorite part is being able to meet a lot of new people and have new experiences. I get to  do a lot of new things and think of new ideas and listen to new perspectives of other people and how they see the world.

Mona
Mona

G9 Student

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This is a great program. I made so many friends and the teamwork is amazing. I’m so glad I got into a team where I could work together. I’ve learned so much about how to start a business and how to generate great ideas.

natnicha
Proud

G10 Student

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This was my fourth hackathon and I always learn something new every time. I enjoy meeting new friends and mentors who would share feedback and help me take my ideas and project forward.

marco headshot
Marco

G9 Student

Start Your Epic Entrepreneurial Journey Now!

Open to any aspiring student entrepreneur from ages 13-18 

No previous experience OR coding skills needed!

Follow us now on facebook.com/versohack.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Where is VERSO HACK held?

VERSO HACK is held at the sprawling campus of VERSO International School.

Please click on https://www.verso.ac.th/get-in-touch for directions.

Our address is  below:

198, Moo 4, Soi Sarasetthasiri, Suvarnabhumi 3 Road, Bangchalong Sub-district, Bang Plee District, Samut Prakan 10540 Thailand

 

Who can participate?

Any student ages 13-18 from any school in Thailand of all nationalities can enter. Any student interested in art, science, startup, business, technology, and ideas are recommended to attend. Although no coding or technical skill required, It is recommended that you have some basic knowledge of using computers & apps. 

Do I need to be a VERSO student to register?

Nope! We're inviting students from schools all over Thailand to join VERSO HACK 2025 and while you're on campus, get on a scooter and explore our campus with one of our students!

Do I sign up as a team or individual?

Individual. However, as this is a facilitated hackathon designed for beginners, participants will be assigned into teams based on their interests and age group. This will help you make new friends, find new co-founders, and form teams with complementary skills. 

 

What if I do not know how to code?

Great, You don't need to know to code at all! VERSO HACK is an introductory program, and no prior experience in coding, entrepreneurship, or business is necessary. All fundamental skills will be taught to students on-site as part of the program, and there are no prerequisites.  

Is VERSO HACK difficult?

Starting a company isn’t easy. However, VERSO HACK is a comfortable and guided hackathon. Friendly facilitators and business mentors will be on-site to assist students and teams on their startup. There will be a structured curriculum with sufficient breaks to ensure that teams have a great learning experience.

Will I get a certificate ?

Yes, every participant who completes the VERSO HACK will receive a certificate of participation at the end of the event on Sunday 9 February 2025. Winners will get an additional certificate of achievement which can also be collected at the end of the event on Sunday 9 February 2025.

If I don’t have any idea, can I register?

Yes, please! We are going to present you with a challenge statement at the event, so everyone is given an even playing field to go from problem to solution.

Do I need to be there for three days?

Yes, we recommend all participants experience the three days to get the most value out of this. The first day ( 1 Feb 2025) is half-day designed for team formation, ice-breaking activities, and an experiential workshop.

All participants are required to be on-site at VERSO campus during Sat-Sun (8-9 Feb 2025) as per the agenda shared.

If you are unable to attend VERSO Pre-Hack Day on 1 February  2025, please email the organizer at versohack@verso.ac.th with an explanation.

What does the registration process look like?

Simply purchase your tickets, and fill in the required information. You will receive a confirmation follow up, and then you are ready for the hackathon.

What are the judging criteria?

Participants will be judged on the following criteria:

1.Problem Identification
2.Value to industry, society, end-user
3.Strength of Innovation or differentiating factor
4.Pitching
5. Business Viability

More details will be provided closer to event.

During VERSO HACK,  the individuals involved in judging and determining the winner are committed to making decisions that are in the best interest of the student participants.  They take their role seriously and strive to evaluate the projects fairly and objectively.

The judges have the final say in determining the winners.

Participants are welcomed to speak with the judges after the judging session to get any additional advice or feedback, subject to judges' time and availability.

It is important to remember that the objective of a hackathon is to provide a learning and growth opportunity for students, and the decisions made by the judges are aimed at achieving this goal.

Are there any health precautions?

