The True Value of Participating in Hackathons

Hackathons

When our team signed up for the 2023 TNHIMSS AI Hackathon, we had mixed feelings. We wondered whether we’d have enough time to present a solid solution, and the workload within such a limited timeframe seemed daunting.  

From the very first day, the energy was intense.  

As we worked through the early stages, there was a lot of uncertainty—would we be able to deliver what we had in mind? What are the other teams working on? How did our solution stack up? 

But despite the questions and the doubts, our excitement started to build as ideas began to take shape and the collaboration between team members grew. 

We quickly got into a groove, brainstorming how to make the most of the tools at our disposal. Before long, our initial worries gave way to determination. The mindset shifted from: “Can we pull this off?” to “How can we make this the best it can be?”  

As our team was announced the winner of our division and the overall event, all the earlier anxiety turned into an overwhelming sense of pride.   

We didn’t just show up to compete—we created something we were truly proud of.

hackathons

Why You Should Participate in Hackathons   

Our sense of pride from the 2023 Hackathon win is still strong, even a year later. Our generative AI solution didn’t just win the event—it evolved into something more. A version of that winning concept has been modified and built to help one of our healthcare clients, and we continue to receive inquiries about its use in similar cases. 

While the first-place trophies adorning our office shelves remind us of the achievement, the real reward came from what we learned and accomplished ‘through the process. 

Hackathons like this give us a chance to push our boundaries and explore innovative solutions, says Ryan Kettrey, co-founder of Rōnin Consulting. “When we present our work, it’s not just about showing what we’ve accomplished but also about gaining insight into how others leverage new trends and technologies. It’s an opportunity to expand our perspective, whether we’re directly involved in implementing those ideas.”

Participating in hackathons isn’t just about the competition—it’s about growth for individuals and teams. These events provide a unique opportunity to dive headfirst into solving real-world problems under tight deadlines, which pushes everyone involved to think creatively and work more efficiently. 

Looking Forward 

Last year marked our first Hackathon as a company, and we entered it without knowing what to expect. Our only certainty was our focus on leveraging technology to solve real-world healthcare challenges.  

This year, we’re more prepared and excited to work on our solution, which is more granular than the 2023 Hackathon. This year, the task is about solving problems in the healthcare industry facing nursing professionals by leveraging AI.  Nurses are under immense pressure due to workforce shortages, increasing patient care demands, and growing administrative responsibilities.  

“Last year, we created a solution that helped streamline healthcare processes,” says Chris Bybee, CDO of Rōnin Consulting, “And this year, we’re eager to develop something that will have a meaningful impact on the challenges nurses face daily.” 

We believe technology—particularly AI—can play a vital role in alleviating these burdens and supporting those on the frontlines of healthcare. 

While we can’t share our solution yet, our team is energized by the possibilities ahead. We’re committed to designing something that will push our technical limits and provide lasting value to nurses within the healthcare community.  

As we start another hackathon, we look forward to another few weeks of collaborating with industry leaders, fellow developers, and healthcare professionals to create something truly impactful. 

If you want to learn more about our AI services and how we have implemented this technology into our business, contact us today! 

Author:
Julie Simpson is the Marketing Manager at Rōnin Consulting. Before joining the team, her software development knowledge was practically non-existent. However, after countless internal meetings, soaking up information, and engaging in endless Teams chats with the Rōnin crew, Julie has transformed into a bona fide technology geek. Nowadays, she dreams about AI, laughs at dev jokes, and frequently messages the team with warnings about the eventual rise of Skynet.