What is a Hackathon?
Table of Contents: Definition – Characteristics and types – Process – Benefits and added value – Challenges – Questions from the field – Notes
Hackathon – collaborative development of innovative solutions in a limited time
Whether in companies, universities or the start-up scene – everyone is looking for new ideas and innovative solutions. However, creative development often fails due to rigid processes, long meetings or a lack of time for experiments. How do you get bright minds to work on new concepts in a focused and efficient way?
This is where hackathons come in: an event where people – often from different fields – come together to work on problems or challenges in a short period of time (usually 24–48 hours). The goal is to develop a working solution, prototype or new approach within this time frame.
The term hackathon is a portmanteau of the words ‘hack’ (in the sense of creative problem solving, technical trick or smart solution) and ‘marathon’ (a long, exhausting competition). The name reflects the intensive, often continuous way of working, in which teams develop creative solutions in a short period of time. [1]
Characteristics and types of hackathons
Hackathons are characterised by a number of features:
A hackathon brings together people with different skills to develop creative solutions together. In a short period of time, the participants work intensively on new ideas, experiment with technologies or methods and combine their knowledge to create innovative concepts or prototypes. This collaborative approach often results in unconventional approaches that might not have been realised in classic development processes.
Every hackathon is structured around a specific question or overarching topic. These may concern technological, economic or social challenges. The aim is often to tackle a problem with innovative solutions in just a few hours or days. The focus may be on developing sustainable solutions, artificial intelligence or health technologies, for example.
Many hackathons are organised as competitions, with different teams working on solutions in parallel. At the end, a jury of experts evaluates the projects based on predetermined criteria such as degree of innovation, feasibility and social benefit. The best teams often receive prizes, funding opportunities or the chance to further develop their idea.
A hackathon offers an intensive learning environment in which participants not only apply their own skills but also acquire new knowledge. They can gain valuable experience through interaction with others, input from mentors and experts, workshops and keynote speeches. In addition to the actual competition, long-term contacts often arise that can lead to new projects, collaborations or even career opportunities.
The event format is not limited to specific areas. While many competitions have a technological focus, there are also variants that address creative or social challenges. Examples include:
- Software and hardware development, in which new programmes, apps or IoT solutions are created.
- Business and start-up events at which teams develop innovative business models or marketing concepts.
- Design competitions in which UX/UI concepts, graphic designs or product ideas are created.
- Social impact initiatives that develop solutions for social or ecological problems.
- Policy and legal challenges that optimise legal processes and administrative structures.
- Creative workshops that focus on storytelling, music, art or content creation.
Depending on the focus, participants deal with different topics and develop new ideas.
The process of a hackathon
A typical hackathon follows a clear structure that helps participants to develop innovative solutions in a short period of time. At the beginning, everyone is welcomed and introduced to the event. The organisers explain the rules, the process and the overarching topic. There are often keynote speeches or motivational talks from experts to provide inspiration. If the teams have not already been determined, the participants now have the opportunity to group together.
Once all the groups have been formed, the idea generation phase begins. The teams consider which problem they would like to solve, collect initial concepts and distribute the tasks. As soon as a clear direction has been established, the actual implementation phase begins. Over the next few hours or days, the teams work intensively on their projects. They develop prototypes, write code, design user interfaces or develop business models. During this time, mentors are often available to provide support with technical or strategic questions.
As the deadline approaches, the participants focus on finalising their project. They test their solution, improve the final details and prepare their presentation. Each team presents their results in a final pitch session. The aim is to present the idea convincingly and to demonstrate a functioning solution. A jury evaluates the projects based on predetermined criteria such as degree of innovation, technical implementation and social benefit. The winners are then chosen, prizes awarded and often opportunities offered to further develop the best ideas.
The focus is not only on the finished project, but also on the experiences, networks and new insights that the participants take away from the hackathon. Many teams stay in touch beyond the event, continue to implement their ideas or establish valuable connections for future projects.
The benefits and added value of hackathons
A hackathon offers much more than just the opportunity to develop an innovative project in a short period of time. Participants and organisers benefit from this format in a variety of ways. In addition to new technical or creative solutions, valuable experiences are gained that can be important in the long term.
- The intensive timeframe encourages participants to think outside the box and develop new approaches. Without long decision-making processes or bureaucratic hurdles, they can quickly try out ideas and test them directly. This makes hackathons an effective method for producing unconventional and often particularly innovative concepts.
- While months or even years often pass before an idea takes tangible shape in traditional development processes, the first functioning prototypes can be produced in a hackathon in just a few hours or days. This direct approach helps to quickly validate ideas and, if necessary, develop them further.
