Hello Future Hackathon: Inspiring Girls in Latvia to Innovate
Publication date: April 3, 2025
Hello Future Hackathon: Inspiring Girls in Latvia to Innovate
As part of the European “Girls in Digital Week” and the EU Code Week project, the Latvian Information and Communications Technology Association (LIKTA) in collaboration with EdTech organisation Datorium hosted the “Hello, Future” programming hackathon. This event was dedicated exclusively to encouraging young girls from across Latvia to engage with technology and programming. Held on March 28 at the Start-up House, the hackathon culminated with innovative ideas from participants all aiming to represent Latvia in the European final.
This year’s theme, “Hello, Future: Technical Solutions for a Changing World,” challenged participants to think critically about how technology could foster significant improvements in education, health, and sustainability. Eleven teams made it to the face-to-face finals in Riga, each presenting their unique visions for a technologically advanced future.
The final jury, composed of six esteemed technology industry professionals, included:
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Ļubova Vaivode – Women for Cyber Latvia
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Elīna Ozola-Tērauda – If P&C Insurance
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Alise Gurenko – Riga TechGirls
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Zane Segruma – Accenture
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Zane Biteniece – Riga City Council
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Vita Vitola-Lapiņa – LIKTA
The hackathon was a showcase of talent and creativity, with awards given in several categories:
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Most Professional Technical Solution: Team CertiLaunch
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Greenest Solution: Team GlitchGirls
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Rising Star in Design: Team Clip & Save
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Most Practical Solution: Team Byte4Brain
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Most Inclusive Solution: IT Enjoyers
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Most Viable Idea: Team Teletubiji
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Best Exact Sciences Solution: Team Šmieguļi
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Overall Best Solution: Team Dev’s of Imo AI
Team Dev’s of Imo AI was particularly notable for their creation, “Imo” – a virtual AI friend designed to support teenagers’ mental health in a safe and engaging way. Their impressive prototype and presentation secured their spot in the European final.
LIKTA and Datorium extend their congratulations to all participants and express gratitude towards all supporters of the event. These initiatives are pivotal in nurturing the next generation of tech professionals. We are excited to support Team Dev’s of Imo AI as they go on to represent Latvia at the European level.
