March 8-9, 2025 | In-person at Life Sciences Institute
What is cmd-f?
cmd-f is a 24-hour hackathon focused on addressing gender inequality in technology. Our main purpose is to create a safe and dedicated space for individuals who identify with underrepresented genders in tech to hack together. We're trying to create access for people who have faced systemic barriers to inclusion on the basis of gender. We encourage participation from women, trans, non-binary, Two-Spirit and gender diverse people. Thus, cmd-f prioritizes and centers individuals who identify as a member of an underrepresented gender in technology.
We're aware that gender is not the only inequality in technology. We appreciate allyship and recognize it is important in the community. We invite allies to show their support by volunteering or mentoring, as opposed to hacking. Please make sure your participation in this event is aligned with the intentions of the event. We also ask all participants who attend to trust that everyone attending is meant to be here.
For more information on who is an underrepresented gender in technology, please email us at [email protected].
Our Values
Build Confidence
Develop career-ready skills, fight impostor syndrome, and create an invaluable support network with friends, mentors, and sponsors. Regardless of your background, you bring a unique and important perspective to tech. Like how there is always a treat for everyone, there is always a place for you in tech—a space where everyone belongs.
Learn Together
Whether you have never coded before, or you dream in assembly, challenge yourself to create something meaningful! Learn new skills at our workshops and apply them to fresh and creative projects! Regardless of your project's completion at the end of the weekend, take pride in the knowledge gained or the courage to try something new. It's time to rise to the occasion because it's always sweet to learn more!
Explore in a Safe Space
Discover a community of like-minded, creative, and passionate individuals. Form lasting bonds, share experiences, and create memories in an environment free from judgment, where all gender identities and expressions are respected. We're all here unified under one cause—to strive for better representation in tech!
Last year we had...
Want to prepare your mise en place before the big weekend? Join us at our pre-hackathon workshops to learn how to hack, design, pitch, and more. By the time you walk out, you will have new skills, connections, and a sweet new project to add to your repertoire!
For more resources, check out our website and self-learning wiki.
1.
Hackathons + Pitching 101
Tuesday, March 4 at 5 PM
Want to get the most out of your hackathon experience? Wondering what judges are looking for as you demo your project? Look no further, as the Hackathons + Pitching 101 workshop will teach you the key ingredients of a successful hackathon experience and set your team up for all the best at cmd-f!
2.
Intro to Figma
Tuesday, March 4 at 6 PM
Want to learn the fundamentals of the UI/UX industry's leading design platform? Come join our Intro to Figma workshop where we will explore the fundamental tools of Figma. We will be exploring basic prototyping and take you through our design process to transform some low-fidelity sketches into high-fidelity designs.
3.
Intro to Version Control
Tuesday, March 4 at 7 PM
Everything you need to know about collaborating with your teammates and transferring over code for cmd-f! Git ready to learn about version control, pull requests, branches, and more!
Check out these inspiring projects from past years!
Rizzsumo
Bringing a world of interests, and friendships in front of you.
Chow-now
Discretely providing victims of domestic violence with the help they need.
Dinoaura
People are more likely to take advice when it is personalized to be for someone like them. DinoAura lets you take a personality test and then becomes a perfect emotional outlet for someone like you!
Love Alarm
Anonymously connect with others within a 10-metre radius by ringing their love alarm.
FAQ
nwPlus is always looking for new ventures, opportunities, and connections. If you are interested in sponsoring us, working with us, or speaking at one of our events, shoot us an email at [email protected].