If you’re running a tech startup, you’ve probably heard of a hackathon. And whilst it might sound like a bunch of hackers sitting in a dark room – it’s actually a great way to solve problems and come up with new creative ideas quickly.
In short, a hackathon is basically a ‘problem-solving marathon’. Usually, a mix of developers, designers and marketers come together to solve a specific problem, usually within a short timeframe (1-3 days).
It’s essentially a brainstorming session on steroids. Teams don’t just talk about challenges and how to overcome them, they actually build them. At the end of the event, they present the product that they have made.
In fact, some of the world’s most famous tech features, like Facebook’s ‘Like’ button were started at hackathons.
Why Do Startups Love Hackathons?
Startups love hackathons because it means teams are able to solve problems and build new ideas in a very short space of time. Because so many brains are pulled together for an intense period, ideas can be created and tested quickly, without needing months of meetings and sign offs.
Another reason hackathons have become popular with startups is because they are a great way to spot emerging talent. You can tell a lot about a person by how they think and act under pressure, so it’s a good way to test (and find) potential new hires.
But most of all, hackathons take teams out of their everyday and put them in a creative environment where they can try new things. Most of the time, this injection of focus and creativity is exactly what teams need to solve the problem at hand.
What Actually Happens At A Hackathon?
When it comes to how hackathons run, there isn’t one set style, but the general format is:
The challenge: Organisers share the challenge that they want teams to tackle during the hackathon.
The build: Teams come together and get stuck into the brief. Usually, teams will have a mix of people with different skills to help them build in different ways:
The presentation: Once the time limit has passed, teams present their ideas to a panel of judges.
Then, one idea is usually selected, either as a winner or as a project to continue building for the company.
Who Usually Makes Up Hackathon Teams?
Whilst there is no hard and fast rule around who can take part in a hackathon, a good team usually has a mix of skills and expertise.
Within a team, you will usually find:
- Developers
- Designers
- Engineers
- Marketers
- Product experts
And more!
What Are The Different Types Of Hackathons Available?
When it comes to hackathons, they aren’t all the same. Some common types include:
Internal hackathons: Designed to help spark new ideas from within a company – bringing together staff to solve a problem quickly without external noise.
External hackathons: External hackathons are usually open to people who don’t work at the company. These tend to be used to find new talent and boost brand awareness. Many big companies and universities have organised external hackathons, including MIT, Nasa, Meta and Microsoft.
University hackathons: Universities are hubs of innovation, so companies looking to solve problems have historically connected with students to help bring lateral thinking to the table. These are popular with students who want to get noticed by big companies and stress test their skills.
Online hackathons: Online hackathons are becoming more popular because people all over the world can come together to solve problems.
Should You Run A Hackathon For Your Startup?
If you’re a startup founder, you might be wondering: Should I run a hackathon for my company?
Hackathons can be a great way to inspire teams to creatively think about a problem, without other distractions in the workplace. They can also be a great way to identify and attract new talent to your business – after all, you can tell a lot more about a person by how they work under pressure than you can with just their CV.
But most of all, hackathons are great spaces to test new ideas fast. Instead of long meetings and big sign off sessions, teams can come together, flex their creative muscles, and build something great.
So, why not try it? You never know, the solution you’re looking for could just be a 48 hour hackathon away.