- Participants often come from different fields, such as software development, design, business or engineering. This diversity promotes the exchange between disciplines and makes it possible to look at challenges from different perspectives. This often results in particularly well-thought-out and holistic solutions.
- Working with like-minded people, mentors and company representatives also helps to establish valuable contacts. Many companies use hackathons to discover new talent and get to know potential new employees. For participants, a successful project can open the door to job offers, collaborations or even investors.
- Putting theoretical knowledge into practice is often a challenge. In a hackathon, participants can apply their skills directly, try out new technologies and gain valuable experience in team and project management. This is an ideal opportunity for students and young professionals to test their knowledge in real-life scenarios.
- Hackathons are also valuable for organisers and sponsors. Companies receive fresh ideas, new impulses and solutions to specific problems. At the same time, they can position themselves as innovative employers, strengthen their brand or advance open innovation processes.
Through the combination of intensive collaboration, creative freedom and practical implementation, hackathons offer unique added value – for individuals as well as companies and organisations.
Challenges of hackathons
Hackathons provide a dynamic environment for innovation, but they also present a number of challenges. One of the biggest difficulties is the time pressure. Within just a few hours or days, teams not only have to develop an idea, but also implement and present it. This stress can lead to creative peak performances, but it can also result in overwhelm or half-baked solutions.
Another problem is team dynamics. Many groups are put together spontaneously, so the members often have different expectations, working styles or levels of experience. Unclear communication or a lack of role allocation can hinder progress.
The technical and content-related challenges should also not be underestimated. Some problems are too complex to solve in the short time available. In addition, specific expertise or resources are sometimes lacking to implement the desired solution optimally.
One factor that is often underestimated is the sustainability of the projects. Many ideas arise during the intensive work phase but are not further developed after the hackathon because there is a lack of time, money or support.
Finally, organising the event itself can also be a challenge. A poorly planned hackathon with unclear guidelines, inadequate technical infrastructure or a lack of mentoring support can prevent teams from realising their full potential.
Despite these challenges, hackathons are a valuable opportunity to promote innovation, learn new skills and strengthen interdisciplinary collaboration – as long as the right conditions are created.
Questions from the field
Here are some questions and answers from the field:
When did the term hackathon originate?
The term originated in 1999 and was coined independently at two different events: On 4 June 1999, ten developers from the OpenBSD project met in Calgary, Canada, to develop new solutions for the security of the operating system and to integrate it with cryptographic systems. And from 15 to 19 June 1999, Sun Microsystems held the annual JavaOne conference. During this time, John Gage challenged the participants to develop a programme for the Palm V that could communicate with other devices via the infrared interface. Both events helped to establish the term ‘hackathon’ and laid the foundation for the numerous events that are now held worldwide. [1]
What are the success factors for a successful hackathon?
- A successful event begins with a precise task. Participants must know what problem they are supposed to solve and what the expectations are regarding the result. A topic that is too vague or too complex can cause teams to get bogged down or demotivated.
- Smooth implementation depends on advance planning. This includes a functioning technical infrastructure, suitable workspaces, sufficient catering and a clear timetable. Communication channels such as Slack, Discord or dedicated event platforms should also be set up in advance.
- The best results often come from interdisciplinary groups in which different fields complement each other. Software developers, designers, business strategists and experts from the respective fields should work together. A clear division of roles helps to ensure efficient progress.
- Experienced mentors can help teams overcome technical or conceptual hurdles more quickly. They provide feedback, ask critical questions and help to develop ideas. It is particularly valuable when experts from the industry or problem area are involved.
- Although hackathons often take place under time pressure, there should be sufficient opportunities for short recovery periods. Fatigue and exhaustion can impair creativity and productivity. A well-thought-out time structure with checkpoints and feedback sessions helps to maintain focus.
- To ensure that the presentations and projects are evaluated fairly, the evaluation criteria should be known from the outset. These may include the degree of innovation, technical implementation, practicality or social benefit. A competent jury that provides constructive feedback contributes to the quality of the hackathon.
- Many ideas that arise in a hackathon have potential for further development. To ensure that they don’t disappear into a drawer immediately after the event, opportunities should be created to continue promising projects. These can include funding programmes, follow-up events or contacts with investors and companies.
Taking these factors into account creates a productive atmosphere in which creativity, team spirit and innovation are optimally encouraged. A hackathon then not only becomes an inspiring event, but can also create real added value in the long term.
