FOODATHON 2024 was more than just an event—it was a transformative experience showcasing the power of hackathons in addressing global challenges. Organized by the Primorski Technology Park in collaboration with Danfoss and SPIRIT Slovenia, this international hackathon brought together young talents from Serbia, North Macedonia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Slovenia to innovate solutions for a sustainable food supply chain. The focus was on energy-efficient technologies, a timely theme given the pressing issues of climate change, resource scarcity, and food waste.
Held on October 17, 2024, at Danfoss’s headquarters in Ljubljana, the event created a vibrant space for collaboration and problem-solving. Participants formed teams to tackle real-world challenges faced by Danfoss, while addressing broader trends in the food industry. From farm to table, energy efficiency plays a critical role, and the event sought to inspire ideas that could transform the way we produce and distribute food sustainably.
Beyond awards, FOODATHON fostered invaluable networking opportunities, knowledge exchange, and hands-on experience in rapid idea development and testing. Hackathons like this push the boundaries of traditional innovation processes, encouraging creative problem-solving under time constraints.
Insights from Danfoss: A Partner Committed to Innovation
Mateja Panjan, a representative of Danfoss, shared her perspective on the role of hackathons in driving change.
Why are hackathons important for companies like Danfoss?
“Hackathons bring fresh ideas, whether from employees or external collaborators. These events gather individuals with diverse skills, and magic happens when they work together. They help us look at challenges from new angles and allow us to test ideas quickly. For Danfoss, committed to sustainability and energy efficiency, hackathons are key to discovering innovative approaches aligned with our mission.”
Why involve young people in such activities?
“Young people are deeply connected to new technologies and offer fresh perspectives. This time, with Primorski Technology Park, we introduced FOODATHON to focus on food, energy, and sustainability. Young participants tackled issues like optimizing energy use and reducing food waste, areas where
Danfoss has innovative solutions like the IoT-powered Alsense. Their contributions were insightful and will inspire further development.”
How do hackathons differ from traditional innovation processes?
“Hackathons are intense, fast-paced events that foster creative thinking and collaboration across stakeholders. Unlike traditional processes, which can be lengthy, hackathons deliver rapid results by bringing diverse perspectives together in a dynamic environment. This approach nurtures agility and openness to new ideas—essential qualities for a company like Danfoss.”
How do hackathons align with Danfoss’s sustainability goals?
“Our products aim to improve energy efficiency, and hackathons help us explore new trends and technologies to address emerging challenges. They contribute to our vision of being a sustainable and innovative company working towards global climate goals.”
Hackathons: A Tool for a Sustainable Future
FOODATHON 2024 exemplifies how hackathons serve as powerful tools for change. They bridge the gap between creativity and real-world applications, fostering an environment where young innovators, industry leaders, and technical experts collaborate to address critical challenges. By investing in events like these, companies such as Danfoss demonstrate their commitment to a sustainable future, while empowering the next generation to be active participants in global transformation.
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