Lecturers Jim Seltenrijch and Marge Täks will explain why you should definitely join this course during this summer.
What is the course about?
Hackathons are an innovative way of brainstorming business ideas and creating corresponding business models that aim to tackle complex global challenges. During the sessions we create a fast-paced environment in which you, as a student, are expected to use your creativity, teamwork and time-management competences, and entrepreneurial mindset. The main goal is not to create something perfect but rather to try out new solutions to complex problems that serve as a starting point for further the development. As a team you will brainstorm different potential solutions and build a business model around your best idea. We believe that using hackathons for global challenges provide out-of-the-box solutions to complicated issues, which is exactly what is needed in our constantly changing world.
What should you expect?
Our hackathons are short sprint-like sessions that are 36-hours long and take place within one week. Each hackathon has a specific challenge, (e.g. sustainability, active aging, sharing economy, etc.), and you are expected to design your own business ideas and corresponding business models in teams. At the end of each hackathon, your team present their results in a pitch competition in front a jury.
What is your impact?
Within your teams you will work together on actual solutions in a short period of time. So do not expect perfection but rather a starting point for further development, however, we always aim to make sure that the underlying business model is future proof.
What are our tips and tricks for the hackathons?
Our main recommendation is, come with an open mind and be ready to explore and make quick decisions. Because of the limited time, you need to quickly bond with your team and find a solution that you are all happy with. This also means that sometimes you need to compromise or let others take a lead. Nonetheless, we have seen many great results during the different hackathons that we have organised.
What have we learned from different hackathons?
That creativity is endless and when applied to complex global challenges can actually bring forward solutions that contribute to solving these challenges. What we really value is the teamwork aspect, as this is also an important skillset to have in your future career. But perhaps most importantly, because of the hackathon setting there is balance between competition between the teams and having fun!
Who are we?
Jim Seltenrijch is the Head of the Impactful Entrepreneurship programme and a lecturer at Estonian Business School. He obtained degrees from Leiden University, University College London, and Tartu University. His favourite teaching subjects are creativity, entrepreneurship, and strategy. Fun fact, Jim is a real cat lover and would love to own a house with as many cats as possible.
Marge Täks is the Head of the Management, Entrepreneurship and Innovation Excellence Knowledge Team and Associate professor of Entrepreneurship at Estonian Business School. She obtained degrees from Estonian Business School, InHolland University of Applied Sciences, and Tartu University. Her favourite teaching subjects are entrepreneurship, self and competence development, and research methods. Fun fact, Marge is an experienced horseback rider and got the second place in the Estonian National Amateurs Endurance Championships.