Hackathons: Unleashing Creativity and Collaboration

Hackathons have become vital in the tech world. These events bring together people from various backgrounds to solve problems, create new technologies, and push the limits of what's possible. Whether you're an experienced coder, someone new to coding, or simply passionate about technology, hackathons offer a unique chance to learn, create, and connect with others. In this article, we delve into why people join hackathons, share memorable experiences, and offer advice for newcomers, featuring insights from New Zealand Microsoft Azure MVP Luke Murray.

MVP Luke Murray

What motivates you to participate in hackathons?

Motivation varies for everyone, especially when organizing a hackathon. You might aim for cultural change within the organization or the next cutting-edge feature. As a regular attendee, my motivation is usually to learn. This isn't about learning something specific; it's about learning anything and challenging my own knowledge and biases. If this were a Venn diagram, "Learn" would be in the center, surrounded by having fun, creating, connecting with others, and enjoying good food at in-person hackathons. For hybrid or virtual hackathons, it's a good excuse to indulge in pizza and ice cream! Even as an advisor (mentor), you can learn a lot. Creating an Azure environment for participants to access and hack on led to a blog post and helped me think about making the infrastructure as code and Azure setup scalable, whether the hackathon was for one team of 10 or 50 teams of 10.

What advice would you give to newcomers looking to participate in their first hackathon?

This is a great question and reminds me of one I was asked the other day: "Luke, I am not a coder, so does that mean I can't participate?" No, that's not the case at all! Some of the best hackathons have people from diverse skill sets and perspectives. Even in a technically focused hackathon, you may need someone to help prepare the outcomes you're trying to achieve with your technology or pitch it to the judges. The key is that hackathons are usually run as a team!

A hackathon is a condensed sprint where rapid prototyping, ideation, and presentation skills are essential. It's like needing a "crew" in a sci-fi scenario—each member has a unique skill vital to achieving the mission. You have the "scientist" on the team who interprets the bigger picture, connecting abstract ideas and translating complex problems into goals everyone can rally behind. Then there's the "tech engineer," who is hands-on with code and hardware and the mastermind behind the technical solutions that make the project stand out.

Of course, you need a leader guiding the team under pressure, making fast decisions, and strategizing on how to maximize each member's strengths to achieve the end goal. Finally, let's not forget the "diplomat" or communicator, who keeps things grounded and effectively communicates the project's essence to outsiders, whether judges or an audience. Some people are one or a mix of these roles, but as a team, you make your project successful! I want to use an analogy again, but this time it's about the Microsoft Garage Growth framework and how I have come to view it.

What was your most memorable hackathon experience?

There are a few experiences that come to mind. The first is participating in an online hackathon. This was a technical hackathon aimed at both individuals and teams for implementing a chat generative AI solution using Azure services like Azure OpenAI and Cosmos DB. It was a great experience because it was time-bound; I had a month to go through some self-paced learning and reach out on Discord to other hackers for support and chat. There were people from all over the globe, including some new to IT! It was a fantastic experience as I could learn and participate without the additional pressure of juggling my weekends and work.

Another great experience was participating in the Microsoft Global Hackathon . As a Microsoft MVP, I had the honor of being both an advisor and a hacker in the hackathon. Even though it was virtual for us, I was involved in multiple projects with Microsoft employees across the globe. Although it led to some early hours for me in New Zealand, it was a great experience to be a part of, not only from a hacker perspective but also as an advisor. I was able to support and see other initiatives happening where I could. This experience reinforced that this scale of hackathon is indeed possible with the right support structure around you.

MVP Luke Murray at the Microsoft Garage

To wrap up, hackathons are more than just a sprint to create something new; they are a celebration of creativity, collaboration, and learning. Hackathons unite individuals with diverse talents and perspectives, creating an environment where innovation flourishes. Regardless of whether you're a seasoned participant or a newcomer, the experiences and connections formed during a hackathon can be transformative. They encourage us to think creatively, push our boundaries, and collaborate towards a shared objective. As we continue to embrace the spirit of hackathons, we not only advance technology but also build a community that values ingenuity and teamwork. So, the next time you have the opportunity to join a hackathon, dive in and see where your creativity can take you. Feel free to check out the Microsoft Garage for more information on hackathons.