How did you discover Open Geneva and what initially drew you to the association's hackathons?

"I participated in my first Open Geneva hackathon, the Sustainable Finance Hack, back in October 2022. I learned about it through LinkedIn and was invited by my one of my academic professors at the time.

I went in with an open mind, not knowing what to expect but ready to share and learn. I was pleasantly surprised by the event's professional yet welcoming atmosphere and the highly motivated participants. There was this strong sense of community and the open values ​​of Open Geneva really resonated with my own. The immediate satisfaction of seeing our challenge idea develop into a tangible solution, was a true moment of feel-good emotions, joy and gratitude.

Inspired by this first experience, I wanted to contribute more and decided to volunteer to organize hackathons with Open Geneva in 2023 and 2024."

Can you share a special moment from a hackathon that has left a lasting impression on you?

"Every hackathon is unique and has its own memorable moments. However, my very first hackathon is an experience that comes immediately to mind. It was particularly impactful, as it was a transformative experience that opened the door to my academic career. The challenge we tackled and the connections I made during that event were instrumental in defining my current research, interests and ambitions.

My team's challenge, titled "The Sustainable Mind(set)", provided an ideal opportunity and the perfect playground to explore sustainability from a collaborative perspective. We aimed to understand how to initiate or modify existing sustainability practices to create greater value for both individuals and communities. This aligns with the concept of collective intelligence, leveraging human power and experience to address sustainability challenges."

"Inspired by this challenge, I delved deeper into the factors influencing sustainable decision-making and behavior. This became the focus of my master's thesis, leading me to propose a challenge titled "Quantifying the Economics of a Sustainable Lifestyle" for the Sustainable Finance Hack in 2023. Together with my team, we sought to create a sustainability index to increase awareness of sustainable consumption, measure sustainability levels, inform decision-making, and promote loyalty incentives for eco-friendly choices.

These experiences laid the foundation for my ongoing Ph.D. research, focusing on sustainable mindsets and decision-making. I aim to investigate the semantics of sustainability, explore the potential of collective intelligence and hackathons in professional settings, and contribute to the transition toward a sustainable future."

How have hackathons shaped your understanding of collective intelligence?

"I believe that the power we hold as individuals can and should be harnessed for the common good. Through hackathons, I've discovered the incredible power of collective intelligence as a tool. By bringing together people with diverse backgrounds and skills, we create a synergy that fosters innovation and problem-solving. When people collaborate, they can leverage each other's strengths, brainstorm more effectively, and achieve more than they could individually."

How do you see the potential impact of hackathons in the future, both for individuals and society?

"I envision a future where collective intelligence is a cornerstone of problem-solving and innovation. By leveraging diverse perspectives and harnessing the power of human brains and technology, we can tackle complex challenges way more effectively! Participating or organizing a hackathon is a great way to develop skills, network, make a positive impact, and gain leadership experience It's a rewarding opportunity that can benefit individuals and communities alike. Plus, it's a blast!"