Hack4.Impact Stuttgart, as part of the University Green Digital HUB E+ project, took place on April 14-15 at the Wiseman Space, the co-working hub of Impact Hub Stuttgart. Organized by the Stuttgart Media University in collaboration with Impact Hub Stuttgart, this two-day hackathon brought together students from diverse faculties to brainstorm, collaborate, and prototype innovative solutions aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The event aimed to provide students with a unique platform to channel their creative energies towards devising solutions that could have a positive impact on society. Over the course of two intensive days, five teams of enthusiastic participants delved into the challenge of addressing some of the world's most pressing issues through innovation and entrepreneurship.
Day one commenced with a warm-up and integration activities, followed by the formation of teams. Students were introduced to the SDGs, the fundamental concepts of entrepreneurship, and the inspiring success stories of startups from the region. A highlight of the day was a firsthand account from the founder of Solarbakery, a successful startup. Hearing about the journey from ideation to implementation was not only inspiring but also provided invaluable guidance to the participants on their entrepreneurial paths. Real-world experiences like these fuel the fires of innovation and encourage students to realize their potential as changemakers.
By the end of the first day, the teams had chosen their respective ideas and embarked on their missions:
Paydays: - a clothing brand that enables reusing old clothes through attractive redesign.
WO.DA - an interactive map of eco-producers of olive oil, wine, and other Dalmatian products in the region.
Nearbuy: - an app for recycling small amounts of PET waste, rewarding users for their efforts.
Medi_Scan: - a platform aimed at reducing single-use plastic in restaurants.
Ask Andi: - an IoT solution that allows monitoring conditions within beehives.
On the second day, the teams delved deeper into developing their initial ideas with the guidance of their coaches. By day's end, they had created prototypes and pitched their potentially game-changing business concepts.
Hack4.Impact Stuttgart was not just a hackathon; it was a catalyst for change, a celebration of innovation, and an incubator for future entrepreneurs. The event exemplified the power of collaboration, creativity, and the desire to make a meaningful difference in the world. It showcased that when students are given the tools, knowledge, and inspiration, they can become the driving force behind positive change.