Vaasahack
VaasaHack hackathon challenges especially higher education students to innovate solutions that enhance Vaasa’s attractiveness. Leading companies and organisations in the Vaasa region provide concrete development areas for students to work on in teams during the two-day hackathon. And what could be more exciting than a competition – the best team will be rewarded!
Upcoming hackathon:
VaasaHack - Community building
This year, VaasaHack challenges participants to develop Vaasa’s sense of community. The areas of innovation include the shared spaces of VOAS’s Olympiakortteli and a health app supporting YTHS services.
In addition to VOAS and YTHS, the challenges are presented by VAMK, the University of Vaasa, Åbo Akademi, Novia, Hanken, VAMOK, and VASEK. All challenges are outlined below.
Anyone can take part in the innovation process, regardless of their educational background – everyone is welcome!
By participating in VaasaHack, you will earn one study point. All members of the winning team will be rewarded with a 50 euro S Group gift card. All participants will receive a VaasaHack overall patch and some small useful items.
VaasaHack 2025 will be organised as part of the IntoAction project, co-funded by the European Union.
Vaasa Startup Factory
VaasaHack will take place in the premises of Vaasa Startup Factory, located in the Fabriikki building at the University of Vaasa, at Yliopistonranta 10, 65200 Vaasa.
The facilities of Vaasa Startup Factory are available to students and startups from all six higher education institutions in Vaasa.
Challenges
1st Challenge - YTHS
Design a mobile application that enables seamless digital transactions with YTHS and meets modern requirements.
Key considerations:
Data protection and accessibility
- Strong authentication and inclusivity in the digital environment
- Form completion within the app
There is a need for development in mental health support and group-based activities, including:
- Remote participation in group activities via the app
- Early support for mental health
Read more about the challenge: Vaasa hack YTHS_EN
2nd Challenge - VOAS
Design a concept where the shared spaces of VOAS’s Olympiakortteli support and promote a sense of community. Consider the following aspects:
- Physical spaces – What types of spaces should be included? How can their design encourage interaction and social engagement?
- Events and activities – What kinds of events or community activities could be organised?
- Services – What services could be provided to enhance the use of the spaces and support community building?
- Resident app – How could a digital platform or app facilitate community engagement and the use of shared spaces
Consider the full potential of the entire block!
Read more about the challenge: VaasaHack 2025 VOAS_EN
Image: VOAS
3rd Challenge - VASEK
Let’s step into the shoes of business leaders for a moment. Imagine you’re responsible for a company with 50 employees. Your task is to create guidelines for attracting and retaining Generation Z employees. You’ll choose the industry yourselves and consider economic realities in your solution.
The guidelines should cover the following areas:
Values and Ethics
- How can a company communicate its values and ethics?
- What sustainable practices can a company implement?
Development Opportunities
- How to offer opportunities for professional growth and development?
- What training and mentoring programs can a company offer?
Influence Opportunities and Equality
- What inclusive practices can a company implement?
- How can an employer promote diversity and equality in the workplace?
- How to ensure an interactive work environment where different opinions are considered?
Marketing and Communication
- Where does your company communicate?
- What should be considered in communication to reach Generation Z?
Read more about the challenge: Zoomers in Working Life_VASEK
4th Challenge - Vaasa Startup Factory
At the Vaasa Startup Factory, we provide collaborative work spaces and a wellness area for students and startups from all six universities in Vaasa. Our goal is to foster a vibrant, social environment where entrepreneurial students can connect and thrive.
As we are located in Fabriikki on the University of Vaasa campus, most of our visitors are University of Vaasa students. We would like to become more inclusive and attract entrepreneurial students from all Universities in Vaasa to our space.
Designing a Concept to Attract and Engage Students in Our Space
We want you to explore the best ways to reach entrepreneurial students from Hanken, Åbo Akademi, Novia, VAMK, and the University of Helsinki and encourage them to become active members of our community. Your task is to develop a concept where shared spaces foster engagement, collaboration, and a strong sense of community.
Consider the following key aspects:
- Physical Spaces: What kinds of spaces encourage spontaneous interaction and collaboration? How can the layout and design support encounters between students?
- Events & Activities: What types of events, programs, or workshops would attract and engage students regularly? How can we create a dynamic event culture?
- Services: What additional services or resources could enhance the student experience and make the space more valuable to them?
Read more about the challenge: VaasaHack 2025_Startup Factory
5th Challenge - VAMOK
As a student union, we at VAMOK are concerned about the integration of international students into Finland. For many, studying at Vaasa University of Applied Sciences is their first step towards a new life in Finland, but adapting to a new culture, language environment, and job market can be challenging. We want to ensure that international students are not left out but instead have genuine opportunities to become part of Finnish society and build their future here.
Your assignment is to design a concept that supports international students’ integration into Finland and their connection to Finnish society. Your solution can focus on areas such as language development, integration into working life, or the creation of social networks.
Key aspects to consider:
- Interaction between Finnish and international students
- Practical support for learning the Finnish language
- Providing information and networks related to working life
- Strengthening community and a sense of belonging
Your solution could be, for example:
- An event concept that promotes interaction between international and Finnish students, supports language development, or provides opportunities related to working life.
- A digital solution, such as an app or platform, that facilitates students’ integration and everyday life in Finland.
- Another innovative idea that enhances international students’ integration and improves their chances of staying in Finland to study, work, and live.
The presentation format is open, and creativity is encouraged! You can use visual elements, storytelling, demo presentations, or other creative approaches to showcase your solution in the best and most understandable way.
Read more about the challenge: VAMOK_VaasaHack_EN
Contact us!
Elise Raittila
Project manager
elise.raittila@muova.fi
+358 40 532 1694