Understand what a hackathon is and how it can boost your professional career.

What is a hackathon?

A hackathon is a collaborative and intensive event, usually held over short periods of time, which brings together professionals from different fields to work together to create innovative solutions to specific challenges. The term is a combination of the English words “hack” (to program exceptionally) and “marathon” (marathon).

Several large companies in the financial sector, health, beauty, environmental and even government initiatives promote this type of marathon to solve critical problems, as well as being an opportunity for networking and recruiting professionals.

What constitutes a Hackathon?

Hackathons involve multidisciplinary teams made up of developers, designers, business experts and other professionals. During the event, participants collaborate intensively to develop prototypes, solutions or improvements to projects predefined by the event organizer.

The pressure is an added spice that makes the marathon runners think quickly and speed up their ideas to develop the best solution. A hackathon can take as little as 48 hours or as long as a week.

Why take part in a hackathon?

Hackathons are great entry points to a company, but they also stimulate creativity, problem-solving skills and quick thinking. Here are some good reasons to start paying attention to this type of event and take part.

Accelerated innovation
Hackathons provide an environment conducive to the rapid generation of innovative ideas. The time pressure and diversity of perspectives contribute to creative and efficient solutions.

Skills development
Taking part in hackathons offers the opportunity to develop technical and interpersonal skills. Team collaboration, problem-solving and adapting to emerging technologies are key aspects of these events.

Networking and collaboration
Professionals from different fields have the chance to connect, share knowledge and build valuable relationships.

Professional visibility
Showcases for talent, hackathons highlight the skills of participants and can be a differentiator in their CVs and professional profiles.

Stimulating an innovative culture
Companies that promote or support hackathons demonstrate a commitment to innovation. This innovative culture can extend beyond the events and permeate the everyday working environment.

How cool is that? Much more than just technical events, hackathons are powerful catalysts for innovation, fostering collaboration, opportunities for continuous learning and the development of essential skills for professionals who want to stand out.

And stay tuned to our channels. IPDEC will soon be bringing you more news on this topic!

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About IPDEC

The IPDEC Institute is a private non-profit organization dedicated to the research, development and innovation of solutions based on computing, encompassing hardware, software, strategic information management and knowledge. Its partners are public institutions, companies and third sector organizations.

Its activities are supported by the Science, Technology and Innovation (ST&I) legal framework, driven by the Innovation Law and managed through a Technological Innovation Center (NIT-IPDEC), which supports open innovation projects.

Although the presence of women in technology has grown significantly over the years, women continue to face challenges in the field. Here are some of the biggest ones:

Deep-rooted stereotypes

Women are often underestimated in their technical abilities, facing the prejudice that they are not as competent as their male colleagues. This stigma can create an unfavorable working environment, making professional acceptance and recognition difficult.

In addition to gender challenges, women belonging to ethnic minority groups face additional stereotypes. The field of technology often lacks ethnic diversity, making these women more prone to prejudice and discrimination.

Wage inequality

Pay inequality is also a substantial challenge for women in technology. The gender pay gap and lack of advancement opportunities are issues that need to be addressed effectively and transparently. It takes the commitment of companies to ensure fair pay and equal growth opportunities for a more equitable environment.

Weight of responsibility and self-demand

In general, women are more burdened with looking after the home and children. Although there are various alternatives and agreements to ensure that this responsibility is not exclusive to women, there are still questions for female professionals about how to share such care with the professional side, a topic that is rarely addressed with men.

Women’s self-confidence is shaken even before they enter the job market. When they see the requirements for vacancies, many choose not to apply in order to avoid being questioned or embarrassed in a team.

According to the Gender Perception Report survey published by LinkedIn, women apply for 20% fewer jobs than men because they feel they have to meet 100% of the requirements. Men, on the other hand, usually apply if they meet only 60% of the requirements.

Lack of representation in leadership positions

The lack of female representation in leadership positions and in technology development teams is a persistent challenge. The lack of successful female role models can discourage women from pursuing careers in the field, creating a cycle that perpetuates under-representation. Empowering women through mentoring and visibility programs is crucial to breaking this pattern.

With this in mind, IPDEC, in its new communication project IPDECAST, will present the special program “Iara’s Voice” to interview women who are prominent in science and technology. The aim is to give visibility to and encourage more women in the sciences, addressing their experiences, challenges and market prospects. The podcast will be launched in March. Join us!

