Dash - Participants

Participant FAQ 2023

1. Who and what is Dash?

We welcome all open-minded talents to apply for Dash Hack! If you are interested in problem-solving in a multidisciplinary team, and willing to develop yourself professionally - Dash Hack is for you!
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You will get to learn hands-on experience in design thinking methods as well as meet like-minded, talented people. After this hackathon, you will get in touch with the partner companies. On top of all that, everyone gets 1 study credits and, the winning teams will win prize money!

2. How much does it cost to participate?

It's free for the participants! The entire event, including the actual competition, a virtual pre-event, keynote speakers, mentoring by IDBM experts, delicious meals, and sponsor products, are free of charge.

3. Do I need to know English?

Yes! In Dash Hack, English will be the primary language.

4. Do I need prior case competition/hackathon experience?

No, the core idea of Dash Hack is to try new things and learn! We welcome every background of talents to participate.

5. Is there an age limit?

Yes, you have to be at least 18 to apply for Dash Hack.

6. I don't have a tech/design/business background. Can I still join?

Yes! At Dash, we embrace multidisciplinarity and believe that teams with diverse backgrounds should be seen as an asset! Everyone interested in innovation and design thinking methodologies is warmly welcome to apply!

The teams are built with an even balance of participants from different fields of study. So no matter if you are an architect, marketer, UX designer, coder or something else entirely, in Dash there's room and need for everyone!

7. I just started my studies this year. Can I still apply for the hackathon?

Yes, but you have to be at least 18 to apply for Dash Hack.

8. I am not a student. Can I still participate?

Yes! You can still apply! There have also been recent graduates participating throughout the years. What matters the most is your motivation and eagerness to work on our partner companies' challenges and learn how to innovate using design thinking methodologies as a part of a multidisciplinary team.

9. Can I apply with a friend?

No, you apply as an individual - we take care of the team forming process and make sure your team will be diverse, functional, and awesome. But yes, you and your friend are both warmly welcome to apply!

10. Can I get ECTS credits from participating?

If you're studying at Aalto University, you can apply for 1 ECTS credits belonging to your elective studies. All you need to do is attend, have fun and send us a short report (it's like a two-pager, you can do it!) about your experience. you study in some other university, we recommend you to contact your course coordinator and ask whether that would be possible in your university as well.

11. I'm not that familiar with the concept of design thinking, is that a problem?

There's no previous experience required for participating in Dash Hack, just eagerness to learn! We'll teach you how to effectively use design thinking methodologies and you'll receive guidance from our mentors to make the most of your team's multidisciplinarity and tackle the challenge.

Briefly described, design thinking is a problem-solving process that prioritizes the user's needs above all else, provides and iterative, hands-on approach to creating innovative solutions, and emphasizes empathic observation of how people interact with their environments.

We in Dash see design thinking as a fantastic tool to create sustainable solutions and optimal experiences for both customers and organizations. And it's something that everybody can, and should, learn.

12. Would I get any support for solving the challenge?

Yes! Before the hackathon, you'll get more familiar with the design thinking methods and during Dash Hack, our mentors will help guide you to develop new perspectives and give feedback on your ongoing project work.

Our mentors come from IDBM (International Design Business Management program), and are experts in integrating design and technology with global business development. So rest assured, you'll be in good hands!

13. Where do I stay overnight during the hackathon?

If you're coming from outside of the Helsinki area, we advise you to find a place for accommodation. If you have some concerns about that, don't hesitate to contact our Head of Participants Otso, he'll help you out!

14. Can I participate in the event remotely?

No. This year it will not be possible to join Dash remotely.

15. What do I need to prepare?

Nothing! All you need is the eagerness to learn, apply your skills, and collaborate with people from different educational backgrounds.

16. What are the prizes?

The winning team of each challenge will be rewarded with a prize money, but there will be smaller prizes as well. However, we guarantee that participating in the hackathon - learning how to solve problems by applying design thinking methods, gaining experience solving real-life company problems, getting in touch with the partner companies and meeting like-minded, talented people - is a great opportunity and a valuable experience itself!

17. When will you release more details about the event?

You can join our Telegram Info Channel, subscribe to our email newsletter or follow us on our Instagram or LinkedIn to receive updates about the application period and the hackathon!

Dash Hack FAQ 2023

FAQ

1. Am I the right fit for this hackathon?

2. How many hackathons have you hosted?

We have hosted six hackathons so far!

3. where can i lear more about dash and stay up to date?