#ideahack

You have just 24 hours to solve a company’s barrier to success with a brand new team of strangers. Ready? Go!

Let the brainstorming begin! Instantly, the office we claimed was covered with large Post-It paper sheets full of our ideas. My team quickly realized we have different personalities and working styles; and we had to get on the same page if we wanted to come up with a successful proposal. Earlier in the week, we reviewed different emotional intelligence exercises to determine how to best work with each other. While it was a bit of a kumbaya moment, knowing how to work with one another set us on the right path for the rest of the hackathon.

My hackathon experience was filled with a varied mix of emotions. Just when we thought we were onto the next big thing, we started talking in circles. Circles became tangents. Tangents became side conversations. Suddenly, thirty minutes passed and we felt like we were back to square one. While we all wanted to get frustrated, it was great to see my team embrace this level of productive discomfort and get to know each other beyond our marketing, web development and product and design skills.

I cannot think of a better way to be thrown into the startup world than with a hackathon. Though, I may have been overwhelmed by the unknown throwing myself into a group proved that with the power of collaboration, we could innovate and produce something truly impressive in twenty-four hours. Three Tips to Consider When Participating in a Hackathon:  

Ride the idea roller coaster. An idea hackathon is an evolution of ideas. To be successful, you have to stay on board and see what unravels.

Get to know your teammates' strengths and weaknesses.  Learn how to work with your team to not only produce the best product but enjoy each other’s company.

Have fun! The more fun you have, the more creative you can be.

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Spotlight on: Something Belle

The Possible Project will open Innolab: Think Possible, a makershop, in September 2013

CAMBRIDGE (June 21, 2013) - Ready, set, innovate! Boston startups can welcome their new neighbor, Innolab: Think Possible, with open arms. Innolab is the makerspace for The Possible Project (TPP), and will celebrate its official grand opening at 10 a.m. on Sept. 1, at 123 Kendall Square in Cambridge. With the best state-of-the-art equipment available, students are eager to think of the endless possibilities.

“Inspiration for the name ‘Innolab:Think Possible’ was drawn from our mission of empowering our students to be innovative as entrepreneurs,” said Leah Camhi, Executive Director of TPP. “It’s possible to make their ideas a reality.”  

The grand opening of Innolab will showcase current projects from students and attendees will get a sneak peak of the curriculum that will be used in the Fall. Innolab will be equipped with high tech equipment including 3D printers, laser cutting machines and more. “The state-of-the-art equipment will help students learn advanced manufacturing techniques for jobs in the 21st Century economy,” said Camhi.

TPP utilizes entrepreneurship to inspire young people who have untapped potential, empowering them with skills required to achieve enduring personal and professional success. “We guide our students through a novel dynamic curriculum, hands-on work experience, and assistance with entrepreneurial endeavors and career goals,” said Camhi.

TPP strives to have all their students use their skills to move through a high-level career path and improve their communities while remaining committed to the principle that ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE!