Hackathons typically start with one or more presentations about the event, as well as about the specific subject, if required. Then participants suggest ideas and form teams, based on individual interests and skills. That is when the main work of the hackathon begins, which can last anywhere from several hours to several days. Some workshops about the main skills necessary to work both efficiently and creatively as a team may be included. At the end of the hackathon, there is usually a series of demonstrations in which each group presents their results. Since we only have one afternoon, teams will work on the main ideas to solve the problem and choose a representative that will do a three minute pitch explaining their solution. Finally, a tribunal of experts will choose the three winning ideas. These will receive a one month period to develop a MVP (Minimum Viable Product) or simply: a prototype which does not necessarily have to be completely functional. A mentor or stakeholder (or “subject matter expert”) will advice the project thanks to their realworld experience. These experts can identify problems but will not solve them for you! Finally, a tribunal of experts will choose the finalist ideas.
The basis of the challenge will be explained to all attendees on site. A workshop on some innovative technique will be held by a collaborator (payment). Afterwards, milestones will be presented over the month with tutors responsible for each team.