“As citizens, we seek a fairer society, based on equity, where all stakeholders have the support they need to develop and have access to opportunities without distinction. We are still a minority in many segments, but little by little, the scenario is changing and women are increasingly showing their value and seeking their place in the sun. Scientific and societal problems need inventive, skillful minds with the sensitivity to look at challenges from a different perspective, so we have a lot to contribute to science and technology! Through the “Iara’s Voice” program, we want to revive this perspective, inspire other women and value those who dedicate themselves and contribute to the growth of our region and our country through science and technology,” explains Daniella Bezerra, IPDEC’s CEO.

Overcoming the present challenges represents progress in the technology sector, by welcoming and assigning an increasingly qualified and diverse workforce, where women feel empowered and respected at all levels of the professional hierarchy.

About IPDEC

The IPDEC Institute is a private non-profit organization dedicated to the research, development and innovation of solutions based on science and technology, encompassing hardware, software, new materials and strategic information management. Its partners are public institutions, companies and third sector organizations.

Its activities are supported by the Science, Technology and Innovation (ST&I) legal framework, driven by the Innovation Law and managed through a Technological Innovation Center (NIT-IPDEC), which supports open innovation projects.

University Genesis

Shortly before IPDEC officially became a Third Sector Institution, its idea was born at the Federal University of Amazonas (UFAM) in 2012. The motivation came from the questioning of university students about investment in education in Brazil, which was far below that of other countries.

The institute was supported by the Institute of Computing (IComp), the Center for Business and Technological Development (CDTECH) at UFAM, and it was on February 14, 2014 that IPDEC was officially founded. With the aim of training people and developing solutions that have an impact on society, the IPDEC institute today has the distinction of providing an immersive experience in research, scientific and technological development for various university students and technology professionals.

Onwards and upwards

In 2017, IPDEC was officially accredited to the Amazon Research and Development Activities Committee (CAPDA), made up of representatives from the federal government, the governments of the Western Amazon states (Acre, Amazonas, Rondônia, Roraima and Amapá), institutions that promote research and innovation, the scientific community and the Manaus Industrial Pole, which consolidated IPDEC as a Science and Technology Institute (ICT) and put it on the national radar.

From that point on, it was nothing but growth! Several partnerships were signed, which enabled the development of solutions aimed at the Amazon. IPDEC also helped structure the Manaus Digital Hub and became the first research institute to be located in the Ilha de São Vicente Innovation District, in the Historic Center of Manaus.

Connecting with society

Since 2018, IPDEC has participated in landmark technology events in Manaus, such as the Manaus Digital Hub Fair and Expo Amazônia Bio&Tic, to bring the institute even closer to the population and present its initiatives. In 2024, IPDEC plans to organize more activities at its headquarters, encouraging education and stimulating activity in the center of Manaus.

Branch in Roraima

In 2021, IPDEC opened its first branch in the northern region, in the capital of Roraima, Boa Vista. The following year, the branch was also accredited by CAPDA, ensuring compliance with the guidelines for operating as a Science and Technology Institute. Now, the aim is to expand its operations in Boa Vista to include more activities to encourage and develop impact research for the Northern Region.

Success of the year: IPDEC Game Fest

In 2023, the Institute held the first edition of the IPDEC Game Fest (IGF), a gamer event whose first competition was the game VALORANT.

In a festive atmosphere, the three winning teams received more than R$10,000 in prizes, as well as pizza vouchers, trophies and medals for the players. Highly praised by the competitors, the IGF promises to be even better in 2024!

As a return to society, the event collected more than 300 kilos of non-perishable food which was delivered to the Oasis Shelter, an organization responsible for taking in socially vulnerable families in Manaus.

What can you expect in 2024 from us?

In 2024, IPDEC is planning more activities to spread the word about its actions, as well as continuing with the IPDEC Game Fest, which promises many more surprises! Your company with IPDEC is extremely important if we want to strengthen our mission of highlighting education, science, technology and innovation to build a better society.

Let’s go together! 🚀

IPDEC brings you articles related to the world of research, science and technology every week to keep you up to date. Subscribe to our IPDEC Connection Newsletter and get notified of what’s new.

About IPDEC

The IPDEC Institute is a private non-profit organization dedicated to the research, development and innovation of solutions based on strategic knowledge management. Its partners are public institutions, companies and third sector organizations.

Its activities are supported by the Science, Technology and Innovation (ST&I) legal framework, driven by the Innovation Law and managed through a Technological Innovation Center (NIT-IPDEC), which supports open innovation projects.