For the past three years, Hack2skill has been at the forefront of empowering Samsung SDS with its internal hackathons, bridging the gap between employees and leadership and nurturing a culture of innovation. Internal hackathons, such as the Samsung SDS Digithon 2024, are more than just competitions; they are platforms that tap into the collective knowledge and creativity of employees, driving solutions that improve the organization from within.
The Power of Internal Innovation
In any large organization, employees are often the most aware of the challenges that hinder day-to-day operations or strategic growth. However, these insights don’t always reach decision-makers due to structural or communication barriers. Internal hackathons like the Samsung SDS Digithon provide an invaluable channel for employees to bring their ideas directly to the leadership team. This not only democratizes innovation but also strengthens the connection between employees and C-level executives, who might not have the chance to engage with the broader workforce otherwise.
Hack2skill’s internal hackathons have proven effective in fostering this environment, making employees feel heard, valued, and empowered to contribute meaningfully to the organization’s growth.
How the Hackathon Unfolds
The Samsung SDS Digithon 2024 featured a structured and exciting process, starting with registration and team formation. Employees across different experience levels joined forces to brainstorm and develop solutions that aligned with the organization’s challenges. This hackathon was designed with three main tracks:
Tech Track: Developers and designers collaborated to create innovative prototypes addressing key technological challenges.
Functional/Operations Track: Open to non-tech employees, this track invited ideas to solve management and operational issues.
Shortlisted teams from these tracks presented their refined concepts to a panel of leaders, receiving feedback to enhance their solutions before resubmission. This dynamic exchange ensures that the best ideas emerge with strong potential for real-world implementation.
Why Internal Hackathons Matter
Internal hackathons like the Samsung SDS Digithon go beyond traditional employee engagement activities. They harness the practical knowledge employees possess about their workplace’s internal workings, leveraging that understanding to innovate effectively. This leads not only to solutions that address existing problems but also to discovering hidden talent within the company—employees who may otherwise remain unnoticed.
Prizes and Recognition
The hackathon celebrated winning teams with substantial cash prizes and well-deserved recognition, motivating participants to continue innovating and contributing to the organization’s success.
More Than Just an Event
Hack2skill doesn’t just help organizations find solutions; it helps uncover hidden gems within their workforce. These hackathons provide rewarding experiences that strengthen company culture, making them invaluable compared to other employee engagement activities. Through events like the Samsung SDS Digithon, innovation becomes part of the organization’s DNA, ensuring a continuous cycle of growth and improvement.