Hackathons Explained

What is a Hackathon?

The Key Stages of a Hackathon

Every hackathon, whether it’s a weekend sprint or a weeklong coding marathon, tends to follow a familiar arc. Here’s a quick breakdown of what you can expect:

• Preparation: Long before anyone opens their laptop, organizers define the theme, set goals, and handle the logistics. This is when you’ll see registration go live, event space reserved (physical or virtual), and the ever-important hunt for snacks begin.
• Kickoff: The event launches with welcomes, lightning talks, team formation, and clarifying the rules. Here’s where big ideas get pitched and new alliances are forged over shared interests—or a mutual appreciation for good coffee.
• The Hacking Begins: This is the heart of the hackathon. Teams dive into brainstorming, wireframing, and coding, all with the clock ticking. Expect a caffeine-fueled blend of collaboration, bug squashing, and the occasional midnight “eureka!” moment.
• Showcase and Closing: When the hacking stops, it’s time to shine. Teams present their solutions—sometimes with more adrenaline than sleep—to judges, peers, and sometimes the wider world. Demos are followed by awards, feedback, and, often, plenty of high-fives (virtual or otherwise).

These stages, each with their own energy, are what make hackathons such a catalyst for creativity and rapid innovation.

The Origin of Hackathons: How Intensive Collaboration Became a Catalyst for Innovation

The concept of a “hackathon” was born in 1999, thanks to pioneering developers at OpenBSD and Sun Microsystems. OpenBSD, an organization dedicated to security-focused software, coined the term during a multi-day event where developers came together to “hack” on code, working intensively to improve and secure their software. Around the same time, Sun Microsystems introduced the term at the JavaOne conference, hosting a hackathon that invited developers to collaboratively build new applications in Java.

The term itself combines “hack”—referring to creative coding or problem-solving—with “marathon,” representing the event’s prolonged, focused effort. This fusion perfectly captures the essence of hackathons: high-energy, collaborative sessions where programmers and innovators work intensely over a short period to solve problems or create prototypes.

Since then, the hackathon model has gained global popularity, inspiring industries beyond tech to harness the power of rapid ideation, teamwork, and concentrated innovation to tackle challenges and drive forward new ideas.

Today, hackathons have become synonymous with a catalyst for fast-paced innovation across sectors, promoting dynamic collaboration and problem-solving in structured, high-impact environments.

Hackathons Beyond Tech: Solving Diverse Industry Challenges

While hackathons began in the world of software and coding, organizations everywhere now use them to address both technical and non-technical opportunities. From healthcare and finance to retail and automotive, these intensive events have become a go-to method for surfacing bold solutions.

Consider the automotive sector, where the American Tire Distributors’ “Reinvent the Wheel” hackathon challenged participants to develop actionable ways data science could improve supply chain sustainability and reduce CO₂ emissions through smarter logistics. In the beauty industry, Estée Lauder’s Hack4Ally event focused on designing inclusive solutions to make daily beauty routines more accessible for people with disabilities.

No matter the industry, sponsoring a hackathon enables organizations to gather fresh ideas for new products, features, or services, encourage employee growth and retention, and spotlight a true commitment to innovation. Hackathons have truly evolved into a universal engine for organizational creativity and transformation.

Hackathon Examples: Driving Change in Automotive and Beauty

Hackathons aren’t just for tech giants or Silicon Valley startups—they’ve shifted gears into industries like automotive and beauty, proving their value in diverse settings. In the automotive world, hackathons have challenged participants to reimagine sustainability, such as brainstorming ways to leverage data science for cleaner supply chains or inventing smarter logistics that cut down on CO₂ emissions. These events bring together not only coders, but also logistics experts and environmental enthusiasts, all with their sights set on a greener future.

Meanwhile, the beauty industry has embraced hackathons with a focus on accessibility and inclusion. Events task teams with finding creative solutions for everyday challenges faced by people with disabilities—think clever apps or devices that make beauty routines more approachable for everyone. Participants swap stories, sketch ideas, and rapidly prototype products that could transform the daily experiences of millions.

Today, hackathons have become synonymous with a catalyst for fast-paced innovation across sectors, promoting dynamic collaboration and problem-solving in structured, high-impact environments.

