Women are gonna make it! Hackathon for Women
Artificial Intelligence Center e.V. Hamburg | EEDIH4UrbanSAVE Hamburg | Bücherhallen Hamburg | German Research Center for Artificial Intelligence | Women in AI Hamburg
Theme: Promoting skills and development
Phase and Stage: DIGITAL – Upskilling / reskilling
Action: Training / mentoring
Beneficiaries: Women only; Girls only; VET Providers; Schools; Universities
Users: Education providers; Training providers; NGOs/Society
The “Women Are Gonna Make It” Hackathon, dedicated to empowering women in technology, successfully took place for the second time in 2025 due to overwhelming interest. The next edition for the 2026 is already underway.
This one-day event offers participants the opportunity to explore and develop new skills across four exciting tracks:
- Artificial Intelligence: How to Train Your Own AI: In this session, participants learn to create their own machine learning models for image classification with the help of AI.
- Internet of Things: Building a Smart Minihouse: Participants engage in building a mini house equipped with integrated sensors, e.g. for tracking humidity levels.
- Robotics – Develop a Delivery Robot: Participants have the chance to program a robot to make small deliveries
- Kickstarting a Career in AI: This track provides best practices and tips for those looking to embark on a career path in AI or the tech industry.
THE CHALLENGE
Women often face unique challenges when participating in events within male-dominated sectors. These challenges can include feelings of intimidation, where the presence of a predominantly male audience may discourage women from voicing their ideas or engaging fully in discussions. This environment can lead to a lack of confidence, making it difficult for female participants to showcase their skills and contributions.
Moreover, networking opportunities in male-dominated settings can often leave women feeling isolated or overlooked. The dynamics of conversations and mentorship may not always be equally accessible, resulting in fewer opportunities for women to connect with influential figures in the industry or to find supportive allies. This disparity can hinder professional growth and limit the potential for valuable collaborations.
Additionally, women may encounter implicit biases and stereotypes that challenge their credibility and expertise. These societal perceptions can create barriers to recognition and acceptance, further exacerbating feelings of exclusion in a space where they should feel empowered to innovate.
OUR SOLUTION
A women-only hackathon offers several significant benefits that foster an inclusive and empowering environment for women:
- It creates a safe space where women can openly share their ideas, collaborate, and innovate without the pressure of male-dominated competition. This supportive atmosphere encourages creative risk-taking and enhances confidence, allowing participants to fully express their skills and ambitions.
- It promotes networking and mentorship among women in technology. By connecting like-minded individuals, the event facilitates relationships that can lead to future collaborations, professional growth, and increased visibility in the tech industry. Participants can build a strong support system that extends beyond the hackathon itself.
- A women-only hackathon serves as a platform to highlight female talent and success in tech. By showcasing their projects, participants challenge stereotypes and inspire others, helping to pave the way for greater representation of women in the field. This visibility is crucial for encouraging more women to pursue careers in technology and innovation.
OUTCOMES
- The skills taught in these workshops open new opportunities for women, helping them to build their confidence and independence in the field of technology.
- Once participants begin programming or developing models, they are motivated to complete their projects successfully and are more willing to seek assistance from fellow women, regardless of their age, skills, or backgrounds.
- One-third of all participants identify themselves as intermediate in skill level.
- In 2025, after networking at the Hackathon, a follow-up event was hosted by the Technical University Hamburg, featuring a small workshop dedicated to sharing best practices regarding the implementation of AI by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- A maximum of 20 participants in each track ensures optimal exchange and interaction.
- Mixed groups that include participants of varying ages and skill levels create a highly productive environment, fostering valuable learning opportunities among women.
- Offering free participation removes financial barriers for women who might otherwise be unable to afford access to such upskilling events.
- Collaboration with local SMEs and other key technology stakeholders is crucial for achieving success.