If you are not feeling well before or on the day of the event, please inform us. Wearing a mask is optional. However, we encourage everyone to regularly wash their hands and use hand sanitizers, if required.

Are tickets refundable?

Tickets once purchased are nonrefundable and can not be exchanged or transferred to another person or the following year.

What happens if there is a lockdown or the event has to be cancelled due to unforseen circumstances?

VERSO HACK fully complies with all current measures stipulated by the Thai government. In the event of a lockdown, the entire event will be switched to a virtual, metaverse event. Students will still have an excellent learning experience, and they would learn essential digital skills, collaborate remotely with peers, and adapt to the Future of Work. This will assist them in their preparation for overseas and/or virtual internships in the future.

Will accommodation be provided?

No, students will have to come in the morning and leave in the evening as per the agenda. No accommodation is provided.

Do I need to wear my school uniform?

Not at all! You may wear anything you are comfortable in, but you may want to bring a light jacket or pullover as the classrooms and Arena may get quite cold due to the air conditioning.

What materials do I need to bring along?
  • Laptop & Laptop Charger
  • Individual Water Bottle ( There are water stations on campus.)
  • Pens/Pencils/Writing Materials
  • Mobile Phone (Optional)
  • Phone Charger/Power Bank 
  • Sweater/Jacket (Optional)
  • Face Masks (Optional)
  • Hand Sanitizer (Optional. There will be hand sanitizer points on campus.)
  • Prototyping Materials (These will be listed in your Info packs)

 

What is your photo and video policy at the event?

Photographs, video, and audio footage will be taken throughout VERSO HACK 2025. These will be used by VERSO for marketing and publicity in our publications, on our website, social media channels or in any third-party publications. 

If you do not wish to have your photos and videos taken, please email versohack@verso.ac.th with your full name and photo for reference. Please note that photos in group photos will not be removed nor blurred.

I have a dietary restriction. What do I do?

Tickets to VERSO PRE-HACK on 1 February 2025 includes snack. Tickets to VERSO HACK Days include 1 lunch and 2 snack breaks on 8-9 February 2024.  We offer non-vegetarian and vegetarian options. We do not offer vegan food. If you have severe allergies or strict dietary restrictions, we recommend that you bring your own meals. 

Please note that VERSO is a nut free campus. Please do not bring any snacks that contain nuts.

Can visitors watch the students during the hackathon?

No. VERSO HACK is only for participants and no parents or visitors are allowed into the classrooms.

There will be a live stream of the First Round of Junior and Senior teams on Sunday 8 February 2025 on our Facebook and Youtube channels. Please follow facebook.com/versohack to get the links and updated timings.

Visitors and guests have the opportunity to watch the final round pitch LIVE from at our campus  on Sunday 9 February  2025 at 1pm. However, they must register for free tickets by clicking on "Attendee" tickets here. There will be no live streaming of the Final Round pitching.

I have bought a duo ticket. Will I be on the same team ?

No you will not be on the same team. Duo tickets entitles you and a friend to a special discount when buying two tickets together. There is no guarantee you will be on the same team. One of the objectives of VERSO HACK is for participants to meet with new people and learn to collaborate on a project.

Hackathon Logo2025-White

Pre-Hack: 1 Feb 2025

8 - 9 FEB 2025

 

Your exclusive opportunity to start a startup career in a fun & valuable way.

Follow us on Facebook for updates.

To contact us, email versohack@verso.ac.th or call 02-080-6200 weekdays 8:00am-4:30pm

VERSO HACK 2025 Code of Conduct -1

All attendees must follow the VERSO HACK 2025 Code of Conduct.

Terms and Conditions

1. VERSO International School reserves the right to shorten, extend, modify, cancel, or amend the dates, times, and other Terms & Conditions of VERSO HACK for any reason without incurring liability from the participant as a result thereof. 
2. Participants are not entitled to any claim or compensation against VERSO International School for any losses, damages, costs, and/or expenses suffered or incurred whether directly or indirectly, as a result of any postponement or cancellation of VERSO HACK.
3. VERSO International School's decision shall be final.
4. During the pitching round at VERSO HACK 2025, the judges’ decision is final.
5. Tickets once purchased are nonrefundable and can not be exchanged or transferred to another person or the following year.