Microsoft hosts world’s largest private Hackathon to achieve more through technology

The largest private hacking event in the world saw over 400 employees at One Microsoft Place collaborate with over 26,000 employees from across the globe, to leverage their creativity and find innovative solutions to real-world problems.

For three days employees from every department took time away from their day jobs to brainstorm, collaborate and use the power of technology to address challenges and create something impactful in diverse industries including agriculture, healthcare, sustainability and communications.

Hackathon empowers everyone at Microsoft to use their unique skillset and harness the power of technology to break the boundaries of what is possible and innovate to make a difference. Through Hackathon, employees are challenged to make a difference in areas they’re passionate about and are given the opportunity to think in a new way, develop a growth mindset and shape the future of innovation. It also offers everyone the chance to share and collaborate with teams from diverse cultures all over the world.

Now in its sixth year, the Hackathon in Dublin is part of a global event at Microsoft which champions innovation to solve technological, commercial, and societal challenges. There are even some hacks looking to promote technology as Gaeilge!

Speaking following the Hackathon, Cathriona Hallahan, Managing Director of Microsoft Ireland said: “Our ambition at Microsoft is to empower every person and organisation to do more. Hackathon gives our employees time away from their desks to work on projects they believe technology can provide a solution for. This year the theme of our Hackathon is superpowers as we wanted to empower our employees to share their skills to achieve more.

“Over the course of three days, over 400 of our employees at One Microsoft Place have been working closely with their international colleagues to drive innovation using technology and find solutions to problems they care about.

“Our teams are pushing the boundaries of what can be achieved with technology. The innovative ideas and creative solutions which have been displayed this week prove that new solutions to everyday problems can be achieved by working together.

“Every year I am amazed at the results and this year some of the projects are exceptional. They have harnessed the power of emerging technologies, including eye gaze, AI, and virtual reality to push the boundaries of what is possible and innovate for the benefit of all in society.”

The 2019 event saw teams in Ireland collaborate with teams from Australia, Canada, Denmark, Finland, Germany, India, Norway, Spain, the United Kingdom and the USA amongst others.