Mastering Corporate Hackathons: Strategies for Impactful Innovation Events

Corporate hackathons are a powerful way to unite employees, external participants, or a mix of both to address real-world challenges, spark creativity, and drive meaningful innovation. These events provide an opportunity to harness diverse perspectives, enabling your organization to develop cutting-edge technologies, solve specific problems, and explore new business opportunities in a collaborative environment.

Beyond delivering innovative solutions, hackathons offer a range of strategic benefits for organizations across industries. Sponsoring a hackathon can help you gather valuable feedback and fresh ideas for new products, features, or services. These events also serve as a platform to promote employee development, strengthen retention of top talent, and demonstrate your organization’s investment in innovation and continuous improvement.

With Ezassi’s Innovation Management platform, you gain access to the tools and resources needed to plan, organize, and execute hackathons seamlessly. From setting up challenges to gathering and evaluating ideas, our platform streamlines the entire process to ensure your event is a success. Features like automated idea collection, real-time collaboration tools, and customizable evaluation criteria make it easier to focus on what matters most—producing impactful results.

Hackathons not only deliver innovative solutions but also foster employee engagement, strengthen teamwork, and build a culture of creativity. Whether you’re hosting a one-time event or establishing a recurring series, Ezassi helps you maximize the impact of your innovation events by providing a scalable, user-friendly solution that aligns with your strategic goals.
Let your hackathons become a launchpad for transformative ideas and business growth, powered by Ezassi’s proven expertise in innovation management.

The Power of Hackathons: Inside Tech Giants

Hackathons have become a staple for tech giants like Facebook and Google, serving as innovative platforms to unleash creativity and solve complex problems. These intense, collaborative events allow employees and external participants to come together, generating fresh ideas and prototypes in a matter of days.

Facebook: Building Connections, Spurring Innovation

At Facebook, hackathons have been a driving force behind numerous features and projects. One famous example is the Like button, initially developed during a hackathon. These events encourage cross-departmental collaboration and the exploration of ideas that align with Facebook’s goal to connect people across the globe. By fostering a culture of innovation, Facebook leverages hackathons to transform abstract ideas into concrete solutions that enhance user experience.

Google: Pioneers in Technology and Problem-Solving

Google, known for its forward-thinking approach, utilizes hackathons to tap into the potential of its vast array of talented employees. Projects birthed during these events include enhancements to their search algorithms, introductions of new features in their products, and development of engaging user interfaces. Hackathons at Google aren’t just about coding; they focus on solving real-world problems by integrating data, design, and technological expertise.

Why Hackathons Matter

For both Facebook and Google, hackathons offer several benefits:

• • Diverse Collaboration: Bringing together diverse minds from various fields fosters innovative solutions.
  • Rapid Prototyping: Ideas evolve quickly from concept to prototype, accelerating development cycles.
  • Company Culture: These events promote a culture of openness, where failure is seen as a step toward creative breakthroughs.

In conclusion, hackathons are more than just events; they are integral to the innovation strategies at tech giants, transforming how they develop products and stay ahead in the competitive tech landscape.

But it’s not only tech behemoths participating in these innovation-centric gatherings. Non-tech enterprises and public organizations have embraced hackathons to tackle various business challenges. Fashion and luxury brands, as well as governmental bodies, have successfully used hackathons to drive digital transformation and enhance their processes.

Hackathons have thus become a universal tool, used across industries to spark creativity, solve problems, and bring innovative ideas to life.

Best Practices for Running Successful Hackathons of Any Kind

Managing hackathons—whether internal, external, virtual, or in-person—requires thoughtful preparation and a keen eye for detail to unlock their full potential. Here are a few strategies to ensure your event runs smoothly and inspires results:

