Multidisciplinary Hackathons as Catalysts for Innovation, Creativity, and Entrepreneurship (I|C|E)
Introduction
Multidisciplinary hackathons have become a powerful tool to foster innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurship across various sectors. By bringing together individuals from different fields, hackathons accelerate problem-solving and produce innovative solutions in a short time frame. This case study explores two prominent examples: the Jugaar Innovation Challenge (JIC), a virtual hackathon held during the COVID-19 pandemic, and Hack MedEd, a hackathon focused on medical education. These case studies illustrate how hackathons can be utilised to drive cross-disciplinary collaboration and generate impactful solutions.
Background
The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the urgent need for innovative solutions in healthcare and other sectors. Traditional methods of innovation, which often involve linear, slow-moving processes, were insufficient to meet the rapid demands of the crisis. In response, the Jugaar Innovation Challenge was launched to foster multidisciplinary collaboration. Similarly, Hack MedEd was initiated to address challenges in medical education through entrepreneurial and innovative solutions.Jugaar Innovation Challenge
Problem
The COVID-19 pandemic placed immense pressure on healthcare systems, revealing gaps in resources and preparedness, especially in low-resource settings like Pakistan. Personal protective equipment (PPE), ventilators, and other critical resources were scarce, necessitating urgent, creative solutions [1].
Approach
The Jugaar Innovation Challenge (JIC), held by Aga Khan University in Pakistan, was a virtual hackathon designed to bring together innovators from healthcare, engineering, academia, and the business sector. The goal was to develop cost-effective solutions to combat COVID-19 challenges. The event was conducted entirely online and attracted over 1,400 participants from diverse fields [1].
Innovation and Creativity
The multidisciplinary nature of the JIC enabled teams to develop several innovative solutions, including:
● PakOxygen: A low-cost ventilator prototype created through collaboration between healthcare professionals and engineers, using AutoCAD 3D designs sourced internationally.
● CorVETTE: A COVID-19 triage classification tool that helped healthcare providers prioritise patients [1].
● Pukaar: An online mental health support group, promoting collective participation in online activities [1].
Outcomes
The JIC demonstrated the power of hackathons in fostering rapid, frugal innovation. Despite being a zero-cost event, it facilitated the development of 42 innovative projects, many of which were further developed post-hackathon. The event also highlighted the role of creativity, as participants were encouraged to think outside the box and use limited resources to develop impactful solutions.
Hack MedEd
Problem
Medical education faces significant challenges, particularly in low-resource settings where access to up-to-date teaching methods and technology is limited. Traditional educational models often fail to incorporate rapidly advancing technologies and interdisciplinary approaches [2].
Approach
Hack MedEd, organised by the Critical Creative Innovative Thinking (CCIT) Forum at Aga Khan University, aimed to address these challenges. The hackathon brought together students, healthcare professionals, IT experts, and engineers to develop solutions that could improve medical education. The event focused on fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and promoting entrepreneurial thinking [2].
Innovation and Creativity
Participants in Hack MedEd worked in multidisciplinary teams to develop a variety of innovative solutions, including:
● Medical education apps: Teams developed apps designed to enhance the learning experience for medical students, incorporating features like AI-driven learning modules [2].
● Virtual simulation platforms: Some teams focused on creating virtual reality tools to simulate medical procedures, helping students gain practical experience without needing physical access to patients [2].
Outcomes
Hack MedEd fostered an entrepreneurial spirit among participants, many of whom continued developing their projects after the hackathon, moving them into incubation programs. The hackathon provided a platform for cross-disciplinary learning, enabling participants to integrate perspectives from healthcare, technology, and business into their solutions. The majority of participants reported that the event improved their ability to think critically and creatively. [2]
Analysis
Both the Jugaar Innovation Challenge and Hack MedEd demonstrate the effectiveness of hackathons in fostering innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurship. Key factors that contributed to the success of these events include:
1. Multidisciplinary Collaboration: Hackathons like JIC and Hack MedEd encourage collaboration between participants from diverse fields, enabling the development of creative solutions that would not have been possible within a single discipline.
2. Rapid Prototyping and Innovation: The time constraints of hackathons push participants to rapidly prototype their ideas, fostering a high level of innovation and creativity.
3. Entrepreneurial Mindset: Hackathons nurture an entrepreneurial mindset by encouraging participants to think about the scalability and sustainability of their solutions. Many projects developed during JIC and went on to seek further development and funding [1][2].
Conclusion
Hackathons are a valuable tool for fostering multidisciplinary collaboration, driving innovation, and promoting entrepreneurship. The Jugaar Innovation Challenge and Hack MedEd provide compelling examples of how hackathons can generate impactful solutions, particularly in crisis situations like the COVID-19 pandemic and in the evolving field of medical education. These case studies highlight the importance of creating opportunities for creative problem-solving through collaborative, interdisciplinary approaches.
References:
Ahmed, R., Dayani, K., Amir, H.A., & Mian, A. (2021). Zero-cost approach to fostering multidisciplinary engagement and innovation in an academic medical center during COVID-19: experience from the Jugaar Innovation Challenge. BMJ Innovations, 7(4), 302-307. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjinnov-2020-000542
Butt, W.A., Shahood, Q., Farooqi, W.H., Ghias, K., Sabzwari, S., & Mian, A. (2020). Healthcare hackathons: fostering medical education through innovation in a developing country: a case study from Pakistan. BMJ Innovations. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjinnov-2019-000400