Hack Belgium, a giant hackathon to tackle societal challenges
Published on 14 March 2018
Publication
Digital Wallonia will be a partner of Hack Belgium 2018, which will bring together 1,500 people around 12 major challenges that touch on every facet of society: energy, circular economy, employment, media, finance, education, healthcare, ... Objective: achieve the perfect blend of design, technology and business.
A hackathon is a portmanteau of the words "hack"—representing the idea of manipulating data to solve an existing problem—and "marathon," signifying an event that spans three days of intensive work.The Hack Belgium approach, based on co-design and collaborative economy, aims to ultimately develop inspiring projects that are both catalysts for change and have business potential.To achieve this, Hack Belgium will offer no less than 140 workshops and support sessions with over 200 thematic experts and specialists in design, entrepreneurship, and technology.
Program
Day 1: Explore The first day will be dedicated to "exploring possibilities" around 12 societal challenges and 10 emerging technologies. Methodology: Practical workshops and networking activities for participants to get acquainted. Expected Output: Forming a team and having an idea for a project.Day 2: Build The second day will focus on developing the initial idea and imagining its effective implementation. Methodology: Guided workshops and individual coaching by experts. Expected Output: Defining the project plan.Day 3: Take Off The final day is the launch of the project, with a public presentation and expert feedback. Methodology: Workshops to prepare for post-hackathon follow-up (Life After Hack Belgium), pitch preparation, and pitching in front of the audience. Expected Output: The team becomes the owner of its project. What will they do with it next?
Digital Wallonia’s Participation
The Digital Agency, as part of the Digital Wallonia strategy, will be present throughout the three days of the hackathon and will contribute in various ways:
Hosting two workshops on 26/4 and 27/4, and a "Life After Hack Belgium" workshop on Saturday 28/4.
Organizing a delegation of Walloon public and private partners.
Having a stand in the Experience Zone with various activities: 3D chocolate printing with Miam Factory (26/4), digital prints by RElab (26/4 and 27/4), demonstrations, and the presence of the Wallonia Geoportal, Osimis (Orthanc/Lify), Drone Valley, Wallonie en Poche, and Picarré.
Walloon Participants:
Wallonie en Poche
Public Service of Wallonia
City of Namur
Network Research Belgium (NRB)
Drone Valley
Miam Factory
RElab
Wallonia e-health Living Lab (WeLL)
FuturoCité
TRAKK
