The hackathon is structured as a two-day event, where participants will work in teams to develop prototypes or projects based on open data sets provided by the Olomouc region. The event will include:

• Kick-off and Orientation: The event begins with an opening session, where organizers introduce the goals and objectives of the hackathon. Participants are provided with access to open data sets and information on key challenges or themes they can address, such as urban development, public services, or environmental sustainability.

• Workshops and Training: To help participants familiarize themselves with the available datasets and the tools they might need, hackathons often include a series of workshops. These may cover technical topics like data analysis or coding, as well as broader issues such as policy implications or community impact.

• Team Formation and Ideation: Participants are typically given time to form teams based on shared interests or complementary skills. Once teams are formed, they brainstorm ideas and select a specific problem they want to solve. This phase is crucial for aligning the technical capabilities of the team with the available data and the overarching challenge.

• Project Development: Over the course of the hackathon, usually spanning 24 to 48 hours, teams work intensively to develop their solutions. This phase involves data analysis, coding, and creating a prototype or proof of concept. Mentors, often experts in fields like data science, governance, or technology, are available to provide guidance and support.

• Final Presentations: At the end of the hackathon, each team presents their solution to a panel of judges. These presentations typically include a demonstration of their prototype and a discussion of how their solution addresses the challenge. Teams are also evaluated on the feasibility, innovation, and potential impact of their projects.

• Awards and Next Steps: The best solutions are often recognized with awards, and in some cases, they are selected for further development. Organizers may facilitate follow-up meetings with local government officials or industry partners to explore how these ideas can be implemented in real-world contexts.

Benefits for Participants

• Networking Opportunities: Engage with academics, policymakers, and tech experts from across the region.

• Skill Development: Gain hands-on experience in data analysis, coding, and policy-related problem solving.

• Prizes and Recognition: The best solutions will be awarded prizes, and selected projects may be considered for further development with local government agencies.

Collaboration with Policymakers

This hackathon is designed to bridge the gap between academics and policymakers. While participants will focus on technical solutions, they will also work alongside local officials, ensuring that their projects have real-world applicability. Policy sessions will allow for discussions on how data-driven solutions can influence regional governance.

Hackathons are powerful platforms for innovation, but they also come with significant challenges for both scientists and policymakers.

For scientists, the primary hurdle is the time consumption involved in organizing such an event. Balancing research with the added responsibility of planning and overseeing a hackathon can be overwhelming. Furthermore, there is often limited funding, which means scientists may struggle to secure the necessary resources. Additionally, they bear the responsibility for the entire event, from coordinating logistics to ensuring participants stay engaged and productive.

For policymakers, the challenges are different but equally demanding. Time constraints are a major issue, as their schedules are typically packed. They also face the task of finding grants to finance the event and securing partners who can bring both technical expertise and funding. Perhaps most critically, policymakers often struggle with the applicability of hackathon outputs, as many innovative ideas may not fit into current policy frameworks.

Overall, hackathon organizers must contend with high time demands and the difficulty of finding ways to practically implement innovative ideas. Success often depends on gathering a diverse range of partners who can support the event and its projects. Finally, there is a constant search for innovative, attractive topics that resonate with both participants and stakeholders.

Hackathons require dedication, resources, and collaboration, but the rewards—creative solutions and stronger ties between science and policy—make them worth the effort.

Scientists organizing a hackathon must allocate time for planning the event’s structure, including defining challenges, preparing data, and coordinating logistics. They are responsible for creating a clear agenda, identifying mentors, and ensuring that the hackathon’s goals align with real-world applications. Additionally, scientists must often manage limited resources, securing partnerships, and potentially finding funding to cover costs such as venue, materials, and participant support.

Support staff play a crucial role in organizing a hackathon by handling logistics such as booking venues, managing registrations, and coordinating technical support. They assist in preparing promotional materials, press releases, and social media outreach to attract participants and sponsors. Additionally, they provide essential support during the event by ensuring smooth operations, helping troubleshoot issues, and assisting participants and mentors as needed. Usually these role is allocated for students.

Policymakers involved in organizing a hackathon are responsible for aligning the event’s goals with relevant policy needs and identifying challenges that have practical implications for governance. They work on securing funding through grants and partnerships to support the event, ensuring financial backing and necessary resources. Additionally, policymakers help ensure that the solutions developed during the hackathon have clear pathways for real-world implementation and integration into existing policy frameworks.

Identifying required funding for a hackathon involves estimating costs for venue rental, catering, and technical equipment, which are essential for smooth event operations. Organizers must also consider travel and accommodation expenses for participants, mentors, and speakers, especially if the event attracts individuals from outside the local area. Additionally, funding is needed for prizes, marketing efforts, and post-event support to further develop promising projects and ensure long-term impact.