Summary of Intensive Week – Innovation Hackathon | Faculty of Management and Economics at the Gdańsk University of Technology

How can we effectively combine theory with practice, academic education with business realities, and modern approaches with social challenges? This question was addressed by students from six international teams who participated in the week-long event held at the Faculty of Management and Economics of Gdańsk University of Technology from March 31 to April 4, 2025, with participation from:

• Gdańsk University of Technology (Poland)

• Häme University of Applied Sciences (Finland)

• Hochschule Niederrhein – University of Applied Sciences (Germany)

• Stockholm School of Economics in Riga (Latvia)

Under the guidance of experienced mentors from the partner universities – Nicoletta Messerschmidt and Sarah Henrietta Keeler from Hochschule Niederrhein, Melanie Kirwä and Simona Chilby from Häme University of Applied Sciences, Barbara Stepnowska from Gdańsk University of Technology, and Aivars Timofejevs from Stockholm School of Economics in Riga – students developed a business strategy for a board game inspired by the film industry, using the Design Thinking methodology.

The students’ task was not only to come up with a creative game concept, but also to build a complete business model based on prior market analysis, customer needs, and production capabilities. The result was cohesive and ambitious proposals combining the world of games with film culture and the international market.

"Understanding the market and customer needs comes only when a student operates in a real business environment – analyzing data, observing competition, designing solutions, and learning to evaluate their social and environmental impact. Innovation is the process of creating new value – by combining knowledge, creativity, and responsibility in response to specific challenges," emphasizes Dr. Barbara Stepnowska, initiator of the collaboration with the company Trefl and promoter of university-business relations.

An inspiring experience for the participants was a visit to the Trefl company – to KAZStudio, where animated and educational films are created, and later to the board game factory in Gdynia, where students could follow every stage of game production – from concept to finished product.

The company showcased a wide range of products for various audiences: from children and families to collectors and advanced players. The visit allowed participants to understand the connections between the creative world and the manufacturing industry, as well as the mechanics of the board game market.

The project was not only an intellectual challenge, but also a social and cultural experience. Students took part in inspiring workshops such as "Design Thinking in a Nutshell" and "Pitching Workshop" led by Melanie Kirwä from HAMK, and a lecture on "Raising Cultural Awareness & Bridging the Culture Gap" delivered by Sarah Henrietta Keeler from Hochschule Niederrhein.

There was also time for integration and discovering local culture – from a tour of the Gdańsk University of Technology campus including a brief meeting with the Rector, Prof. Dr. Hab. Eng. Krzysztof Wilde, walks around Gdańsk, pierogi-making workshops at Gdańskie Bowke, to an encounter with the history of democracy at the European Solidarity Centre.

Out of six teams, two were awarded special prizes:

• Best Innovation Award went to team ZomLovePire, granted by representatives of Trefl for the most innovative and original approach to game design and the business model.

• Best Pitching Award went to team Glam and Game for the best-prepared and delivered concept presentation, demonstrating clarity of message, logical structure, and persuasive delivery.

Sincere congratulations go to all the teams – for their creativity, openness, innovative approach, and remarkable ability to quickly respond to complex challenges. Students from different countries and cultures managed, in just a few days, to analyze data, understand the business context, develop a cohesive strategy, and present it convincingly. It’s an impressive achievement and the best proof that the future of education and innovation lies in such interdisciplinary, international projects.

Intensive Week — Innovation Hackathon is yet another example that truly effective education happens where academia meets practice, and intercultural and interdisciplinary collaboration responds to real-world needs.

• The project would not have been possible without the support of Trefl, which – at the invitation of Dr. Barbara Stepnowska – engaged in the initiative by sharing its knowledge and experience.
• Thanks go to Kazimierz Wierzbicki – the founder and creator of Trefl – for his trust, openness, and enabling students to explore one of Poland’s most recognized family brands behind the scenes.
• We also thank Alicja Sowa and Jakub Siemiątkowski, who not only supported the teams with their expert perspectives, but also presented a real business challenge, responded openly to student ideas, and warmly welcomed participants, creating an atmosphere where everyone felt appreciated, cared for, and comfortable.
• Special thanks to Mariusz Krzyżanowski for his invaluable support in organizing the project, as well as to Mateusz Dobrzyński from the Promotion Department of the Faculty of Management and Economics, who supported the preparation and smooth running of the entire initiative, ensuring its professional execution.