The NeurotechEU Hackathon 2024 - Reflections from KI Students

A Transformative Experience

For Alexander, a Master's student in Bioentrepreneurship, the hackathon was particularly rewarding. "It was such a pleasure to participate, especially coming from the Bioentrepreneurship program where we have worked with the exact same biodesign process that was expected in this challenge. It gave me a slight advantage, and I took on a guiding role in my team," he shared. He also noted how highly KI is regarded among international students, saying, "KI is received as a very prestigious university by other students, and I received many questions about going on exchange and doing research at KI."

Aleksa, a Master's student in Biomedicine, described the experience as "deeply enriching," emphasizing the opportunity to interact with a diverse group of students from across Europe. Similarly, Nan, who studies Health Informatics, highlighted the importance of collaboration, teamwork, and communication in such an intense environment.

Gaining New Skills and Perspectives

Beyond networking, the hackathon provided invaluable learning opportunities. Alexander was particularly inspired by how many participants viewed community building as an essential aspect of improving mental health and well-being. He also honed his ability to develop and present a product prototype under time constraints.

Aleksa found the challenge to be an eye-opening experience. "The hackathon allowed me to solve problems in areas I don't work with on a daily basis. It also showed me a microcosm of the process of developing a neurotech project, bringing experts and colleagues together in one place." Meanwhile, Nan emphasized the importance of collaboration and the exchange of different ideas, which she found crucial for successful teamwork.

A Lasting Impact on Future Goals

The experience left a lasting impression on the students, influencing their academic and career aspirations. Alexander expressed his enthusiasm for participating in more NeurotechEU events and possibly pursuing work in the neurotechnology field. Nan shared a newfound interest in neuroscience and technology, while Aleksa found herself considering career paths she had never previously explored, thanks to the conversations she had with professionals from diverse backgrounds.

Encouraging Future Participation

When asked if they would recommend similar NeurotechEU activities to fellow students and staff, the answer was a resounding "yes." The hackathon not only provided a unique opportunity for learning and networking but also served as a source of inspiration for future endeavors in neuroscience and technology.

As NeurotechEU continues to foster interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation, events like this hackathon highlight the value of international cooperation and the power of collective knowledge in shaping the future of neurotechnology.