Hackathons should be a place for outlandish ideas that otherwise wouldn't get exposure. As it is, most hackathons are quick PoC so the C-levels have some projects to choose from.
The transformation of basically all hackathons from "do something fun or interesting" to "product prototype competition for prizes" is sad. Interestingly, the term "hackday" seems less taken over by that madness.
I couldn't agree more. The hackathons I've won something in were the ones I enjoyed less due to the huge amount of marketing vs actual technology involved in the projects.