The First-Ever BDA Hackathon: Ideas Turning Into Real Solutions

Photo: Kristaps Liepa

On Saturday, February 21, participants of the BDA Artificial Intelligence (AI) School came together for a truly special milestone — the very first BDA hackathon. Throughout the day, teams worked intensively to develop innovative AI solutions designed to address real needs in society.

This first-ever BDA AI hackathon marked an important step in transforming knowledge into practical impact. During the event, participants created a wide range of meaningful and innovative solutions — from gardening support tools, personal growth coaching assistants, and job-search platforms to AI-powered home management assistants. Teams also developed an EU funding search tool, a motivation system for public sector employees, and an AI solution aimed at supporting lonely seniors.

Photo: Kristaps Liepa

What made the BDA AI School hackathon particularly unique was the diversity of its participants. Professionals from sales, finance, customer service, various commercial industries, and the public sector worked side by side. Only a few participants represented the IT field, and just a couple had prior programming experience. The BDA AI School creates an environment where learning AI is made as accessible and understandable as possible for everyone — regardless of technical background.

Eight teams, each consisting of four participants, took part in the hackathon. Working shoulder to shoulder in an intensive format, every team refined their idea throughout the day, shaping it into a final solution that was presented to the jury and fellow participants.

The teams were supported by experienced program mentors — Anna Aile, Kaspars Zemītis, Olavs Rāciņš, and Ģirts Smelters — who shared their diverse expertise, helped participants clearly define problems, and guided them toward effective and meaningful AI-driven solutions based on the knowledge and skills acquired in the program.

Both the Jury Award and the Audience Choice Award were won by the team “Saikne,” which developed an AI tool designed to support lonely seniors — a solution with strong social impact and real-world relevance.

The hackathon clearly demonstrated the growth of the program participants. Even though the learning program is only halfway through, the teams successfully applied AI tools and newly acquired knowledge to create and present impactful solutions within a limited timeframe. The skills gained through this engaging and dynamic learning process can be applied immediately — in professional environments or everyday life — and represent invaluable competencies for the future.

Photo: Kristaps Liepa

We are truly proud of every participant for stepping outside their comfort zone and thinking bigger. May this hackathon serve as a powerful starting point for achieving new goals and bringing even bolder ideas to life — because the future belongs to those who dare to build it today.