VOCO Green Hackathon 2024 in Tartu

On 4 November 2024, the VOCO Rohehäkaton (VOCO Green Hackathon) brought together over 100 young innovators in Tartu for a transformative event focused on creating sustainable solutions to real-world problems. Organised by Tartu Vocational College (VOCO) in collaboration with the Association of Municipalities of Tartu County (tTOL) , the hackathon welcomed students from three vocational schools in Southern Estonia, all aged 16-24, to brainstorm, innovate, and develop ideas rooted in sustainability and the circular economy.

A First-of-Its-Kind Event in Tartu

The VOCO Rohehäkaton was held in the heart of Tartu, marking the first time such an event has focused entirely on green thinking and sustainable development. The aim of the hackathon was to cultivate students' awareness of eco-friendly practices and demonstrate how an initial idea can evolve into a viable project or company. The invitation to participate was extended to all interested vocational school students, sparking widespread enthusiasm and showcasing the region's commitment to fostering a culture of sustainability.

The Challenge: Solving Real-World Problems with a Circular Approach

Students were given three challenging, real-world problems by guest entrepreneurs and organisations, each aimed at finding circular economy solutions that could be practically implemented. One of the most significant challenges was presented by TOL, which asked participants to develop a public sharing economy service that could be applied within Tartumaa for the benefit of local residents.

The sharing economy challenge particularly captivated the students: 9 out of the 13 teams chose to tackle this issue, underscoring the appeal and relevance of developing solutions that promote resource-sharing and reduce waste. This task was more than just an exercise; it offered students a genuine opportunity to contribute to the community, combining innovative ideas with practical impact.

An Intensive Day of Green Innovation

Guided by professional mentors and instructors, students spent the day developing their ideas, focusing not only on the technical aspects but also on target audience identification, marketing strategies, and the distribution of roles within each team. The teams had to think critically about the strengths and weaknesses of their ideas, considering how they might involve community partners to support the implementation of their solutions.

The hackathon culminated in a series of intense 3-minute pitches presented to a panel of judges. Each team showcased their ideas and the progress they had made throughout the day, demonstrating the potential impact their concepts could have if brought to life.

The Winners: Celebrating Innovation and Practicality

The competition concluded with the team "Ringlus" (meaning "Circulation") claiming the top spot for their well-developed concept of a P2P app that allows residents to exchange consumer goods. The app provides a platform for individuals to give and receive items within their community, promoting reuse and reducing waste—a true embodiment of the circular economy.

In addition to the top prize, two other teams were recognised for their innovative solutions, and two special awards were presented to highlight original approaches to sustainable challenges. The entries included a variety of creative solutions, from digital applications to unique event-marketing strategies that aligned with the sharing economy theme.

What’s Next? Supporting Future Development

The hackathon was not just a one-day event; it marked the beginning of a journey. Winning teams are encouraged to continue developing their ideas with guidance from mentors, exploring ways to bring their concepts to life. Through the Good Cities project, some of these ideas might even be piloted, allowing students to see their work have a tangible impact in the Tartu region.

Impact on Tartu and Beyond

The VOCO Rohehäkaton was an enormous success, serving as a hands-on educational experience that enhanced students’ understanding of sustainability while also creating a platform for them to actively contribute to the community. From the perspective of the Good Cities project, the event was a milestone in raising awareness of the sharing economy among the youth of Tartu County, building a foundation for continued growth in sustainable practices.

As Tartu continues its journey towards sustainability, events like the VOCO Rohehäkaton highlight the importance of empowering the next generation of leaders to think green, think collaboratively, and think practically. By harnessing the energy and creativity of young minds, Tartu is well on its way to a greener, more resilient future.