# BrainHack CODE_EXP

> A mobile app hackathon we ran in May–June 2025: React Native and generative AI training, qualifiers, and live finals for 40 teams.

[View programme page](https://tinkercademy.com/programmes/code-exp-2025/)

- Audiences: Students, Teachers
- Duration: 4 days
- Domains: AI Engineering, Mobile App Development
- Platforms: React Native, TensorFlow
- Published: 2026-04-18
- Updated: 2026-10-22

## What was BrainHack CODE_EXP?

BrainHack CODE_EXP is a mobile app development hackathon. In our May–June 2025 run, teams attended training on React Native, generative AI, and on-device LLMs, then submitted a proposal deck, a one-minute pitch video, an architecture, and a wireframe to qualify. Forty teams went on to build and pitch live at the finals at Marina Bay Sands for cash prizes. The schedule below is from that run. For a classroom course in the same skills, see Build for Mobile with React Native.

Compare: [Build for Mobile: App Development with React Native](https://tinkercademy.com/programmes/build-for-mobile-with-react-native/)

## Course Overview

BrainHack CODE\_EXP is a **mobile dev hackathon** that we ran in May–June 2025, over three phases:

-   Phase 1: **Training sessions**
    
-   Phase 2: **Qualifiers**
    
-   Phase 3: **Finals**
    

## Lesson Outcomes

1.  **Gain Hands-on Experience with React Native**
    
    -   Understand the fundamentals of React Native for cross-platform mobile development.
        
    -   Build functional mobile UI components and integrate backend services.
        
2.  **Master the End-to-End Prototyping Process**
    
    -   Learn how to ideate, wireframe, and prototype a mobile app concept effectively.
        
    -   Translate user needs into intuitive app designs.
        
3.  **Integrate Generative AI into Mobile Apps**
    
    -   Explore how to use generative AI tools (e.g. LLMs) to enhance app functionality.
        
    -   Understand practical use cases and best practices for AI integration.
        
4.  **Work with Edge LLMs**
    
    -   Learn about deploying LLMs on-device or on the edge for faster, privacy-preserving AI features.
        
    -   Understand the trade-offs and constraints of edge computing in mobile environments.
        
5.  **Develop Communication & Pitching Skills**
    
    -   Craft a compelling 1-minute elevator pitch video.
        
    -   Create a persuasive slide deck that clearly articulates the value proposition and architecture of your app.
        
6.  **Learn Agile, Time-Conscious Product Development**
    
    -   Practice working within tight deadlines to ideate, develop, and iterate on a mobile app concept.
        
    -   Experience what it's like to build MVPs in a fast-paced, real-world scenario.
        
7.  **Compete and Collaborate Under Pressure**
    
    -   Improve teamwork and decision-making in a live, competitive setting.
        
    -   Receive feedback from judges and peers to iterate on your project.
        

  

## Details

## Phase 1: Levelling Up

Training Schedule:

-   Welcome Brief and Intro to Prototyping • 11 May (Sun) • 9:30am-12:30pm
    
-   React Native 1 • 11 May (Sun) • 2pm - 5pm
    
-   React Native 2 • 12 May (Mon) • 9:30am-12:30pm
    
-   React Native 3 • 12 May (Mon) • 2pm - 5pm
    
-   Working with Generative AI • 13 May (Tue) • 9:30am-12:30pm
    
-   Edge LLMs • 14 May (Wed) • 9:30am-12:30pm
    

## Phase 2: Qualifiers

**Deadline:** 1200hrs, 24 May 2025

**Submission:** [https://tk.sg/codeexp25\_qualifiers](https://tk.sg/codeexp25_qualifiers)

**Submission requirements:**

1.  Proposal (Value proposition slide deck, no more than 15 slides)
    
2.  Elevator Pitch (1-minute video)
    
3.  Architecture
    
4.  Wireframe
    

## Phase 3: Finals

**Marina Bay Sands Expo & Convention Centre**

**11 & 12 June 2025**

-   40 teams competed live for cash prizes
    
-   Put in the final touches to your mobile app
    
-   Pitch and impress the Panel of Judges

## Enquiries

[Enquire now](https://tinkercademy.com/programmes/code-exp-2025/#enquire)