What is the significance of the premises, sanitary facilities and catering?
- The event locations should offer enough space for teams to be able to work in a concentrated manner. In addition to large open workspaces, it makes sense to have places where people can retreat to hold meetings or work in peace. Good equipment with power connections, a stable internet connection and comfortable seating is essential.
- Fast and stable Wi-Fi is an absolute must, especially for software-heavy hackathons. There should also be enough power outlets and extension cables. If special hardware or software is needed (e.g. IoT modules, cloud access, test equipment), it should be provided well in advance.
- Since many participants work long and hard, good catering is crucial. Snacks, fruit and plenty of coffee keep energy levels high. Ideally, full meals should also be provided to support long working hours. Water and other drinks should be available at all times.
- Clean toilets and washing facilities are a matter of course. Showers are also an advantage, especially for longer hackathons that go on overnight. In addition, quiet areas should be provided for relaxation or even sleeping facilities for the night if the hackathon lasts 24 hours or more.
- An inspiring environment can boost creativity. Good lighting, a pleasant room temperature and an open, friendly design help to make participants feel comfortable. Music during breaks, bean bags or lounge areas can further enhance the experience.
These ‘logistical’ factors are often underestimated, but they are essential to providing participants with the best possible support and enabling them to focus fully on developing innovative solutions.
What risks does employee acquisition through hackathons entail?
A competition of this kind offers a snapshot of the skills and potential of the participants, but it is not a complete picture of their long-term suitability for a company. The focus is on creative thinking, rapid problem solving and technical implementation under severe time pressure – skills that, while valuable, are not always the deciding factors for successful collaboration in a professional environment.
It is particularly problematic that many talented individuals may not be able to develop their full potential in such a competitive environment. Not everyone works best under extreme time pressure or can show their strengths in just a few hours. At the same time, certain personalities are often favoured – for example, those who quickly assert themselves, present convincingly or develop solutions that work at short notice. On the other hand, those who think strategically, plan in detail or excel in a long-term team structure may remain undiscovered.
In addition, there may be a mismatch between success in competition and actual teamwork in day-to-day business. While improvisation, quick decision-making and short-term collaboration are often required here, a regular work environment requires long-term planning, structured processes and continuous coordination with different departments. The dynamics also differ significantly: many projects are the result of well-functioning teamwork. However, the team that emerges as the winner has not necessarily made the greatest contribution on its own. This can lead companies to hire talents who excel under competitive conditions but do not necessarily fit into a team or contribute to long-term success.
In addition, soft skills and cultural fit are difficult to assess in this environment. While technical expertise or creativity are quickly visible, important aspects such as long-term motivation, adaptability or communication behaviour often remain unconsidered. Companies therefore run the risk of hiring candidates based on a short-term impression, without really knowing whether they can integrate into an existing structure.
And what can companies do to reduce these risks?
To make a more informed decision, competitions of this kind should not be used as the sole basis for hiring. Rather, they can serve as a first point of contact to get to know promising talent. Subsequently, companies should conduct targeted follow-up interviews or offer trial projects to observe the suitability of candidates over a longer period of time.
Instead of just evaluating the end result, it can be useful to analyse the work process. How did the person interact with others? Was constructive feedback given and accepted? Were they able to develop long-term perspectives for their project? These questions help to gain a more nuanced assessment.
It can also be helpful to offer different entry formats. An event like this is just one of many ways to identify talent – complementary formats such as long-term internships, student placements or individual application processes can provide additional insights and reduce the risk of making the wrong decision.
Impulse to discuss:
How could an internal company hackathon be designed to not only develop innovative solutions, but also to sustainably promote collaboration and creativity among employees?
Notes:
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[1] There are various alternative terms that are used depending on the focus, target group or format. Here are some common terms:
- Makeathon – focus on hardware or product development (‘make’ = create something).
- Idea Jam / Innovation Jam – creative sessions to generate ideas, often with less technical implementation.
- Collabathon – Joint, often decentralised collaboration on a challenge, e.g. in the field of open source or sustainability.
- Data Challenge – Competition with a focus on data analysis, AI or machine learning.
- Game Jam – Specifically for developing video games in a short period of time.
- Policy Hack – Format for developing innovative solutions in politics, administration or public services.
Depending on the context, a hackathon may therefore be run under a different name, but the basic idea remains the same: intensive, time-limited collaboration to solve problems or develop new ideas
[2] A brief history of a hackathon
And here you will find additional information from our Smartpedia section:
What is Design Sprint?
What is a Hacker?
What is Ideation?