Hackathons have become a popular way for people from various industries and backgrounds to come together and collaborate on innovative solutions to real-world challenges. These events often attract a diverse group of participants, including students, professionals, and entrepreneurs. However, it is important to ensure that all attendees feel welcomed, valued, and supported throughout the hackathon experience.
The reality is people do not want to sit and listen to the same speakers repeat the same things on various occasions. In addition to being monotonous and predictable, having such a little presence in society can be extremely off-putting to the great majority of people.
The Diversity Advantage author Ruchika Tulshyan
expressed it best:
"I find it a waste of time to attend a conference where I won’t learn from a wide variety of expertise, views, and experiences.”
Diversity and inclusion are crucial aspects of any successful event, including hackathons. Here are some key reasons why the Worldwide AI Hackathon has focused on having diversity and inclusion in our event:
Increased creativity and innovation
A diverse group of participants brings a wide range of perspectives and approaches to problem-solving, leading to more creative and innovative solutions. Research has consistently shown that diverse groups are more innovative than homogenous ones. In a
study published in the Harvard Business Review, researchers found that diverse teams outperformed homogenous ones by 35% on problem-solving tasks.
Enhanced team performance
Teams that are diverse and inclusive are better able to tap into the strengths and skills of all team members, leading to improved performance and outcomes. According to a study published in the Journal of Business Research, diverse teams are more likely to be successful in team projects, with more diverse teams outperforming less diverse ones.
Greater representation
Hackathons are an excellent opportunity to showcase the talents and potential of underrepresented groups in the tech industry, such as women and minorities. By promoting diversity and inclusion in hackathons, organizers can help to increase the representation of these groups in the tech industry.
Improved community
A welcoming and inclusive community fosters a positive and supportive environment for all participants, which can lead to stronger connections and collaborations. An inclusive hackathon community can also help to attract and retain diverse talent in the tech industry.
How did Worldwide AI Hackathon promote diversity and inclusion at our event?
Based on the
Inclusive Learning Design Handbook, we decidedly have been actively recruiting participants from underrepresented groups. We have reached out to organizations and groups that represent these groups, as well as promoting the event in diverse communities.
In addition to recruiting diverse participants, it is also important to create an inclusive environment at the hackathon itself. Keeping this in mind, we aim to provide support and resources for attendees, such as accessible facilities, transportation, and child care. It is also important to have a code of conduct that clearly outlines expectations for behavior and respect toward all attendees.
Moreover, our lineup of judges and mentors is not
“manel”. We welcome a diverse variety of perspectives for our participants, which is why we aim for a balanced judge and mentor panel.
Last but not least, Worldwide AI Hackathon highly encourages the submission of projects that address diverse and underrepresented communities, including projects that focus on issues such as accessibility, healthcare, and education which can help to ensure that the solutions developed at the event are relevant and impactful for these communities.
In conclusion, promoting diversity and inclusion in hackathons is essential for fostering creativity, innovation, and a supportive community. Worldwide AI Hackathon organizers believe it’s important to take steps to ensure that all attendees feel welcomed and included in the event. By promoting diversity and inclusion, we also hope to create a more innovative and inclusive tech industry.
