Ignite

Resources

The following resources are provided to help you succeed across all judging areas: pitch, technical implementation, and user experience. All tools listed are free or offer free access for students.

Software Development & AI Tools (Technical Implementation)

• GitHub Copilot (Free for Students)

  • Get access via the GitHub Student Developer Pack

  • Sign up: https://education.github.com/pack

  • Requires verification using a .edu email or student proof

  • Works inside VS Code to autocomplete code, generate functions, and debug

  • Usage guide: https://docs.github.com/en/copilot

• GitHub Copilot CLI

  • Install: npm install -g @githubnext/github-copilot-cli

  • Helps generate terminal commands and scripts quickly

• Google AI Studio

  • Free access with a Google account

  • Use it to generate ideas, code snippets, and logic flows

  • Link: https://aistudio.google.com/

• Roo Code

  • Free AI-powered coding support tool

  • Useful for debugging and code generation

• GitHub

  • Required for submission (repo link)

  • Guide: https://docs.github.com/en/get-started

Collaboration & Team Workflow (Critical for Speed)

• GitHub (Version Control)

  • Use branches to split work (frontend, backend, features)

  • Each teammate works on their own branch → merge into main

  • Prevents overwriting each other’s code

• Replit (Real-Time Collaboration)

  • Link: https://replit.com/

  • Code together live in the browser with no setup

  • Share a link and multiple teammates can edit simultaneously

• VS Code Live Share

  • Install extension in VS Code

  • Start a session → share link → teammates join instantly

  • Enables co-editing, shared debugging, and terminal access

• Workflow Recommendation (IMPORTANT)

  • Use GitHub for version control

  • Use Live Share or Replit for real-time collaboration

  • Assign roles:

    • 1–2 people coding

    • 1 person handling design

    • 1 person preparing pitch

Design & UX (User Experience)

• Figma (Free Plan)

  • Create UI designs and prototypes

  • Link: https://www.figma.com/

  • Beginner tutorial: https://help.figma.com/hc/en-us/articles/360040514373

• Free UI resources:

  • https://www.uiverse.io/ (UI components)

  • https://icons8.com/ (icons and assets)

  • https://fonts.google.com/ (free fonts)

Pitching & Presentation (Pitch)

• Canva (Free Plan)

  • Easy way to create clean pitch slides

  • Link: https://www.canva.com/

• How to structure your pitch:

  • Problem → What issue are you solving

  • Solution → What you built

  • Demo → Show it working

  • Impact → Why it matters

• Guide: https://www.ycombinator.com/library/4A-how-to-design-a-better-pitch-deck

General Development Tools

• Visual Studio Code

  • Free, widely used editor

  • Link: https://code.visualstudio.com/

• Replit

  • Browser-based coding, no setup required

  • Good for beginners

Technical Support

• Mentors and organizers will be available during the event

• Use the Teams channel for questions and announcements

Important Note

You are encouraged to use any tools, libraries, or AI assistants. Focus on building a working project, designing a clean user experience, and clearly communicating your idea.

Short workshops will be held on Day 1 to help participants get started