The FamilyHack event, organized by Junior Entrepreneurs Hub in collaboration with TechyKids and hosted at Meta (Facebook) Headquarters in Menlo Park, was a two-day innovation experience designed to bring together students aged 13–18 and their parents to explore robotics, AI, and entrepreneurship through hands-on learning.

Event Summary
Over 120 students from Bay Area middle and high schools participated in the hackathon, forming 25 mixed-age teams. Guided by mentors from TechyKids, Meta engineers, and startup coaches, participants worked collaboratively to design, prototype, and pitch real-world tech solutions that addressed social or environmental challenges.

Each day combined STEM exploration with entrepreneurial thinking:

Day 2 – Build & Pitch: Teams turned their ideas into functioning mini-projects using microcontrollers, sensors, and AI-based logic. They created business models, logos, and short demo videos — then pitched to a panel of judges from Meta’s innovation and education teams.

Day 1 – Innovation Bootcamp: Students attended short workshops on Design Thinking, Intro to Robotics, and AI for Beginners. Teams brainstormed problems, learned to use prototyping tools, and began developing their ideas.

Outcomes & Impact

• Skill Development: Students gained practical experience in robotics, coding, and product design while learning teamwork, communication, and creative problem-solving.
• Entrepreneurial Mindset: Every participant left with a clearer understanding of how technology can become a business — turning ideas into impact.
• College & Career Readiness: The hackathon projects and certificates from Meta and TechyKids provided participants with valuable achievements for college applications, showcasing innovation, leadership, and real-world project experience.
• Confidence Boost: Many students delivered their first public pitches, building confidence in presenting ideas and collaborating under real deadlines — skills that translate directly to both academic and professional growth.

Highlights:

• 120+ participants (ages 13–18)
• 2 full-day sessions at Meta HQ
• 25 project teams guided by 15 mentors and judges
• 6 award categories, including Best Innovation, Best Teamwork, and Top Young Leader

In Essence:
The FamilyHack at Facebook HQ didn’t just teach robotics — it inspired the next generation of Silicon Valley innovators, equipping them with the tools, mindset, and confidence to turn curiosity into real-world opportunity.