INTERNAL BUSINESS HACKATHONS
A CULTURE OF INNOVATION
INNOVATION WITHOUT EXPERIMENTATION IS LIKE A FORGOTTEN DREAM…
A culture of innovation actively promotes experimentation, accepts failures through fail-fast approaches, and supports successes to its logical conclusion. At Smartbridge, we strive to organize internal business hackathons each quarter to promote the spirit of innovation, stretch our abilities, and experiment.
A Smartbridge hackathon is one day where our employees are divided into teams and are challenged to create a solution to the specific topic in a 12 hour window. At the end of the day, each team presents their solutions to the company in a 12-15 minute presentation.
WHAT IS A HACKATHON, AND HOW CAN IT IMPACT YOUR ORGANIZATION?
Think of a hackathon as an opportunity to do things differently…
Resources with the ultimate skillset contribute to the overall success undertaken in the hackathon. It requires different perspectives to conceive and assemble the overall solution.
Strong technical developer nerds and business savvy team members are a must, though non-technical folks are welcome to join in on the action.
Hear our Transform IT Podcast episode on hackathons!
HOW ARE HACKATHONS DONE?
Before the process begins, generate ideas by sending out a call for topics from employees as well as clients. It’s especially important for clients to know a hackathon is being conducted and they are open to participate. Even if they cannot participate on the day of the hackathon, ensure their ideas are open to be heard and explored.
Divide into teams
Hackathons by nature are quick and require lots of teamwork, so it’s important to put together teams of no more than 4-7 people. Assign each team to a topic with a champion.
Make an approach
The planner and champion will need to create a general approach prior to the hackathon. This is a time to make sure teams have everything they need such as infrastructure, data and access.
Make a kickoff deck
The hackathon starts with a kickoff meeting where everyone is informed of what team they are on, what the topic is, where they will be stationed, and the agenda for the day.
Work with admin
It’s important that the planner works with the admin team to sort out all operational planning for the hackathon, such as meals and building security measures.
Divide into teams
Tap Here!Hackathons by nature are quick and require lots of teamwork, so it’s important to put together teams of no more than 4-7 people. Assign each team to a topic with a champion.
Make an approach
Tap Here!The planner and champion will need to create a general approach prior to the hackathon. This is a time to make sure teams have everything they need such as infrastructure, data and access.
Make a kickoff deck
Tap Here!The hackathon starts with a kickoff meeting where everyone is informed of what team they are on, what the topic is, where they will be stationed, and the agenda for the day.
Work with admin
Tap Here!It’s important that the planner works with the admin team to sort out all operational planning for the hackathon, such as meals and building security measures.
SEE FOR YOURSELF!
See first hand how our hackathons have impacted our company culture, clients, and overall innovative success through the eyes of our champions.
