What is a hackathon?
A hackathon is an intensive, time-limited event in which interdisciplinary teams work on innovative solutions for specific problems or challenges. Hackathons usually run for between 24 and 72 hours and often end with a presentation of the developed projects to a jury.
This format was introduced at the end of the 1990s by technology enthusiasts in California and was recognized by the software industry and private investors from the mid-2000s as a method of quickly turning new ideas into software and refining product ideas by creating prototypes. The term is made up of “hacking” and “marathon”, with “hacking” in this context meaning the creative solving of technical problems and “marathon” describing the intensive, time-limited nature of the event.
Although the term originally comes from the IT world, and many hackathons focus on software development, the format has since expanded into other areas. Here are some examples of hackathons beyond IT:
- State Hackathons: Governments and state organizations are increasingly using hackathons to find innovative solutions to social challenges.
- Activist hackathons: civil society groups organize hackathons to work together on problems and build communities.
- Journalistic hackathons: Journalists use hackathons to develop new forms of reporting and data analysis.
- Artistic hackathons: Hackathons also take place in the art world, where interdisciplinary teams work on creative projects.
- Educational hackathons: Hackathons offer students practical project experience and the opportunity to try out new teaching and learning formats.
Why do hackathons?
Although participating in a hackathon often means stepping out of your comfort zone, this format offers a variety of benefits that are important for both the participants and the organizing organizations and sponsors.
For organizers and sponsors, hackathons primarily offer a platform for learning about new technologies and approaches, generating new ideas, refining existing concepts and discovering new talents. As sponsors, companies can set challenges and encourage participants to use their technologies or API. This can lead to innovative solutions that can directly benefit the company. Hackathons are also a great opportunity for companies to showcase themselves to potential employees and discover emerging talent. Participants can be observed in action, which allows for a more efficient assessment of their skills than the usual application process. Supporting a hackathon can also have a positive impact on a company’s public image: It demonstrates that the company is open to new ideas and actively engages with current challenges in a solution-oriented way.
Hackathons are also a valuable experience for the participants: they offer the opportunity to try out new technologies, test and improve their own skills in a practical environment, connect with like-minded people, work as a team in a goal-oriented manner and build a network. Many participants establish valuable relationships that last afterwards.
Many successful start-ups have emerged from ideas developed during hackathons. One example of this is Zapier, a well-known platform for the automation of web applications. It was founded during a hackathon and has since developed into an important tool for integrating various apps.
What to expect at the hackathon?
At a hackathon, participants can expect an intense, creative and often challenging experience. They frequently receive valuable feedback from mentors and other participants, which helps to improve their ideas and skills. Most hackathon projects are prototypes or concepts, and not fully developed products. Implementation may require additional resources and time. Even if some ideas are not pursued or implemented, they are still valuable learnings that can provide inspiration for future projects and contribute to personal and professional development.
The authorship and copyrights to the results of a hackathon are an important issue that should be clarified in advance. As a rule, the copyright to the developed results initially lies with the participants themselves. They wrote the ideas and the code and therefore own the rights to them. However, the conditions of participation of a hackathon may specify that the participants assign certain rights of use to the organizers or sponsors by participating. This is something each participant should review before participating. Another option is to publish the results under an open source license. They can then be used and improved by everyone. This can be useful if the ideas are to be disseminated as widely as possible. It is crucial that the results do not vanish into a shelf after the hackathon, but are developed further in the long term.
How do I prepare for the hackathon?
We have collected some advice to help you prepare for a hackathon in the best possible way:
- Set yourself realistic goals: Think about what you want to take away from the hackathon beforehand – new skills, contacts, inspiration? Set yourself achievable goals that go beyond pure project work. Nothing spoils the fun like the frustration of not having achieved something important.
- Be open to new ideas: A hackathon offers the chance to get to know people from other areas and gain new perspectives. Be curious, respectful and listen actively. Even if working together can sometimes be challenging, you can learn a lot from each other.
- Technical preparation: Make sure you have all the necessary technical resources. This usually includes:
- Laptop or PC
- Smartphone or tablet
- Software and tools
- Access to API or databases, if required
- Find your balance: The intensive work phase can be physically and mentally demanding. Be aware of your limits and allow yourself breaks. Comfortable clothing, tasty snacks and plenty of water are real game changers.
- Spaß und Motivation: Erinnern Sie sich stets daran, dass Hackathons auch Spaß machen sollen. Genießen Sie die kreative Atmosphäre und die Möglichkeit, mit anderen zusammenzuarbeiten.
With the right attitude, a hackathon can be a rewarding experience that goes beyond mere project work. Keep an open mind, respect others and enjoy the time – and you’ll get the best out of it.
If you are curious and want to get a first-hand experience: from September 20-22, 2024, we are organizing the AI Hackathon Bremen together with DOCK ONE. You can find more information here: AI Hackathon: AI AI, Captain!