• Define Clear Objectives: Start by outlining the goals of your hackathon. Are you seeking new product ideas, creative process improvements, or solutions to specific challenges? A focused purpose gives participants direction and keeps energy high.
• Build Diverse, Cross-Functional Teams: Encourage a mix of skills, backgrounds, and departments. The most innovative breakthroughs often happen when developers, marketers, designers, and subject matter experts collaborate.
• Set Realistic Timelines and Boundaries: Hackathons thrive on urgency, but it’s important to balance speed with feasibility. Structure your event with well-defined phases—ideation, prototyping, pitch sessions—and set clear deadlines for each stage.
• Provide the Right Tools and Resources: Equip teams with everything they need—from online collaboration platforms like Slack or Miro to datasets and APIs. Make sure support is available for troubleshooting or mentoring along the way.
• Keep Engagement High: Infuse the event with interactive sessions, frequent check-ins, and opportunities for participants to showcase progress. Recognition, prizes, and feedback from leadership further motivate teams to bring their best ideas forward.
• Plan for Judging and Next Steps: Establish transparent criteria for evaluating submissions, drawing on both internal experts and external judges if possible. Most importantly, map out a clear pathway for promising ideas to move beyond the hackathon—whether that means pilot programs, further funding, or integration into the business.

By applying these principles, you’ll set the stage for a collaborative, fast-paced, and actionable hackathon—one that sparks creativity, builds momentum, and sets your innovation agenda in motion.

Choosing a theme and challenge for your hackathon is the first—and arguably most crucial—step toward ensuring the event delivers meaningful results. A well-chosen focus not only inspires participants but also aligns the outcomes with your organization’s innovation goals.

Start by identifying pressing business priorities, technology trends, or emerging industry opportunities that resonate with your team and stakeholders. Consider challenges already facing your organization or anticipate future needs—whether it’s advancing sustainability efforts like Unilever, improving digital security in the style of OpenBSD, or exploring cutting-edge AI applications.

When narrowing down your options, keep these criteria in mind:

• Relevance: Does the topic address a genuine need or opportunity within your business or sector?
• Engagement: Will the challenge spark curiosity and excitement among your participants?
• Feasibility: Is the problem well defined, with room for creative solutions in the short time frame of a hackathon?

Don’t be afraid to crowdsource ideas—gather insights from employees, customers, or even external partners. A brief survey or ideation session can surface unique themes that might otherwise go unnoticed.

Finally, frame the challenge clearly and concisely. Make sure goals are specific enough to guide teams but broad enough to encourage out-of-the-box thinking. This careful balance sets the stage for a productive, inspiring hackathon that leads to actionable solutions.

Attracting the Right Participants for Your Hackathon

Recruiting participants is the bedrock of a successful hackathon. Start by defining the skills and expertise you need—whether that’s developers, designers, marketers, or subject matter experts. Cast a wide net by promoting your event through industry networks, university partnerships, LinkedIn groups, and platforms like Devpost and HackerEarth.

You can also reach potential innovators internally by leveraging company newsletters, intranet announcements, or team meetings. For broader reach, consider inviting external experts or engaging relevant meetups to bring in fresh perspectives. Don’t underestimate the power of incentives—offering prizes, mentorship opportunities, or even the chance to work with well-known organizations like Google or Microsoft can be a strong motivator.

Clearly communicating the challenge, goals, and potential rewards will help spark interest and drive signups from passionate, driven participants eager to make an impact.

Planning a Successful Hackathon: Laying the Groundwork for Innovation

The planning stage is where the foundation for a high-impact hackathon is set. Successful events don’t just happen—they’re carefully crafted, step by step, to ensure a dynamic and productive experience for all involved.

Here’s what to expect during the hackathon planning phase:

• Defining the Core Challenge: The first step is to pinpoint a compelling challenge or opportunity for participants to tackle. This could be anything from developing a new app to solving a complex business issue—whatever best aligns with your organization’s goals and inspires creative problem-solving.
• Identifying Your Audience: Next, determine who should be involved. Will you invite internal teams, external innovators, students, or a diverse mix? Selecting the right cross-section of participants helps infuse the event with fresh perspectives and skillsets.
• Structuring Roles and Responsibilities: Organizing the event means making sure everyone knows their part. Assign roles to facilitators, mentors, judges, and technical support to keep the event running smoothly from start to finish.
• Mapping Out the Schedule: A well-planned timeline is essential. Establish milestones for brainstorming, development, and presentation so participants stay energized but focused throughout your rapid-fire innovation marathon.
• Engaging and Attracting Participants: With the logistics mapped out, it’s time to get the word out and recruit motivated problem-solvers. Leverage company channels, social media, and partner organizations to build excitement and ensure robust participation.

By paying careful attention to each of these steps, you set the stage for a collaborative, high-energy event—primed to unleash your organization’s creative potential.

