MET Institute of Management in collaboration with University of Eastern Finland, Congnozire, Finland Alumni India Chapter organised ‘India Finland Hackathon 2023 on Global Happiness’ on 9th November 2023, between 8 am - 8 pm.

This unique Hackathon brought ‘the diverse cultures of India and Finland’ together to explore and create solutions that promote happiness in our communities and the world at large. The Hackathon was an opportunity for the participating students to showcase their creativity and innovation in understanding the context of Happiness and its variables associated with the same.

The event’s inauguration was commenced with lighting the lamp in the presence of Mr. Pankaj Bhujbal, Hon. Trustee, Mumbai Educational Trust, Chief Guest Mr. Erik af Hallstrom, Consul General, Consulate General of Finland, Dr. Jimmy Jain, Founder, Society of Design Thinking Professionals, Ms. Rhythm Bhatia, Founder, Cognozire, Mr. Aasheesh Chudasama, Head of Innovation Collaboration, Business Finland India, Dr. Swati Lodha, Director, MET Institute of Management, dignitaries and faculty members.

During the opening ceremony, Mr. Pankaj Bhujbal, Hon. Trustee, Mumbai Educational Trust, took the stage to deliver a warm welcome to the Hackathon participants. In his address, he underscored the importance of consensus thinking and its profound influence on the overall quality of our lives. Mr. Bhujbal passionately discussed how embracing consensus thinking can foster cooperation and collaboration, ultimately paving the way for greater happiness and harmony in both our personal and professional domains.

The Hackathon\'s distinguished Chief Guest, Mr. Erik af Hallstrom, Consul General, Consulate General of Finland, shared his valuable insights on the fundamental components of happiness, such as kindness and mindfulness. He placed significant emphasis on the necessity of cultivating collaborative relationships between Finland and India, further underlining the vital role such partnerships play in the pursuit of happiness and shared prosperity.

Dr. Swati Lodha, Director, MET Institute of Management, delivered a thought-provoking address centred on the profound significance and impact of happiness in our lives. Dr. Lodha eloquently articulated how happiness plays a pivotal role in shaping our personal and professional well-being, highlighting its fundamental importance for achieving overall success and satisfaction.

Mr. Aasheesh Chudasama, Head of Innovation Collaboration, Business Finland India, took the stage to emphasise the intricate relationship that exists between happiness and innovation. He passionately highlighted that organisations and societies which prioritise happiness as a core value tend to foster a culture of innovation. Such environments inspire individuals to be motivated, engaged, and eager to contribute their very best ideas and efforts, ultimately driving creativity and progress.

Eminent speaker Dr. Jimmy Jain, Founder, Society of Design Thinking Professionals, shared his wisdom on the subject of innovation through design thinking as a powerful problem-solving approach. Dr. Jain shed light on how this methodology serves as a catalyst for generating creative and innovative solutions, empowering both individuals and organisations to effectively tackle intricate challenges.

The \'India Finland Hackathon 2023 on Global Happiness\' commenced with a captivating Round 1: What\'s-Your-Problem. Participants delved into creative problem-solving techniques, including Mind Mapping, crafting problem statements, and embracing creative thinking. The ingenious use of mind mapping led to the formulation of problem statements, effectively fostering creativity, providing clarity, and expanding participants\' perspectives. These problem statements not only offered direction but also instilled a sense of purpose.

The Round 1 activity served as a testament to the incredible power of ingenuity and international cooperation in addressing real-world challenges. It was a shining example of how innovation and collaboration can bring a radiant sparkle of happiness to the pursuit of meaningful solutions.

The Round 2: GET-SET-GO, took the participants on a journey in the realm of ‘Barrier-Free Thinking.’ This round championed inclusivity and breaking down obstacles that hinder happiness. The participants unleashed a torrent of creative solutions, with each contributing towards a more accessible and equitable world.

This round served as a powerful testament to both the creative process and collective determination of the participants. Through their diverse solutions, it became evident that we can chart a path towards a barrier-free world, where happiness is a priority for every individual.

In the Round 3: Getting-Hands-Dirty, during the ‘India Finland Hackathon 2023 on Global Happiness’, the participants focused on the crucial phase of rapid prototyping. The team began by creating an initial rough prototype to visualise the concept. The prototype was served as a foundation, allowed to identify areas for improvement and refine the design. Throughout this round, the team made several iterations and changes based on feedback and testing, ultimately moving closer to the goal of a polished and functional product.

The talented minds who conquered the challenges showcasing the innovation during the ‘India Finland Hackathon 2023 on Global Happiness’ were unveiled and rewarded.

Winners: Team TURKU
Institute Name: NMIMS School of Design
1. Moitreyee Bhattacharjee
2. Mihir Bhanushali
3. Pranay Saksena

First Runner up: Team OULU
Institute Name: Welingkar Institute of Management
1. Saloni Patil
2. Komal Dasila
3. Deepshikha Mahalik
4. Shantnu Singh
5. Abhay Jain

Second Runner up: Team SAVONLINNA
Institute Name: MET Institute of Post Graduate Diploma in Management
1. Pritesh Shinde
2. Vaishnavi Poojari
3. Ashutosh Vimal
4. Nidhi Sharma

The Hackathon was a rollercoaster of creativity and hard work, but the happiness we felt with each step forward was immeasurable. It\'s amazing how the journey to perfection can be so fulfilling.