Hackathon for a good cause

On 8–9 May, around 200 tech enthusiasts from Borås companies, the University of Borås, Borås higher vocational education school, and upper secondary schools gathered to participate in this year’s hackathon – Borås Tech Challenge. The organiser was Tech Borås with support from nearly 30 sponsoring organisations. This year, a record number of participants created digital innovations during 24 intensive hours.

This is the third year in a row that the competition has been held at the University of Borås. What makes this year’s hackathon especially exciting is the mix of participants. Professionals, university students, and upper secondary school students all participate on the same terms. The theme of this year’s competition is “hack 4 good” and the participants are tasked with creating solutions that contribute to a better society.

Meeting place for both students and industry

Thursday, 8 May at 15:00, things started off and the teams began the creative work of creating innovations. All the teams gathered in a computer room at the university. The goal was for them to produce an executable prototype in 24 hours. Some worked all day and night, while others went home for a few hours to get some rest.

“It’s great that through our hackathon we can connect students and high school students with professionals in the tech industry. For 24 hours, everyone competes and socialises on equal terms in an area they are all passionate about,” said Gustaf Juell-Skielse, project manager for Tech Borås.

Innovation and societal benefits in one

On Friday afternoon, May 9, 5 lucky teams were crowned winners in different categories. The competition for the podium was fierce, but at the same time all teams are winners by bringing with them many new experiences, an expanded network of contacts and fond memories. 

“We are proud to offer a platform where innovation and societal benefits go hand in hand,” said Göran Lobell, CIO at NetOnNet and one of the organizers of Borås Tech Challenge.

Borås Tech Challenge

Borås Tech Challenge is a hackathon where tech-interested students and professionals in the Borås region meet and compete for a day. Each year, a new hot topic is set and teams compete to find the best and most innovative solution. The competition is carried out in teams with the ambition to create new digital services and products on different themes.

Borås Tech Challenge – Tech Borås

See film from last year’s hackathon