Reinvent Business - A Special Hackathon - To Imagine, Design and Build the 21st Century Enterprise

What is the goal of this hackathon?

Imagine, design, and build a more human and truly social enterprise - nothing less! Or, more practically speaking: The goal is to create concepts for products, services, and tools that translate values such as transparency, fairness, inclusiveness, and empowerment into tangible, personal experiences, and to develop practical solutions that allow companies and their people to live up to their ideals in their day-to-day decision-making and behaviors.

We don't expect this hackathon to produce any silver bullets, nor do we aim to “productize away” the deep and complex challenges of a moral economy and a more human enterprise. But we are poised to spawn a conversation by tackling concrete problem spaces that might inspire further-reaching, broader solutions.

When will the hackathon take place?

Saturday, June 9, 9 am - 10 pm and Sunday, June 10, 9 am - 6 pm.

Where will the hackathon take place?

At frog, 660 Third Street, 4th Floor, San Francisco, 94107 Map

Who can participate?

Software developers, designers, filmmakers, gamers, marketers, storytellers, academics, business leaders, and anyone passionate about technology's potential to change business from within. Both individuals and teams from companies or non-profits are welcome.

I am not a coder. Can I participate?

Of course! This is an interdisciplinary hackathon. We encourage developers as well as designers, filmmakers, gamers, storytellers, business leaders, entrepreneurs, and other creative minds to participate.

Can (corporate or non-profit) teams participate?

Both individuals and teams from companies or non-profits are welcome.

How old do I need to be to participate?

18 years and over.

Is there a cost?

No. But because space is limited, you need to apply.

When will I know if I am accepted into the hackathon?

Applications will close by May 25, and we will notify all applicants on a rolling basis.

What are the problem spaces?

  • Transparency and Accountability: How can we use open data to increase transparency and thereby foster corporate accountability and trust between companies and society?
  • Empathy: How can dynamic communication channels put individuals in companies - from c-suite on down - in better touch with their customers' needs?
  • Vision and Alignment: How can technology help organizations craft and uphold meaningful missions that are in touch with the passions of their people and society's needs?
  • Actionable Codes of Conduct: How can software applications translate abstract company values and ethical principles into personal day-to-day decision-making?
  • Collaboration and Empowerment: How can companies become open organizations that harness and build social capital both inside and outside of their institutional boundaries?
  • New Success Metrics: How can technology help capture and measure metrics that redefine success and sustainability in the 21st century (e.g. meaning, happiness)?

Teams can choose a problem space they are passionate about, and ideate, design, and build a solution. They can select to work with APIs and existing data sets or ideate from scratch.

Who are the judges?

Confirmed judges include Alexa Clay (Director, Social Intrapreneurship and New Economy, Ashoka Changemakers, and author of The Misfit Economy), Kathleen Edmond (Chief Ethics Officer, Best Buy), Jim Fruchterman (CEO, Benetech), Ted Howes (Director, Consumer Products and Innovation, BSR), Peter Kim (Chief Strategy Officer, Dachis Group, and author of Social Business By Design), Ebele Okobi (Director, Business and Human Rights Program, Yahoo!), Raj Kappor (Mayfield), Nick de la Mare (Executive Director, frog) and Kal Patel (Executive Committee Member, LRN).

Judging criteria

  • Originality of idea
  • Feasibility of implementation
  • Likelihood of adoption
  • Fidelity of code
  • Possible impact and capacity to make positive change
  • Storytelling

What is the prize?

All concepts will be promoted by the hosting parties and receive significant public recognition. In addition, the winning team will receive a cash prize in the amount of $5,000, and free mentoring from design and innovation firm frog and from LRN, a company that helps to inspire principled performance in business.

What is the event schedule?

The event will kick off on Saturday morning at 9 am with an immersive exercise, a quick creative brief, and team formation. The rest of the day the teams can brainstorm, sketch, design, and code. Saturday will end with a social gathering and drinks at a nearby bar.

On Sunday, team work will start at 9 am and continue until 5 pm. Afterwards, judging will take place and winners will be announced.

Is it an overnight event?

No. You can keep your pajamas at home!

Will there be free food and drinks?

Yes. Arrive with an appetite!

What do I need to bring?

A laptop and your creative mind. We will supply free WiFi, a fun place to work, and food.

Will you take care of my travel and accommodation?

No, sorry, we won't be able to offer that. But there's a number of affordable, nice hotels nearby the event venue, and we have negotiated a discount rate for all participants.

Who will own the code?

You do, unless you’re using something that belongs to someone else. We’ll be taking pictures and filming during the event so that we can publish the ideas and concepts generated at the event in a written report and on video. We assume that’s OK.

Will I be photographed or filmed?

Yes. By registering for the event, you agree to let us photograph and film you. So look your best!

Who are the organizers?

The event is jointly hosted by frog and LRN, in partnership with Blumberg Capital, BSR, Carnegie Mellon University, Cue Ball, Dachis Group, Fast Company, Net Impact, Silicon Valley Bank, and the World Economic Forum's Global Agenda Council on Values in Decision-Making.

More questions?

Please contact Sabrina Sandalo at sabrina.sandalo@frogdesign.com.