Best Practices for Managing Hybrid Hackathons

Navigating the unique dynamics of hybrid hackathons—where participants join both in-person and remotely—requires a thoughtful approach to ensure everyone stays connected, engaged, and productive. Here are several strategies to set your hybrid event up for success:

• Leverage Collaborative Tech: Equip your teams with reliable video conferencing, real-time document sharing, and instant messaging platforms (think Zoom, Slack, or Miro). These tools break down distance barriers, keeping communication seamless regardless of location.
• Design Inclusive Schedules: Be mindful of time zones and incorporate breaks that accommodate both onsite and remote participants. A clear, shared agenda makes it easy for everyone to know what’s next—whether they’re across the table or across the globe.
• Promote Team Integration: Mix remote and in-person participants within teams whenever possible. Encourage icebreakers or virtual meet-and-greets early on to build rapport and a sense of community.
• Ensure Fair Access to Resources: Make sure all participants have equal access to event materials, mentorship, and support throughout the hackathon. Digital resource hubs can be invaluable for this, helping to level the playing field.
• Keep Energy High: Foster excitement and motivation with frequent check-ins, milestone updates, and shout-outs celebrating team progress. Whether onsite or online, everyone should feel they’re part of the action.

By putting these practices into play, you can unlock the full potential of your hybrid hackathon, ensuring participants are empowered to collaborate, create, and innovate—no matter where they’re joining from.

How Ideation and Hackathon Software Achieve the Same Goal: Fueling Fast-Paced, Collaborative Innovation

In the innovation landscape, ideation tools and hackathon software often serve a similar purpose: they are both designed to drive intensive, collaborative idea generation within a structured, time-bound setting. Hackathons, by nature, bring people together to focus on creative problem-solving and rapid prototyping, usually under tight deadlines. By drawing a comparison to hackathon software, ideation platforms can highlight their ability to foster an active, dynamic environment that goes beyond just collecting ideas. Instead of acting as a passive suggestion box, these platforms encourage rapid idea submission, evaluation, and iteration—mirroring the urgency and focus of a hackathon.

This alignment with hackathon-style functionality is also a way to demonstrate the platform’s potential to inspire high engagement and cross-functional collaboration. Many companies turn to hackathons to break down silos and bring teams together, and an ideation tool that replicates this atmosphere can deliver the same benefits. For organizations aiming to build a fast-paced innovation culture, ideation platforms that simulate hackathon energy and productivity offer a valuable advantage, even in virtual or distributed work environments.

By positioning ideation tools in this way, companies showcase their potential to not only streamline the collection of ideas but also to transform how teams collaborate, innovate, and move ideas forward with the intensity and excitement typically associated with hackathons.

Managing Virtual Hackathons: Key Considerations and Best Practices

Successfully running a virtual hackathon requires purposeful planning, the right mix of tools, and an emphasis on fostering connections—even when teams are miles apart. While the excitement of an in-person event is undeniable, virtual hackathons offer unique advantages: inclusivity, flexibility, and the ability to tap into a truly global pool of talent.

Here’s how to set your virtual hackathon up for success:

• Choose the Right Digital Platform: Opt for robust collaboration software—think Slack, Microsoft Teams, or Discord—for communication, plus video conferencing tools such as Zoom. Cloud-based whiteboards like Miro and easy file-sharing platforms ensure smooth teamwork throughout the event.
• Establish Clear Guidelines and Timelines: Set expectations from the outset. Communicate the rules, judging criteria, and submission deadlines through a comprehensive kickoff meeting. Provide participants with a well-organized agenda and readily accessible resources.
• Foster Collaboration and Engagement: Encourage project teams to mingle and cross-pollinate ideas by scheduling virtual networking sessions, Q&A hours with mentors, and real-time progress check-ins. Gamification elements—like milestone badges or mini-challenges—can keep participants energized.
• Support and Mentorship: Ensure that experts are available throughout the event to offer technical support and guidance. Regular office hours or an open “help desk” channel can go a long way toward keeping teams unblocked and motivated.
• Showcase Results and Celebrate Success: Conclude the hackathon with live virtual presentations where teams demo their solutions. Recognition is key—celebrate creativity and perseverance with virtual awards, shout-outs, and opportunities for ongoing project support.

