Provide an Exploration Space

How Can the Right Space Unlock Innovation during Hackathons?

This is the ninth article of a series presenting our learnings from 10 years of InnoDays.

Lesson #9: Provide an Exploration Space

Innovation doesn’t happen in isolation. It thrives in environments that foster creativity, collaboration, and unexpected encounters. Over the past decade of organizing InnoDays, we have learned that where a hackathon takes place is just as important as how it is structured. The concept of ‘space’ should be understood in both a physical and a metaphorical sense—encompassing not just the location but also the time and resources allocated to foster creativity. The right space, in both meanings, can significantly influence the mindset of participants, spark serendipitous interactions, and ultimately lead to more meaningful outcomes. Here’s how we approach it:

1. Step Outside the Company

A change of scenery can lead to a change in thinking. Hosting a hackathon in a neutral or unconventional space—outside the typical corporate office—frees participants from their daily routines and established hierarchies. Instead of conference rooms and cubicles, we have found innovation labs, production units, or even corporate museums to be more effective. These settings encourage participants to think beyond business-as-usual and embrace new perspectives.

For example, a manufacturing company might hold a hackathon on its factory floor, immersing participants in the real environment where the challenge exists. This direct exposure can lead to insights that wouldn’t emerge from a typical meeting room discussion.

2. Create an Inspirational Environment

The right space doesn’t just provide room to work—it inspires. The setting should include elements that facilitate creativity and group collaboration: writable walls, modular furniture, and prototyping materials. But beyond functionality, the space itself should tell a story.

At InnoDays, we aim to create an atmosphere that resonates with the entrepreneurial spirit. Our last hackathon in Vienna was held at the Co-Innovation Factory located in the former Anker Fabric, the oldest industrial bakery in Europe. This space, rich with history and a strong heritage of innovation, created an environment where participants could feel part of something bigger. The story of Anker Fabric’s entrepreneurial legacy served as a powerful backdrop for teams to push their own boundaries.

3. Invite Partners and Visitors to Foster Serendipity

Innovation flourishes when diverse perspectives collide. A great hackathon space is accessible, open, and in proximity to people who can provide valuable input. By inviting external partners, company employees, customers, and members of the startup community, we create opportunities for spontaneous and meaningful interactions.

Some of the best ideas come from unplanned conversations. A casual chat with an experienced engineer, a potential customer walking by, or a startup founder with a fresh perspective can reshape a team’s approach to a challenge. To make this happen, the hackathon space should not be isolated but rather designed as an open innovation hub where interactions naturally occur.

Space as a Catalyst for Innovation

Hackathons are more than just time-bound problem-solving events; they are opportunities to explore, experiment, and collaborate in ways that wouldn’t be possible in a conventional work setting. Providing an exploration space—both in a physical sense and by ensuring the right amount of time and resources—can be the key to unlocking transformative ideas.

As we continue to refine the InnoDays experience, one thing remains clear: the right space doesn’t just host innovation; it actively enables it.

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