Last year the first hackathon at SugarFactory ever took place: Beyond Banking. This year the event returned to the former sugar factory, from Friday 8 to Sunday 10 June. Nearly 300 hackers visited our industrial event location for the 3-day ‘Discover the future possibilities for Banking’ program.
After the reception and registration at entrance east, Beyond Banking 2018 could begin. Starting with a plenary session at the centrally located Middenfabriek. With the huge kettles and the original staircase in the atrium as a backdrop, a number of world-famous speakers were responsible for inspiring lectures.
After the hackathon was officially opened at the end of the afternoon, the teams took place in the Pulppersloods. This space was turned into a hackathon space for this occasion. The timer was set: the teams were given 48 hours to come up with the best digital banking product.
Not only the two largest event rooms of the former sugar factory were used for the event. The Binnenstraat was renamed ‘tech alley’, where the latest technologies could be admired live. There was also room for relaxation; from gaming and chilling to table tennis and sumo wrestling! The Bietenwasruimte, Turbinehal and the Pakhuis also served as a break-out room and got new names especially for this weekend, such as Lara Croft and Pikachu.
Space for participants to withdraw themselves for a while was a must for the organization during this intensive weekend. In the outdoor area, participants could play a life-size chess game at the waterfront or get some fresh air.
Katinka (Eventmanager PTB Events): “SugarFactory was the ideal location for our 2018 edition, due to the combination of the inspiring old sugar factory and its location and accessibility.”
On Sunday the developers had to finish their product and pitch their ideas to the professional jury, a select group of invitees and of course the other teams. After the inspiring presentations and the award ceremony, the weekend ended with a well-deserved drink.
