FAQ
or: everything you wanted to know about the Hackathon, but were afraid to ask!
Now you are just about to press the Apply button but some questions are still holding you back. Since we can guess what is going through your mind, we prepared some answers to the most frequently asked questions.
1) In the application, you have to describe your idea – how extensive does it have to be?
It is important that you are open minded and have some direction of your idea. In the application, you simply have to explain it in a sentence or two and it will be enough for the start. The proposed idea is a prerequisite for entering the competition, but the uniqueness of your idea will bring higher committee attention to it during the selection process. That is why, with a more detailed description of your concept you will have an advantage in the Hackathon participant selection process. Therefore, with no hesitation – share your concepts and ideas, etc. Keep in mind that meeting your new teammates and hacking, your initial idea will most likely change – not only once, but several times during the hackathon. 
2) Will I be working on my own idea?
That isn’t necessary. Actually, it happens quite often that the team develops a mixture of all ideas team members had at the beginning of the Hackathon. This is why Roche, Spominčice, and Transformation Lighthouse will jointly select the best ideas and put competitors in teams according to similarity of submitted ideas. However, since you never know, you should continue developing your own idea and create a strategy on how to promote it and present it to your team members at the Hackathon. After the applications close, you’ll be assigned to your new team and we’ll connect you with them prior to the event. You’ll share your ideas and on the hackathon your team will proceed in one way or another.
3) Who will I be in the team with?
Based on the applications, the committee will select the participants and assemble the teams. Each team will have 4 – 6 members. 
4) Can I apply with a team?
If you already have a team, of course, you can apply together. You have to indicate in the application form that you are applying as a team and who are your team members. However, each member of the team MUST register INDIVIDUALLY, so we can collect all necessary information for further communication to all the contestants and in order to know that each team member has consented to the hackathon rules. Due to a large number of individuals who apply, it could happen that your team will get some additional members. But we’ll try to keep your team “alone”.
5) How old do I have to be?
The only condition is adulthood, well above the age of 18 Since this is an extremely creative and dynamic event, it is desired that there is also a diversity in age. So, no matter your age, if you have an idea, you want something new, challenging, meet new people and learn new skills – Dementia our common challenge is the right address for you.
6) What about education?
It is not a prerequisite. It is important that your idea is original. In the competition there are things more important than education. Creativity, originality, the ability to work in a team and openness to new ideas in the competition, can take your idea into an entirely different direction than it is at this moment. Understanding of new technologies, experience with the problem and knowledge of latest research within dementia area will be your advantage.
7) What if I don’t know anything about dementia, Alzheimer’s or the problems they face? Can I still apply?
Of course!
This is a social community challenge where we’ll work on alternatives to existing systems. Trust us, if you have a great idea, with mentors help you can get great some great insights. Now we’re searching for your ideas. How would you help diagnosed, their family members or city to improve well being of all citizens. What will be going on in the future? Will the cities change? Will people’s habits change? We’re interested in your thoughts and your idea development from the conceptual and your plan behind it.
8) What do I need to have with me?
Since the Hackathon is of a social and technological nature, you should bring a laptop or other means that you will be able to work with. Since you most likely work with a laptop, the final presentation will be in ppt, keynote or a live demonstration. In regards to overnight and sleeping options you have to know that on such events there is little rest. The rest corners will be arranged (deckchairs and some couches at the venue), while any other form of overnight accommodation is not provided. If you think that you will not need continuous work, you should arrange your accommodation yourself. You should not forget that this is a team competition. You will coordinate everything with your team during the competition. In any case, keep with you a blanket, pillow and comfortable clothing. The weekend will be long and a few hours of rest will not hurt.
9) What will it look like? We get the task – what then? Who is responsible for what? How do you develop the idea?
The agenda of the competition is posted on the “Agenda” section of the website, where there is a written detailed course of events. Competitors will get a more detailed description of the challenge at the opening of the Hackathon. Teams receive guidelines at the beginning in which direction to develop an idea, how they develop it depends on each individual team. During the competition the teams are accompanied all the time by mentors, representatives of Roche, Spominčica, Municipality of Kranj and Transformation Lighthouse. Mentors are assembled in a way to cover as many segments as possible. They will be guiding you during the competition, if you wander too far with the development of your ideas or have challenges with the team work.
10) What about the final pitching?
On Sunday afternoon, the second day of the hackathon, you will submit all the materials and pitch in front of mentors. Each team will be assessed by the committee and the 3 winning teams will be announced in the same evening.
We’re sure we covered the majority of questions. But in case you would need to know more, just don’t hesitate to write: [email protected]
Deadline for applications: 19. October 2022.
So, how far can you and your team go?
