Hackathon

Hackathon - Innovative developer meeting

Keywords	Critical Thinking Civic Engagement Action-Based
Target Group	Different Ages Migrants Young Adults (18-24) Teenagers (13-17) Adults (25-64)
Used Methods	Learning By Doing Simulation Workshops
Categories	Discussions Media Engagement Seeking Dialogue
Level of Participation	Local Level
Approach	Low-Threshold
Format of the Method	Analog (Face To Face)
Duration of preparation	Medium-Term (1-6 Months)
Duration of implementation	A Day Or Less

Duration

From	Until

Short Description

A hackathon is an event format in which people with different skills – for example from IT, design, education or civil society – work together in a short space of time to find creative solutions to specific challenges. Ideas are developed in teams, prototypes are built and tested directly. The aim is to promote innovation, dialogue and shared learning – often with a social or digital focus.

Ein Hackathon ist ein Veranstaltungsformat, bei dem Menschen mit unterschiedlichen Fähigkeiten – etwa aus IT, Design, Bildung oder Zivilgesellschaft – innerhalb kurzer Zeit gemeinsam an kreativen Lösungen für konkrete Herausforderungen arbeiten. In Teams werden Ideen entwickelt, Prototypen gebaut und direkt erprobt. Ziel ist es, Innovation, Austausch und gemeinsames Lernen zu fördern – oft mit gesellschaftlichem oder digitalem Fokus.

Step-by-step explanation

Step 1

1. Welcome & Introduction
The event starts with a welcome session where the organizers present the main theme—such as integration, sustainability, or education. Participants receive an overview of the goals, schedule, rules, and available support (e.g. mentors, platforms, tools).

Step 2

2. Team Formation
Participants form teams—ideally with diverse backgrounds (e.g. developers, designers, social experts, users). Individuals without a team can pitch ideas and connect with others spontaneously.

Step 3

3. Idea Development
Each team identifies a specific problem and brainstorms innovative solutions. They define the challenge clearly and develop a concept using tools like design thinking, user journey mapping, or brainstorming methods.

Step 4

4. Prototyping
Time to build: teams turn their idea into a working prototype—this could be an app, a digital tool, a campaign, or a physical product. The focus is on feasibility and creativity. Mentors may support the teams with technical or thematic expertise.

Step 5

5. Pitch & Presentation
Teams present their results in a short pitch (usually 3–5 minutes) to a jury or audience. The goal is to explain the idea’s value, target group, and potential impact. Some hackathons include prizes or public voting.

Step 6

6. Wrap-up & Next Steps
The event concludes with feedback and, in some cases, awards. Promising projects may receive further support such as follow-up funding, mentoring, or invitations to continue development. Many hackathon ideas grow into real-world solutions.

Results

“Hack4Ukraine” was a joint initiative in Ulm to support Ukrainian refugees. During an idea workshop on October 13–14, 2023, digital solutions were developed. On December 1, the winning teams presented their prototypes at Verschwörhaus: the app *Hilf Polina* (1st place), *Path U* (2nd place), and *Keyoo* (3rd place). The competition is part of the *SmarterTogether4Ukraine* project, with each winning team receiving €3,000 in prize money.

Goals

A hackathon is a creative, time-limited event where people from diverse fields develop innovative solutions to real-world challenges. In teams, they create prototypes—often digital tools or apps—within 24 to 48 hours. Hackathons foster collaboration, learning, and social impact, especially on topics like education, integration, or sustainability. They offer space for new ideas, skill development, and networking, often leading to long-term projects or partnerships.

What is needed

1. Organizing Team

A small, committed team to plan and coordinate
Clear roles: logistics, communication, tech support, moderation

2. Planning & Promotion

1–3 months lead time for planning
A clear topic or challenge theme
Communication tools: website, social media, email campaigns
Registration system (e.g. Eventbrite, custom form)
Outreach to attract diverse participants and mentors

3. Venue & Infrastructure

Space for teamwork, presentations, and breaks
Good Wi-Fi and plenty of power outlets
Tables, chairs, flipcharts or whiteboards
Projectors, screens, microphones if needed
Optional: hybrid/online setup (Zoom, Miro, etc.)

4. Catering & Comfort

Snacks, drinks, coffee, water
Meals (especially for multi-day events)
Chill-out or networking areas

5. Materials & Tools

Prototyping tools: paper, markers, post-its, laptops
Online collaboration platforms (e.g. Miro, Google Drive, GitHub)
Access to APIs or data sets if relevant

6. Facilitation & Support

Kick-off moderator to explain structure and rules
Mentors to support teams with tech, design, or content questions
Jury for final presentations

7. Documentation & Follow-up

Means to document ideas (pads, photos, summaries)
Feedback forms
Optional: support for continuing promising projects