How Digital Inclusion Can Help Solve Grand Challenges

Hackathon events usually run over several days and involve hundreds or even thousands of people brainstorming and critiquing projects. Before the pandemic, most events were done in person or through a combination of in-person and remote efforts. But once the pandemic was underway, those models were no longer feasible. When we conducted a global study of over 68 wholly digital hackathons that took place in 2020, we uncovered a common concern among organizers of these virtual events: How could they best ensure people’s effective participation?