24 hours to build something extraordinary.

24 hours to build something extraordinary.

March 21-22, 2025

Wilmeth Active Learning Center

Purdue University

West Lafayette, IN

April 12-13, 2025

Wilmeth Active Learning Center

Register Now

Register Now

Welcome to Catapult: a 24-hour sprint to turn your ideas into reality. Whether you’re a designer, hacker, founder, or musician, Catapult is your launchpad to create, build, and share something extraordinary. No matter your experience level, this is your chance to collaborate, experiment, and make it happen. Ready to take the leap? Let’s build something unforgettable.

CATAPULT AT A GLANCE

300+ attendees

30+ ideas launched

25+ disciplines

300+ attendees

30+ ideas launched

25+ disciplines

WHY ATTEND

What you'll learn

How to take an idea and make it real. From brainstorming to building and launching, you’ll walk away with practical skills you can use in any project.

Who you'll meet

People like you—creators, builders, and makers from all fields. Meet teammates, mentors, and new friends who can help you make your vision a reality.

What to expect

24 hours of creating, learning, and collaborating. Start with an idea, work with others to bring it to life, and share what you’ve built at the end.

2025 CATEGORIES

AI

Build tools, experiment with models, or create something entirely new. No matter your skill level, you’ll have the support to bring your ideas to life.

Startups

Turn your idea into a venture. Work with others to build, prototype, and share something. Perfect for anyone curious about starting something new.

Music

Whether you write, produce, or play, this is your chance to create something amazing with sound. Make music, performances, or anything in between.

Hack Tuah

Make something fun, weird, or totally unexpected. No rules, (mostly) no limits—just a space to build cool, meme-worthy projects with others.

WINNERS FROM 2024

Odyssey

Overall Winner

Datasphere

Runner Up

Sonder

Most Promising Business Model

SignMe

Greatest Social Impact

PixelProof

Best Pitch

View All Projects

From Catapult 2024

APPLY HERE

Current Sponsors

CALL FOR SPONSORS

Want to sponsor Catapult?

Please email aiml@purdue.edu so we can get things going.

Learn More

Learn More

Learn More

CALL FOR JUDGES

Want to judge at Catapult?

We invite our community of designers, developers, product managers, marketers, and engineers to share the lessons and evaluate projects. Please email aiml@purdue.edu so we can get things going.

Contact Us

Contact Us

Contact Us

FAQs

What is Catapult?

At Catapult, you have 36 hours to code a product that regards one of our topics. Work by yourself or with a team of up to 4 people! There's food, speakers, recruiters, and of course, tons of building!

What is Catapult?

At Catapult, you have 36 hours to code a product that regards one of our topics. Work by yourself or with a team of up to 4 people! There's food, speakers, recruiters, and of course, tons of building!

What is Catapult?

At Catapult, you have 36 hours to code a product that regards one of our topics. Work by yourself or with a team of up to 4 people! There's food, speakers, recruiters, and of course, tons of building!

How can I participate in Catapult?

To participate, you can register on our website! Scroll up and click Apply!

How can I participate in Catapult?

To participate, you can register on our website! Scroll up and click Apply!

How can I participate in Catapult?

To participate, you can register on our website! Scroll up and click Apply!

Where is the event held?

Catapult is held at Purdue's campus. This year we will be utilizing Wilmeth Active Learning Center as our main venue. Please refer to our website and the map provided to attendees for detailed directions and accommodation options when the time comes.

Where is the event held?

Catapult is held at Purdue's campus. This year we will be utilizing Wilmeth Active Learning Center as our main venue. Please refer to our website and the map provided to attendees for detailed directions and accommodation options when the time comes.

Where is the event held?

Catapult is held at Purdue's campus. This year we will be utilizing Wilmeth Active Learning Center as our main venue. Please refer to our website and the map provided to attendees for detailed directions and accommodation options when the time comes.

Do I have to be in-person?

Yes. Builders must check in and be present throughout the event to participate.

Do I have to be in-person?

Yes. Builders must check in and be present throughout the event to participate.

Do I have to be in-person?

Yes. Builders must check in and be present throughout the event to participate.

How much does it cost?

Catapult is free to attend! We will provide food, swag, lessons, and amazing memories! Travel reimbursements not provided, but if we have enough demand from any school, we can work with you to arrange travel..

How much does it cost?

Catapult is free to attend! We will provide food, swag, lessons, and amazing memories! Travel reimbursements not provided, but if we have enough demand from any school, we can work with you to arrange travel..

How much does it cost?

Catapult is free to attend! We will provide food, swag, lessons, and amazing memories! Travel reimbursements not provided, but if we have enough demand from any school, we can work with you to arrange travel..

Who can participate?

All enrolled college/university students (undergraduate, masters, PhD, certificate, community college, part-time) are welcome!

Who can participate?

All enrolled college/university students (undergraduate, masters, PhD, certificate, community college, part-time) are welcome!

Who can participate?

All enrolled college/university students (undergraduate, masters, PhD, certificate, community college, part-time) are welcome!

How many people on a team?

Between 1 and 6 people can be on a single team.

How many people on a team?

Between 1 and 6 people can be on a single team.

How many people on a team?

Between 1 and 6 people can be on a single team.

How are projects judged?

All submissions are evaluated on a standardized rubric. Once the top 8 are selected, a second rubric will be used by the judges. Your rubric is available by request once Catapult is over.

How are projects judged?

All submissions are evaluated on a standardized rubric. Once the top 8 are selected, a second rubric will be used by the judges. Your rubric is available by request once Catapult is over.

How are projects judged?

All submissions are evaluated on a standardized rubric. Once the top 8 are selected, a second rubric will be used by the judges. Your rubric is available by request once Catapult is over.

Do I get to own my IP?

You do not need a legal entity to compete in Catapult. Neither we nor Purdue owns any IP you generate while participating. It is yours to keep and develop.

Do I get to own my IP?

You do not need a legal entity to compete in Catapult. Neither we nor Purdue owns any IP you generate while participating. It is yours to keep and develop.

Do I get to own my IP?

You do not need a legal entity to compete in Catapult. Neither we nor Purdue owns any IP you generate while participating. It is yours to keep and develop.

Are meals provided?

Meals will be provided for Saturday Lunch, and Dinner as well as Sunday Breakfast. Snacks and refreshments will be available throughout the day (including midnight coffee).

Are meals provided?

Meals will be provided for Saturday Lunch, and Dinner as well as Sunday Breakfast. Snacks and refreshments will be available throughout the day (including midnight coffee).

Are meals provided?

Meals will be provided for Saturday Lunch, and Dinner as well as Sunday Breakfast. Snacks and refreshments will be available throughout the day (including midnight coffee).

Made with <3 by ML@Purdue