Virtual hackathons, when thoughtfully managed, level the playing field and create a dynamic environment where innovation isn’t limited by geography—just by imagination.

Essential Ingredients for a Successful Virtual Hackathon

To run a virtual hackathon that captures the energy and collaborative spirit of in-person events, you’ll want to bring together a few key components:

• Robust Collaboration Tools: Platforms like Slack, Microsoft Teams, or Discord allow participants to communicate seamlessly, brainstorm, and share updates in real time.
• Centralized Idea Submission: Use an ideation or innovation management platform that offers a simple, intuitive way for teams to submit ideas, upload files, and iterate on concepts.
• Structured Workflow: Set clear timelines, guidelines, and evaluation criteria up front to ensure all participants stay focused and understand what’s expected.
• Judging and Evaluation Mechanisms: Employ digital judging tools or customizable rubrics to ensure fair, transparent, and efficient evaluation of projects.
• Engagement Boosters: Add interactive activities like icebreakers, polls, and live Q&A sessions to help break the ice and keep momentum high throughout the event.
• Access to Mentors and Experts: Facilitate live mentoring sessions or virtual office hours with subject matter experts who can guide teams and answer questions.
• Reliable Project Demo and Presentation Tools: Empower teams to pitch their ideas using video conferencing apps like Zoom, Google Meet, or Webex, and ensure everyone can easily showcase their work to the judges.

Bringing these elements together ensures your virtual hackathon is set up for maximum creativity, productivity, and impact—no matter where your participants are located.

How Projects Are Presented and Judged at the End of a Hackathon

At the culmination of a hackathon, teams step into the spotlight to showcase their hard work. Each group is allotted a concise time slot to present their innovative projects to a panel of discerning judges. This panel typically comprises industry experts who lend their keen insights to the evaluation process.

What the Judges Look For:

1. 1. Originality: Is the idea fresh and unique in the tech landscape?
   2. Feasibility: Can the project be realistically brought to life and implemented effectively?
   3. Potential: Does the project hold promise for future expansion or adaptation?
   4. Relevance: Most importantly, does the project address a real-world need?

Rewards for the Winning Team:

The victorious team doesn’t just earn bragging rights. They can walk away with a variety of prizes, such as:

• • Cash Awards: Monetary incentives to further develop their project.
  • Incubator Spots: Opportunities to nurture their project in a growth-focused environment.
  • Networking Opportunities: Meetings with potential investors or employers, opening doors to exciting career prospects.

Participating in a hackathon challenges developers and IT professionals to perform under intense pressure, while organizers benefit by spotting emerging talent. In a corporate setting, hackathons also boost team engagement and collaboration.

During a hackathon, two key roles ensure that the event runs smoothly and participants can focus on innovation: the coach and the organizer.

The Role of a Coach – Innovation Program Stakeholder

The coach is a pivotal figure during a hackathon, focusing primarily on the technical aspects. Their expertise in hackathon dynamics allows them to guide participants through complex challenges. They provide valuable insights and advice, helping teams troubleshoot issues and optimize solutions. Essentially, a coach serves as a mentor, elevating the technical prowess and confidence of the participants.

The Role of an Organizer – Innovation Management Provider

The organizer plays an equally crucial role by handling all logistical elements of the hackathon. They ensure that the event operates efficiently, addressing any operational concerns that might arise. In corporate hackathons, organizers often align with the business objectives and may include roles such as business managers who are responsible for ensuring that the hackathon’s challenges meet the company’s strategic goals. Their support allows participants to concentrate fully on creative problem-solving without logistical distractions.

Together, coaches and organizers create an environment where innovation can thrive, ensuring that all participants can focus on crafting effective and inventive solutions.

Dynamic Engagement Hackathons with Ezassi Innovation

Whether you’re looking to host a one-time event or scale your efforts with a recurring series, Ezassi offers an all-in-one platform to streamline hackathons across your organization. With features designed to promote collaboration, spark innovation, and solve complex challenges, our platform allows you to:

> Promote Innovation and Creativity

Encourage out-of-the-box thinking and rapid ideation across your team.

> Foster New Product Development

Inspire your participants to develop the next big idea for your business.

> Build Teamwork and Collaboration

Strengthen team bonds by encouraging cross-functional collaboration on real-world problems.

