#hackthegap

Hey everyone,

I wanted to share a really interesting hackathon coming up in Paris that completely changes the script on traditional formats. If you've ever been frustrated by spending 48 hours building something nobody needs, this is for you.

The Event: Hack the Gap (November 14-16 at 42 Paris)

Instead of asking "What should we build?", the problems are documented before the code starts. We're talking about challenges sourced directly from real experts, NGOs, and researchers.

Why This Format Works:

Real Impact: You're solving documented problems with genuine value, not just building a quick concept.

No Brainstorming Drag: The "what to build" stage is removed, maximizing your 48 hours for actual problem-solving and coding.

The AI Factor: As AI agents (like BLACKBOX.AI) take over more of the boilerplate coding, the problem-solving becomes the core challenge. This format reflects that shift.

The event is co-hosted with BLACKBOX.AI, who is making this unique, problem-first approach possible.

Quick Details:

When: November 14–16

Where: 42 Paris

Prizes: €2000 in prizes

Jury: Stellar panel from top AI labs, founders, and product pros.

Spots are extremely limited, so if you're an AI builder ready to tackle genuine, documented challenges, apply ASAP!

What do you get when you mix badass women in technology with women trying to fix the gender disparities in the tech space? It looks a lot like Hack the Gap. 

Hack the Gap’s mission is to to amplify the voices and cultivate talents of underserved people in their community. Their goal is to bridge the diversity gap in technology. Based out of Minnesota, we got the privilege to travel to Minneapolis and work with the Hack the Gap co-founders to produce a video that talks about what Hack the Gap is and some of the success stories created by their Hackathons.

Fun Facts About the Shoot

The Downtown Minneapolis location of COCO Co-working and Collaborative Space sits on the historic trading floor of the Minnesota Grain Exchange. Opened in 1881 to promote fair trade and prevent trade abuse the space was renovated by COCO and turned into a co-working space that opened in July of 2011.

We spoke with co-founders Kristen Womack and Jenna Pederson about their reasons for starting Hack the Gap.

Jenna said, “Hack the Gap has given me more motivation and inspiration to keep going in this very challenging effort to help more women get into technology. Hack the Gap is about community and meeting new people.”

Kristen said, “Hack the Gap is about breaking outside of your comfort zone and trying something new.”

We spoke with Kim Gerst and Jasmine Russell about their experiences attending a Hackathon.

Kim said, “After Hack the Gap weekend I feel like I could do anything.”

Jasmine said, “I don’t think there is anything I can really compare Hack the Gap to. Being able to connect with women on a positive level to collaborate, to come together, to really push forward new innovative ideas and being respectful about it.”