Reija Anckar

Material regarding carbon natural travelling and tourism. Online workshop and pre-assignment about the project and reports and internet links to current sources are provided in connection with the course introduction lecture. In addition, the students are expected to search for sources connected to the specific challenge they are working on.

Links on MS Teams:
Finland as a sustainable destination
Visit Helsinki nr 1 sustainable destination in the world
Carbon Neutral Experience project
Visit Finland sustainable travel report
Visit Finland travel Matkailijamittari
Visit Finland articles about travel
Eu guidebook of sustainable tourism
WTTC World Travel and Tourism Council
Kestävän matkailun opas – Land of National Parks
Tourism2030

A hackathon is an intensive event that brings together experts to collaboratively solve a challenge concerning sustainability within a limited timeframe. This hackathon is organised by Haaga-Helia UAS and Novia UAS and it is a part of the project Carbon Neutral Experience 2.0. The format is competitive.

Haaga-Helia and Novia want students to design carbon neutral solutions for a commissioner. These universities of applied sciences host together a hackathon, inviting teams of developers to participate. Each team provides a solution, and a jury selects the best product or service, awarding a prize.

The success of hackathons stems from the creative freedom they offer. Unlike typical development constraints, feel free to explore innovative solutions without rigid methodologies or company rules. While there is a time limit, organizers usually don’t impose a strict framework. This environment fosters productivity, problem-solving, and idea-sharing. Participants also get the chance to learn, network, and enjoy a welcoming atmosphere and team spirit.

Innovation: Hackathons encourage out-of-the-box thinking and innovative solutions.

Career Opportunities: Winning teams often land contracts, or job offers from participating organizations.

Whether you’re a seasoned developer or just starting out, hackathons provide a fantastic opportunity to collaborate, learn, and create something remarkable.

English

16.02.2025 - 23.04.2025

11.11.2024 - 31.05.2025

0 - 14

Faculty of Business

Reija Anckar, Edvard Lindfors

Objectives



• is familiar with the latest trends of sustainability in tourism business

• knows where tourism companies can find help assistance with sustainability challenges in Finland, but also internationally

• knows where to find sufficient and accurate information about the subject

• knows how to identify controversies and problems within the subject (e.g. green washing)

• can identify sustainable business opportunities and can give suggestions how to make these opportunities profitable for the company

• is familiar with the service design process and tools, and can use them to solve business problems

Degree Programme in Service Design

0.00 credits

0.00 credits

Approved/Rejected

None.

The hackathon is carried out in cooperation with tourism companies and the project Carbon Neutral Experience 2.0.

To be announced.

Introduction lecture on MS Teams + pre-assignment, 2 hrs, Date to be decided
Monday March 31, 2025, in Porvoo (Borgå)
Tuesday April 11, 2025, in Porvoo (Borgå)

Physical presence is required of all participants. The hackathon will start with some pre-assignments already before this date. On Monday March 31 in the afternoon, the companies involved will present their challenges, after which the groups will start working with the challenge at hand. The work will continue throughout the evening /night and continue in the morning. The groups will prepare and train pitches, supported by coaches and mentors. The solutions will be presented to the companies and a jury in the afternoon on April 1.

We plan to organise bus transport to Porvoo (Borgå) from Novia.

The hackathon is carried out in an international atmosphere, with participants from different faculties and with different backgrounds. Therefore, the language of the hackathon will be mainly English.

Pre-assignment
Information lecture, 2 h
Hackathon in Porvoo (Borgå) March 31 - April 1, 2025
Key Learning Notes after the hackathon

A Key Learning Note (KLN) is a written report, based on theory you have learned through reading course literature combined with your own reflections. The theory you use should be relevant in terms of the subject matter and the course competences.

Instead of just presenting theory, you are expected to connect theory and practice in your KLN: e.g. which theoretical models and frameworks did you use and how well could you apply them in practice? Did you come up with any improvements or own models based on this?

The KLN should include:

1. Learnings from literature (books, articles)
2. Reflections on your prior experiences in the subject
3. Reflections on workshops and project / group work
4. Reflections on what you have learned about the course competences and your personal goals
5. Reflections on how you can utilize this knowledge in the future
6. A self-evaluation of your performance and attitude during the course

The KLN should contain 5-8 pages and include references and sources. The text should be your own, no copy/pasting from sources. You are encouraged to discuss and raise questions in your report!

If the student does not participate or deliver, then the course is failed.

Physical presence and active participation is required of all participants.