> Solve Specific Challenges

Focus the hackathon on addressing key business challenges, driving targeted results.

> Find and Cultivate Intrapreneurship

Identify and nurture top talent within your organization or from outside participants.

>Enhance Networking Opportunities

Create a space for participants to connect and build productive relationships.

Aligning on Next Steps After Your Hackathon

After the creative flurry and collaborative buzz of a successful hackathon, it’s essential to channel that momentum into clear, actionable next steps. Here’s how you can effectively align your team and maximize the outcomes:

• Host a Focused Debrief
  Gather your participants—whether virtually or in-person—for a brief wrap-up to reflect on achievements, challenges, and lessons learned. Keep this session concise and centered on shared takeaways.
• Collect and Review Feedback
  Encourage honest insights from all involved. Use quick surveys or open roundtable discussions to get a sense of what worked well and where the process could be sharpened. This input is invaluable for refining future events.
• Assess Hackathon Outcomes
  Take stock of submitted ideas, prototypes, and solutions. Which ones show the most promise? Prioritize by potential impact, feasibility, and alignment with your strategic goals.
• Map Out Immediate Actions
  Together, define concrete next steps for each winning or standout idea. Assign clear owners, outline realistic timelines, and set up checkpoints to ensure steady progress.
• Share Results and Celebrate
  Don’t forget recognition! Publicly acknowledging participant contributions—through company channels, awards, or even a simple shout-out—boosts morale and inspires ongoing engagement.

By systematically reviewing outcomes, fostering open dialogue, and translating insights into structured action plans, you’ll ensure your hackathon’s creativity fuels genuine business growth.

Ezassi offers Flexible Hackathon Solutions for Any Need

No matter where you are in your innovation journey or how much experience you have with hosting hackathons, Ezassi offers a range of tailored solutions designed to meet your unique needs. Whether you’re planning your first event, running a series of hackathons, or looking to refine and optimize your current process, our platform is built to adapt to your specific requirements.

From short timelines that demand rapid deployment to long-term strategies for recurring innovation events, Ezassi provides the flexibility and tools to ensure every hackathon is a success. Our platform supports organizations at all experience levels—whether you’re new to hackathons and need end-to-end guidance, or an experienced host looking for advanced features to streamline and scale your efforts.

With Ezassi, you can create a dynamic, engaging experience for participants, enabling you to achieve your innovation goals, foster collaboration, and deliver measurable outcomes. No challenge is too big or small—Ezassi empowers you to execute hackathons that drive real impact.

> Event Types

Employees only | Outside participants | Employees AND external collaborators

> Hackathon Formats

One-time event | Recurring series of events | Multiple unrelated innovation events | Standardized platform to consolidate all hackathon activities

> Types of Hackathons

Hackathons come in many shapes and sizes, each designed to meet different innovation needs and organizational goals. Some of the most popular formats include:

• Internal Employee Hackathons: Exclusive to your organization’s workforce, these events are ideal for fostering internal collaboration, surfacing homegrown ideas, and unlocking hidden talent across departments.
• External Hackathons: Open the door to fresh thinking by inviting participants from outside your company—think partners, customers, or the worldwide innovation community.
• In-Person Hackathons: Traditional, face-to-face events that bring teams together in a shared physical space for an intense burst of creativity.
• Virtual Hackathons: Perfect for distributed teams or global organizations, these online events connect participants no matter where they’re located.
• Hybrid Hackathons: Combine the best of both worlds by blending onsite and remote participation, maximizing inclusivity and flexibility.
• Industry and Themed Hackathons: Tackle sector-specific challenges—like fintech, healthcare, or sustainability—or rally around a particular technology such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, or big data.
• University-Sponsored & Social Impact Hackathons: Collaborate with academic institutions or nonprofit organizations to drive innovation in fields such as education, civic engagement, or environmental responsibility.
• Coding and Technical Hackathons: Dive deep into software development, APIs, machine learning, or cybersecurity—these are popular with developers, engineers, and tech enthusiasts.

Whatever your focus or format, hackathons can be tailored to stimulate creativity, encourage teamwork, and accelerate problem-solving.

> Launch Timelines

Now! | This Quarter | 6 months | Next 12 months

> Hackathon Experience Levels

New to hackathons | A few hackathons conducted | Expert organizer

> Department Sponsors

Whether you’re from Engineering, R&D, Operations, Product Design, or any other department, Ezassi can support your hackathon goals.

