Preparing for an XR Hackathon: The Ultimate Checklist for a Smooth Start

Hackathons offer a unique chance to connect with industry experts while pushing the boundaries of innovation. You’ve got the vision and ambition to bring your XR ideas to life, but how do you begin? Whether you’re a student just starting in XR development or a seasoned developer ready to showcase your skills, we are covering all the essentials—from software setups to hardware prep—to help you make the most of your next hackathon!

This guide is for developers creating applications for the Meta Quest using Unity.

Set Up Developer Accounts

You’ll first want to set up your Meta Developer Account. Sign up early as you’ll need this to access developer tools! Don’t forget to download and set up the Meta Horizon App on your mobile device, which will help configure your headset.

PC Requirements

The next step is to get your PC setup. Make sure your PC is compatible with Oculus Link, which is especially critical if you’re testing VR experiences in real-time. If you’re unsure, verify compatibility here.

NOTE: For Mac users, Macs lack discrete GPUs, so they can’t use Oculus Link. However, you can still work with the Meta Quest Developer Hub (MQDH) to manage assets and deploy builds.

Here is a quick to-do list for getting your PC prepped for your next hackathon:

Additional Hardware Essentials

Here is our list of essential hardware to help optimize your workflow and give you peace of mind while you innovate:

Prepare your Meta Quest

Before diving into your project, make sure your Meta Quest is fully prepared. First, install the Meta Horizon app on your phone to streamline headset management. Next, enable Developer Mode on your Quest headset, a critical step to unlock developer tools and access advanced features that will support your project development.

Setting Up Unity and GroKit Core for Your XR Hackathon

To maximize your XR hackathon experience with Unity, ensure you’re using 2022.3 LTS – any patch version will do!

For your hackathon needs, we offer a prebuilt Unity project tailored for Quest development and Meta Link testing. Sign up for GroKit Core to access it—or, if you already have a project, use our Unity package for seamless integration.

Activating GroKit Core

To activate GroKit Core, navigate to GroKit Core > GroKit Hub within the Unity editor. Insert your API key, then click Authenticate to unlock the tools and features that will support your XR development.

Following these setup steps will ensure you’re prepared to leverage GroKit Core to its fullest potential, giving your project a solid foundation for success.

General Hackathon Tips

Make sure to keep your laptops plugged in! Running on battery limits CPU and GPU performance. To prevent overheating, we recommend using a cooling pad or extra fans if needed to prevent thermal throttling.

With these essentials in place, you’ll be fully prepped to dive into the hackathon and focus on what matters most: building something amazing!

Published
Categories Journal