On May 21, 2024, the Hackathon webinar was successfully held via the Zoom platform, hosted by the Socially Agile project, with A.B.IED as a partner. This interactive online event aimed to foster innovation and collaboration among youth from Bulgaria, Poland, Greece, Cyprus, and Latvia. Creative and motivated youngsters came together to form teams and develop productive solutions to real community problems, exemplifying Greek Cypriot Hackathon innovation.

Participants worked hard using Canva presentations to bring their innovative ideas to life. Communication mainly took place via live online chat, alongside the host in video format. Informal icebreakers were a significant part of this interactive event, keeping the project’s spirit lively and enhancing participation and communication among attendees. The results were evident in the carefully crafted presentations we received from the participants.

Highlighting Greek Cypriot Hackathon Innovation: Introducing the Teams

1. ALL IN Coffee Shop

Introducing “ALL IN” – a unique company that not only operates a coffee shop staffed by individuals with disabilities but also offers educational and training programs to help other businesses become more accessible and accommodating all over Greece and Cyprus. They promote inclusivity and diversity in the workplace while serving a cup of coffee brewed with passion and purpose.

Key Features:

• Inclusive Employment: Providing sustainable work opportunities for people with disabilities.
• Educational Programs: Offering training for businesses to become more inclusive and improve their social impact.
• Community Engagement: Promoting inclusivity and diversity while creating a welcoming environment for all.

Benefits:

• Visibility and Acceptance: Increasing the visibility and acceptance of marginalized groups.
• Empowerment: Empowering an often-overlooked workforce and encouraging active participation.
• Social Impact: Creating a model for inclusive and accessible business practices.

Team Members:

• Adamantia Tsalopoulou: Student of International and European Studies. LinkedIn
• Nassos Chatzopoulos: Filmmaker/Life Coach. LinkedIn

2. Ethical.Kiosk

Ethical.Kiosk is an online platform that promotes mindful, sustainable, and local businesses by connecting them directly with consumers. The platform empowers small businesses to showcase and sell products with zero environmental footprint while simultaneously boosting the local economy.

Key Features:

• Access to Eco-Friendly Products: Consumers can easily find a wide range of sustainable and eco-friendly products, encouraging informed purchasing decisions.
• Support for Local Economies: By connecting consumers with local businesses, Ethical.Kiosk stimulates community growth and supports small enterprises.
• Transparency and Trust: The platform emphasizes transparency, providing detailed information about products’ environmental impact and origin.
• Enhanced Visibility for Small and Ethical Businesses: Local businesses gain increased visibility and a broader customer base.

Benefits:

• Personalized Experience: Tailored recommendations based on user preferences.
• Community Engagement: Connect with like-minded individuals and support local initiatives.
• Environmental and Economic Impact: Reducing CO2 emissions, waste, and supporting local economies.

Team Members:

• Paraskevi Pita: Marketer at Girls in Tech Greece and student of Business Administration at the University of Macedonia. LinkedIn
• Vasilis Menexes: Environmentalist. LinkedIn
• Dimitris Naris: Postgraduate student in the Physics Department of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki

Objectives of the Digital Event

The primary objectives of the Hackathon webinar were:

1. To encourage participants to collaborate and develop innovative solutions.
2. To provide a platform for networking and knowledge sharing among social business enthusiasts.
3. To highlight and reward outstanding projects and ideas with the potential to create significant impact.
4. To provide helpful tips and information concerning social entrepreneurship.

Registrations, Attendance, and Engagement

The Hackathon online webinar successfully attracted a diverse and engaged audience, achieving a high attendance rate and positive feedback. The effective registration process, informative content, and interactive sessions contributed to the event’s overall success.

The live chat feature significantly enhanced participant engagement and interactivity, fostering real-time communication and collaboration. High participation rates and positive feedback indicate that live chat was a valuable tool, and implementing recommended improvements will further enhance its effectiveness in future events.

“An Insight into Social Entrepreneurship” provided a comprehensive guide on applying entrepreneurial principles to solve social issues, focusing on defining social entrepreneurship, illustrating its importance, and offering practical advice for creating socially impactful businesses.

These insights and recommendations will guide the planning and execution of future webinars to ensure continued growth and participant satisfaction.

Conclusion

The Hackathon 2024, hosted by the Socially Agile project with A.B.IED as a partner, demonstrated the incredible potential of Greek Cypriot Hackathon innovation. The ALL IN Coffee Shop and Ethical.Kiosk projects stood out as exemplary models of inclusivity and sustainability, showcasing the creativity and dedication of the Greek and Cypriot teams.

ALL IN Coffee Shop is redefining inclusivity in the workplace by providing meaningful employment and training opportunities for individuals with disabilities. Ethical.Kiosk is transforming consumer habits by promoting eco-friendly products and supporting local economies. Both initiatives highlight the profound impact that innovative ideas can have on society.

This event not only provided a platform for networking and knowledge sharing but also highlighted the importance of collaboration in driving social change. We look forward to seeing these projects grow and inspire others to follow in their footsteps.

We are proud to have supported such an inspiring and successful event and are excited to continue fostering innovation and collaboration in the future.