HerHackathon continues to support women in tech

The popular women-only hackathon, HerHackathon, will return for the fourth time from June 28 to 30. Organized by IT recruiting experts The Hackathon Company, the event will once again attract tech enthusiasts to Mannheim.

HerHackathon aims to increase the visibility of women in tech and to highlight the importance of female perspectives in the development of innovative products. More than 200 women will come to Mannheim to work in teams on digital solutions. The event offers them a platform to demonstrate their skills. HerHackathons practical relevance comes from the real-life challenges presented by partner companies, which the participants have 48 hours to solve. At the end, a panel of experts will select the team with the most innovative idea.

Get involved

Companies can become challenge setters and provide the talents with company-specific tasks. This year, tricky challenges will be set in areas such as banking, consumer goods and retail. Renowned companies such as ALDI SÜD IT, Beiersdorf, ING Deutschland and KfW are already taking part. There are still places available, interested companies can contact project manager Claudia Wilke (herhackathon@thehackathoncompany.com). ING Deutschland and Beiersdorf were able to get a first-hand impression of the impressive dynamics on site last year. The format offers great potential for companies, as talent can be recruited easily and efficiently. The companies get to see the skills and personalities of the talent, and the participants get an insight into the companies. They can quickly see if they are a good fit. The recruiting process is almost incidental. In recent years, several participants have decided to accept a job offer directly from one of the challenge setters.

The three-day event offers attendees the opportunity to not only showcase their skills, but also expand their knowledge and connect with a growing community of women in tech. Inspiring experts will share their knowledge in topic-specific workshops, such as networking and fair algorithms. The personal and professional development opportunities were very well received last year.

Safe space

Last but not least, HerHackathon offers talents, companies and the region alike the opportunity to promote greater visibility for women in the tech industry. The event series has already shown several times what a difference women can make in a team and what successes diversity can lead to. This is confirmed by project lead Claudia Wilke „You have to experience it – women between the ages of 18 and 52, from 40 nations and a wide range of technical backgrounds, come together and develop amazing things in a very short time. They brainstorm, discuss, code and laugh. HerHackathon gives great women a stage to showcase their talents and a network to grow. Participating companies gain female perspectives and experience for their product development. So everyone wins.“

The event is designed for women of all ages and experience levels who are interested in technology and innovation. Whether student, founder or professional – everyone is invited, to share their enthusiasm for technology. The application phase starts on April 15 and ends on June 3. From this date, applications can be submitted here.

HerHackathon is a safe space where women, trans- and non-binary people of all nationalities, religions and sexual orientations can work towards the same goals. Past participants describe the event as a “supportive environment for women”. Special praise has been given in the past to the harmonious, creative and inspiring collaboration and the organization that goes beyond the pure hackathon experience. The event is supported by a network of organizations and initiatives for women in tech, including #SheTransformsIT, Global Digital Women, WBS CODING SCHOOL and Women Who Code Berlin. The Digital Hub Initiative of the Federal Ministry of Economics and Climate Protection and the Department of Economic Development of the city of Mannheim are also among the supporters.

“HerHackathon empowers women in tech, championing diversity for innovative solutions. More women in tech means more diverse perspectives, fostering an inclusive environment that reflects our global society. This diversity is not just a catalyst for innovation, but also a critical factor in designing technology that serves everyone“
Serena Andrioli, Head of Marketing WBS CODING SCHOOL.