After looking at the title, you may think, “I am NOT a computer person, so hackathons must not be for me.” This common misconception is why a blog like this one is important. You don’t need to be a computer programming wizard to partake in hackathons (although if you are, you definitely belong). Hackathons are about creating an environment where creativity and logic can come together to create ideas. That statement, although true, is vague in nature, and doesn’t completely explain what hackathons are and why they are vital. To help unravel what hackathons are all about, I’ve enlisted the help of two people who are big proponents of them, and know the nuts and bolts of the process. They are Eric Knight, Founder and President of Remarkable Technologies, and Stacey Brown, Founder of InsurTech Hartford.

Let’s start at the basics, many may not know what a hackathon is. I asked both Knight and Brown to explain what a hackathon actually is, Brown summed up the process as this:

“Hackathon events are collaborative events in which people of diverse backgrounds come together to create new, innovative solutions to problems. Hackathons can be general or themed events. A typical hackathon begins by helping people gather around particular problems. This is done via a "pitch" in which someone shares an idea with the others. After a few pitches, the group starts to break up into teams as people migrate toward the ideas that interest them. Team members typically do not know each other prior to the event.”

As Brown says, hackathon events are a place where creativity, logic and collaboration combine to solve problems. These problems can vary greatly if the hackathon is focused on a certain industry, and according to Knight, the solutions created by the groups can be “software or hardware”. The groups that Brown mentioned above, aren’t the only important parts involved in the process. “Many times, the process involves mentors who are mixed in with the groups who offer advice or guidance as needed.” Knight said, “The length of the event also plays a part. It can vary from an event contained to a single day, or it can take place over an entire weekend.” So, the general idea of a hackathon is in a given window of time, to work with a group to flesh out an idea that can solve a current problem for a given service or industry.

Now that we have a sense of what a hackathon is, why are they so valuable for everyone involved? They wouldn’t exist if they didn’t serve a greater purpose. Brown talked about how the natural structure and collaboration a hackathon entails, serves to further innovation:

“Due to the open structure of a hackathon and the forming of cross-functional teams with diverse backgrounds, new and fresh ideas come out that may not have been possible by someone simply sitting at a desk trying to solve a problem alone. People feed off one-another in hackathons, and this makes the possibilities endless.”

As Brown mentions, hackathons bring people with different specialties, perspectives and knowledge bases, together. When these differences in life experience and skill come collide, a creative energy is formed and innovative ideas flourish. “Bringing people together with diverse skill sets creates a cauldron of experience” Knight said, “Then when you combine these smart, creative people with great resources, and the added adrenaline rush that the time and competition provide, you generate unique and novel solutions.” Knight went on to mention how hackathons can serve as a “business simulation” or “real world class on how businesses operate”, and gaining any experience in that arena can prove to be vital down the road.

The participants aren’t the only ones who can benefit from hackathons. According to Knight it serves a valuable purpose to the hosts as well. “The hosts get the opportunity to create major resources or features and push forward a product or service.” Knight said. Knight also brought up an excellent example of this benefit, that came from Facebook. Any Facebook user is familiar with the customized timeline on their homepage and the feature that allows users to “like” posts they see. Both these features came from hackathons set up internally at Facebook with their employees. With Facebook rewarding the creators of the features, it becomes a win-win for both sides.

You may be looking at all the benefits above that hackathons provide, but still be wondering, “Where do I fit in?”. According to Brown, creativity and problem solving are the only musts:

“The key to a successful hackathon is skill diversity. Not everyone needs to be a coder, but coders are helpful because they can produce digital products. Sometimes teams just create presentations, and sometimes the presentations are just whiteboards and sticky notes! Anyone who enjoys creative problem solving can participate in a hackathon.”

There is no set profession or skillset for a hackathon. When I asked Knight who could participate, he listed off a good amount of different professions. “Developers, graphic designers, marketers, business professionals, entrepreneurs, creative thinkers can all participate.” Knight said, “It’s all about mixing the creative minds with engineering ones, because that creates a truly powerful energy.”

Now that you know the basics, the benefits and how you fit in, both Knight and Brown have some advice for the first-time hackathon participant. “Be open to input and allow that to generate new ideas, if you do this, others will do the same.” Brown said, “Also, have fun. Hackathons can be so intriguing that people may forget to rest, so don't allow yourself to burn out.” Knight had similar thoughts, but also provided some more specific advice.

“Go into the hackathon with enthusiasm and an open mind. Start with a brainstorming session, and don’t overly critique the ideas presented. Instead, improve and evolve them, rather than shooting them down immediately. It’s about positive energy. Have fun and come with a mindset for creativity.”

This blog isn’t an all-encompassing guide to hackathons, but rather a basic synopsis of what to expect. If you found after reading this that participating in a Hackathon may be something you are interested in, Upward Hartford and InsurTech Hartford are hosting a Hackathon during the weekend of September 8^th. This link will provide you will give you more info and the ability to register now.

And if you still find yourself with more questions about how hackathons work, the video below is an excellent resource and should be able to answer most of your questions.

Thanks to Eric Knight, Founder and President of Remarkable Technologies, and Stacey Brown, Founder of InsurTech Hartford!