Tools and Support Tailored to Your Organization

 > Current Tools

Starting from scratch? We have you covered with a full solution. 

Already using tools like spreadsheets or websites? We’ll help you level up. 

Looking to upgrade your current hackathon software? Ezassi is your source. 

> Assistance Required

Minimal help? We’ll guide your setup. 

Need best practices? We’ll coach you through the process. 

Require full partnership? We’re ready to mobilize your event from start to finish. 

> Gathering and Acting on Hackathon Feedback

After your hackathon wraps up, capturing actionable feedback is essential for continuous improvement and demonstrating value.

Here’s how to collect post-hackathon insights that move the needle:

• Solicit Participant Input
  Distribute brief digital surveys (using tools like Google Forms, Typeform, or SurveyMonkey) to everyone involved—participants, mentors, and judges. Keep questions focused on what worked, what could be better, and suggestions for future events.
• Host a Short Retrospective
  Schedule a concise virtual or in-person debrief within a week of the hackathon. Encourage open discussion about what the team enjoyed, where challenges arose, and ideas for streamlining future events.
• Measure Impact with Key Metrics
  Track outcomes such as number of ideas submitted, solutions prototyped, teams formed, or business challenges addressed. These hard numbers help paint a fuller picture of success.
• Identify Improvements & Next Steps
  Document recurring themes and actionable recommendations. Align on how you’ll apply these insights to your next hackathon—whether that’s tweaking event logistics, improving participant communication, or strengthening judging criteria.

By closing the feedback loop, you not only celebrate achievements but also build a strong foundation for your next round of innovation.

Ready to Innovate? Connect with a Hackathon Solution Consultant

• Ezassi Innovation Management Software – Our ideation and collaboration platform supports organizing, running, and tracking hackathons.
• Crowdsourcing Innovation – Use the Ezassi platform to harness ideas and solutions from internal or external crowds.
• Idea Incubation – Hackathons foster new ideas that can be nurtured through our software’s workflow.
• Collaboration Tools for Hackathons – Prepare your event for continuous success knowing the importance of seamless team collaboration during hackathons.
• Employee Engagement in Hackathons – Hackathons can boost internal participation in innovation.
• Innovation Pipeline Tracking – Hackathon-generated ideas can be fed into the Ezassi innovation pipeline for further development and project management.
• Real-time Idea Evaluation – Innovation software supports live feedback, rating and reviews, and vigorous evaluation of hackathon ideas.
• Gamification in Hackathons – Leaderboard, idea ranking, accrued participation points and other gamified elements encourage participation and competitiveness. Points can even be used to “shop” in the store for fun and valuable winners’ prizes.
• Hackathon Analytics and Reporting – Track and analyze outcomes from hackathons. Meet and exceed the KPIs of successful Innovation programs.
• Gathering Final Metrics After Your Hackathon
  After the adrenaline rush of your hackathon winds down, it’s time to translate participation and creativity into actionable data. Capturing meaningful metrics is essential—not just for reporting purposes but to ensure you can optimize every future event.
  • Survey Participants: Use surveys (Google Forms, SurveyMonkey, or your internal tools) to gather feedback from participants, judges, and sponsors across areas like engagement, learning, and overall satisfaction.
  • Participation Data: Track the number of registered users, team formations, submitted ideas, and overall project completion rates.
  • Engagement Insights: Review platform analytics for logins, session durations, comment frequency, and voting activity. These details reveal how invested and collaborative your participants were.
  • Idea Quality and Impact: Analyze submitted ideas for originality, feasibility, and alignment with your innovation goals—using your chosen evaluation rubric or scoring framework.
  • Outcome Tracking: Measure which ideas move forward, whether they advance into pilots or full projects, and how they contribute to your innovation pipeline.
  • Recognition and Rewards: Document award distributions and top contributors—points, badges, or other forms of gamification—to celebrate your event’s impact and drive future engagement.

  Bringing all of this together gives you a comprehensive picture of your hackathon’s return on investment, highlights areas for improvement, and arms you with insights for your next big innovation challenge.

• Crowdsourcing Innovation – Our software has the capability to manage large-scale open innovation initiatives, including hackathons.