Microsoft Global Hackathon 2024: MVPs/RDs’ Innovation and Contribution

Every year, Microsoft hosts a company-wide global hackathon. This multi-day event brings together employees from around the world, virtually and in person, to create, innovate and hack inspiring ideas. This year, for the second time, Microsoft’s Most Valuable Professionals (MVPs) and Regional Directors (RDs) are invited to participate.

With over 20,000 opportunities to participate in projects or lead their own, there were plenty of opportunities for MVPs and RDs to get involved. Approximately 400 MVPs and RDs expressed interest in participating in the hackathon. You can choose to collaborate with Community Program colleagues or Microsoft employees on projects ranging from education and responsible AI to transportation, healthcare, and diversity and inclusion. Because this was a global event, MVP and RD communities could participate from anywhere in the world. “It was really exciting to have MVP and RD involved in this hack. “Their technical insight, practical experience and ability to mentor others have led to many innovative and creative solutions.” Annie Pearl, CVP, Azure Experience and Ecosystem This is the organization that manages the MVP and RD programs.

Inspired to explore the employee onboarding experience, MVP Leslie Crook Led the project team. “The Hackathon was a great opportunity to collaborate with fellow MVPs and Microsoft HR Advisors,” said Crook. “During this period of fast-paced collaboration, our team was encouraged to think creatively with out-of-the-box solutions,” she said. We explored HR-related projects leveraging Viva, Mesh, AI-generated video, and Copilot.”

The opportunities during the hackathon were not limited to being part of a project team. MVPs and RDs are also invited to become Hack Advisors, helping project teams innovate, be creative, and solve technical questions and challenges.

MVP Muhammadkarim Tukhtaboev I was very excited to have the opportunity to participate in the internal events this year. “I found the Global Hackathon an inspiring experience. Collaborating with teams from around the world to solve real-world problems has been rewarding and exciting. As a Hacking Advisor, I had the privilege of leading teams and providing expertise on innovative projects,” said Tukhtaboev.

After a week of intense hacking, many teams submitted videos summarizing their ideas to be evaluated by a panel of experts. But for others, the hackathon wasn’t just about completing a project, it was also about the learning and collaboration that occurred along the way. MVP Jeremy Sinclair I spent a week on a project team with Microsoft employees. He said: “This Microsoft Hackathon was very interesting. I’m so glad I decided to work with so many amazing people and be a part of creating something great.”

“I am impressed by the dedication, hard work, and innovation of the MVP community. “Many of our MVPs took a week of paid time off to participate, and the feedback from our hacking team was excellent.” said Claire Smyth, who oversaw the project for the MVP Program team. “I’m already looking forward to next year,” added Smyth.

Microsoft Global Hackathon started in 2014 When new CEO Satya Nadella was appointed garage We produce events for employees across the company. Since then, Hackathon’s impact has grown every year, in part due to innovation in collaboration opportunities with customers, non-profits, and, most recently, the Microsoft Most Valuable Professionals community. “MVPs and RDs bring meaningful perspective and experience to Hackathons, and we find that this diversity can improve the results of project teams,” says Susie Kandzor of The Garage, which runs Hackathon programs around the world. “We’re ‘hacking’ our own hackathons. We’re inviting MVPs and RDs to contribute their significant expertise as we work on innovative solutions to important challenges.”

The Microsoft Global Hackathon is the largest private hackathon on the planet, with over 70,000 employees and select external guests. microsoft garage worldwide. Hear about the history of Microsoft Hackathon.