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Q: What is the goal of the THE Port Hackathon 2015?
A: During THE Port Hackathon, the teams develop intense conceptualisations of innovative humanitarian ideas with starting quantitative analysis and conceptual prototypes, so that the best ideas survive and can be driven foreword after the event.
Q: I like the idea! But...what's a hackathon?
A: Originally composed from ‘Hack’ and ‘Marathon’ this problem-solving workshops started for intensive collaborative work between software developers. As in our case, it is often seen as a collaborative effort focused on innovation and happening during a limited amount of time (e.g. 60 hours).
Q: Do I need to be a hardcore computer specialist?
A: No, other than the word hackathon implies, THE Port hackathons are not necessarily purely software related projects, and could therefore be of all kinds of nature. Thus, we create multidisciplinary teams to add as much variety on skills to the teams as possible.
Q: I already participated to THE Port Hackathon 2014, can I apply to the 2015 edition, too?
A: All applications are open without restrictions, so please do send your application, too! But keep in mind we aim to assemble balanced and topic specific teams, not only looking at individual quality - in other words: you might have been the perfect fit for the last edition and topic, but if the selection team don't see you fitting this time, please don't feel disappointed.
Q: I'm a current THE Port Ambassador, can I also participate to the next hackathon?
A: Absolutely. Make sure you send us your complete application.
Q: What is the selection process like?
A: The call for applications to THE Port Hackathon 2015 opens May 1, 2015. Send us your complete application by the deadline. THE Port will review all applications submitted. If you are selected for the next round, you will have either a video interview or will be interviewed by a THE Port member. For those who will be selected after the second round, congratulations! THE Port will send out individual notifications with the team and topic which you will be assigned to.
Q: That was too long - short version, please?
A: Applications accepted between May 1st - June 1st, 2015
Video interview between Jun 15th - 22nd, 2015
Notification of team membership and topic in mid August 2015
Q: Can I bring my own topic?
A: You can suggest a topic if you have a special interest in solving a problem or a need in the humanitarian field through technology. 'Endless imagination' is THE Port Hackathon's motto, and we welcome your ideas! If you indeed have a topic, get in touch with us to talk further about its development.
Q: Can I apply with my own team?
A: Applications are individual. Teams are composed in order to guarantee a healthy mix of people coming from different backgrounds but you should definitely encourage your team members to apply, too.
Q: What is it all about the Red Bus?
A: The Red Bus is our favourite meeting room during THE Port Hackathon! But it is also our favourite brainstorming corner and hidden lunch break paradise...this is where the most innovative ideas are born!
Q: Do I need to pay to attend?
A: You will need to pay for your travel and your accommodation (we are able to offer free accommodation only to a limited number of participants), participation in the event is however free of charge. You might want to join THE Port Association as member though, where a membership fee applies.
Q: Is accommodation provided?
A: No, due to limited budgets we are not able to provide free accommodation for everybody. However, we can support with booking and free of charge accommodation for a limited number of participants.
Q: What about food?
A: During the event we will provide you with some basic snacks and drinks. Anyhow we strongly recommend to leave the event space for a proper meal once per day with other team members and CERN staff to exchange ideas, brainstorm, etc. …
Q: How do I get to CERN and the event space?
You will receive a Welcome brochure before the start of the event. There you will find a detailed description how to reach us including your arrival procedure and emergency telephone numbers of the local organisers. On Friday, 2nd October you will also be able to find signs guiding you to event space.
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