HOW can we use technology to tackle some of the world’s biggest challenges? That curiosity led me to my first hackathon, and every event since has brought me closer to finding answers.

Hackathons are more than just coding marathons. You don’t need to be an expert coder. Some of the best participants I have met weren’t programmers at all – they were designers, marketers, problem-solvers and storytellers. What matters most is your willingness to learn and collaborate.

Hackathons are fast-paced, high-energy experiences that push you to think differently, collaborate under pressure, and turn ideas into reality.

Whether you are deep into technology or just curious about innovation, these events offer an incredible way to learn, grow, and make a real impact.

While “hackathon” is the most common term, some events also go by names like buildathon, ideathon, createathon, thinkathon and pitchathon. Regardless of the name, the goal is the same: bringing people together to create meaningful solutions.

Many of these events are now online, providing a great opportunity for introverts to develop skills and contribute from the comfort of home.

My participation in hackathons began last year with events such as MYHackathon 2024 Cohorts 1 and 2, and Ethereum Kuala Lumpur (ETHKL) 2024. These experiences have been transformative, shaping me into a better problem-solver, team player and innovator.

MYHackathon Cohort 1, held in September, was my entry point. It was a national initiative focused on real-world challenges with open-source solutions.

My team built a blockchain and artificial intelligence (AI)-based solution for legal aid services, and an AI-powered proposal parser for public-private partnerships.

In Cohort 2, held in November, my team developed an AI scam alert to combat financial crime.

At ETHKL 2024, held in October, my team developed a decentralised finance aggregator that optimised yields using AI. We won multiple tracks. The real reward, however, was the knowledge and connections gained.

The best part of hackathons isn’t the projects or prizes – it’s the people. Teams are formed among participants, and you meet brilliant minds from diverse backgrounds, all bringing unique perspectives.

You learn from mentors who have built successful startups and sometimes even get to pitch to industry leaders who can take your idea to the next level.

Hackathons also teach invaluable life lessons:

> Creative problem-solving under pressure

With limited time, you are forced to think on your feet – a skill valuable in any career and life situation.

> Teamwork

Working with diverse teams offers new perspectives. It’s about leveraging everyone’s strengths.

> Resilience

Debugging at 3am or pivoting your project at the last minute builds perseverance. Setbacks aren’t failures; they are part of the process.

> Execution over ideas

Ideas are nothing without action. The real challenge is making them work in a short time.

If you have felt unprepared for hackathons, just take the leap. Hackathons have given me a platform to explore my passion for technology while solving real-world problems.

More importantly, they connect you with inspiring mentors who teach you skills that go far beyond coding. Who knows? You might create something groundbreaking, meet a future co-founder, make lifelong friends or even discover your purpose.

I keep tabs on hackathon opportunities through social media and register whenever something interesting comes along. My goal for this year is to join more hackathons that create a global impact and benefit the environment.

In the future, I aspire to become a technology entrepreneur, focusing on leveraging blockchain and AI to create innovative solutions that tackle real-world problems.

I also hope to mentor others and inspire young people to explore technology and innovation through hackathons.

Swastik, 16, a student in Selangor, is a participant of the BRATs Young Journalist Programme run by The Star’s Newspaper-in-Education (Star-NiE) team. For updates on the BRATs programme, go to facebook.com/niebrats.