Last month, a group of dedicated students took part in an immersive three-day AI Hackathon held in Tampere, Finland. The event brought together creative minds eager to develop innovative solutions that blend artificial intelligence with virtual reality to enhance the ECIU student experience.
Student Leadership and Team Collaboration
Parimala, a student representative from TUHH, played a pivotal role in guiding her team of four. With the task of crafting an AI solution, her team focused on two core challenges:
- VR Experience: Leveraging virtual reality to enrich student experiences at ECIU.
- AI Chatbots: Developing interactive chatbots to assist users in navigating ECIU services more easily.
Parimala described the team’s journey—from identifying a problem, brainstorming solutions, and developing a prototype, to finalizing the presentation. Despite facing hurdles like mastering new software within just three days and ensuring every team member’s ideas were respected, the spirit of collaboration and team bonding shone through. Their hard work was recognized with the Best Prototype Award, along with certificates that celebrated their achievement.
Learning Beyond the Classroom
For many students, the hackathon was more than just a competition—it was a transformative learning experience. Parimala emphasized how teamwork, time management, and drawing on each other's strengths were crucial to success. Moreover, the event offered ample opportunities to network and explore a new city, as evenings were free to roam and experience local culture.
Even for those who couldn’t participate in person, the event left a mark. Aayush, who applied but was not selected to attend, shared his perspective:
“It’s a great opportunity to develop skills across different disciplines. The application process is fluid and user-friendly, making the challenge appealing even if it’s competitive.”
His remarks underscore that every challenge brings its own learning curve, and that even the application process itself can be a valuable experience in understanding one’s strengths and areas for growth.
Inspiring Future Participation
The hackathon proved to be a melting pot of ideas and cultural exchanges. With industry mentors providing invaluable feedback, students not only advanced their technical skills but also built lasting networks and memories. For anyone considering a similar experience, the advice is clear:
- Embrace the learning curve and team collaboration.
- Take advantage of networking opportunities and the chance to explore new environments.
- Remember that every experience—successful or not—contributes to your personal and professional growth.
Events like the AI Hackathon are a testament to the ECIU spirit of innovation, proving that when students come together, they can turn challenges into stepping stones for a brighter future. You can find more information on the AI hackathon here!
