76 - Hackathon Wins: From Glory to Inactivity. Unleash Innovation & Talent Thru the Event.

On this episode, we have Raphael Quisumbing and Miguel Fermin joining us to discuss hackathon wins, the glory, the inactivity that often follows, and how to truly unleash innovation and talent through these events.Hackathons are often seen as crucibles of innovation, where raw talent transforms into brilliant solutions in a burst of creativity. But what happens after the winning pitch? This episode delves into the full lifecycle of a hackathon win, from the initial surge of excitement and achievement to the often-overlooked challenge of maintaining momentum and translating those ideas into long-term impact. Our guests will share their experiences with hackathon successes, discuss why many winning projects fade into inactivity, and explore strategies for nurturing hackathon-born innovations beyond the event. We'll examine how to leverage the talent, ideas, and energy generated to drive sustainable progress in the tech community and beyond.

How would you describe the overall experience of turning hackathon concepts into sustainable projects? (Generalization)

Turning hackathon concepts into sustainable projects can often feel hit and miss. The initial burst of creativity and intense collaboration during a hackathon is powerful for rapid prototyping and validating ideas. However, the true challenge begins post-event. It requires a dedicated team willing to commit long-term, resources for continued development, and a clear path to market or integration. Many winning projects don't progress beyond the initial glory due to lack of time, funding, or clear ownership. Success depends on deliberately planning for sustainability from the outset, rather than assuming momentum will carry the project forward naturally.

What role do hackathons play in an IT professional's career development, beyond just winning? (Generalization)

Beyond winning, hackathons offer significant benefits for an IT professional's career. They provide a unique environment for rapid skill acquisition, especially in new technologies or domains. It's a low-risk setting to experiment with unconventional solutions and gain practical experience under pressure. Networking opportunities are immense, connecting participants with mentors, potential collaborators, and recruiters. Even if a project is a hit and miss in terms of commercial viability, the experience sharpens problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and presentation skills. These are invaluable for professional growth and demonstrate a pro-active, innovative mindset to future employers.

What are common reasons why promising hackathon projects end up in inactivity, and how can this be mitigated? (Generalization)

Promising hackathon projects often fall into inactivity for several reasons. A primary factor is the lack of dedicated follow-up after the event; participants return to their regular jobs, and momentum is lost. Scarcity of resources, including funding, development time, and continued mentorship, also plays a huge role. Sometimes, the initial concept, while brilliant for a hackathon, isn't truly sustainable or scalable in a real-world context. To mitigate this, teams should aim to establish a clear post-hackathon plan, seek internal or external support, and identify dedicated project champions. Focusing on the most viable features for continued development rather than trying to perfect everything immediately can also help.

What advice would you give to participants to ensure their hackathon ideas have a more sustainable future? (Generalization)

For a more sustainable future, participants should consider long-term viability from the start. Focus on solving a genuine problem and immediately define a minimum viable product (MVP) post-event. Secure team commitment and seek mentors or sponsors for continued support. Remember, translating hackathon glory into a lasting project can be hit and miss without persistent follow-through.