VaasaHack 11-12 April 2025 challenges university students to innovate solutions that strengthen Vaasa's attractiveness

Vaasa University of Applied Sciences' Design Centre MUOVA, together with its partners, will organise VaasaHack on 11-12 April 2025 at the Vaasa Startup Factory in the Fabriikki building at the University of Vaasa. VaasaHack is a free, open event for all university students in Vaasa. The participants of VaasaHack will have a chance to work in teams on challenges of their choice, which this year focus on developing the community spirit of Vaasa. 

The areas of innovation include the shared spaces of VOAS’s Olympiakortteli and a health app supporting YTHS services. In addition to VOAS and YTHS, the challenges are presented by VASEK, Åbo Akademi, Novia, Hanken, the University of Vaasa, VAMK, and VAMOK. 

Networking and collaborative development in three languages 

The event offers students the chance to network and develop their creative problem-solving skills. No specific educational background is required, anyone interested in innovation and co-development is welcome. Participants can work in Finnish, Swedish, or English. 

No prior experience in innovation is necessary. Teams will receive support and guidance throughout the event from challenge providers and MUOVA experts. 

“VaasaHack is a fantastic opportunity for students to contribute to concrete solutions that enhance Vaasa’s attractiveness and sense of community. At the same time, it provides a chance to network with other students and experts while making Vaasa a more student-friendly and appealing city,” says Elise Raittila, Project Manager at MUOVA Design Centre. 

On Saturday, 12 April, teams will present their ideas to a jury, which will evaluate their innovations. The winning team will receive a 50-euro S Group gift card for each member. All participants will receive a VaasaHack overall patch and other small, useful items. Additionally, students will earn one study point for their participation. 

IntoAction project supports authentic learning 

VaasaHack is organised this year in the framework of the IntoAction project. IntoAction, a learning environment for functional entrepreneurial skills, is an ESF+ project co-funded by the European Union and implemented by the Design Centre MUOVA and the Business Unit of Vaasa University of Applied Sciences. IntoAction addresses the competence challenges of working life and supports occupational mobility in Ostrobothnia by developing continuous learning to build successful entrepreneurship and use experience-based skills. 

“VaasaHack aligns with IntoAction’s objectives by enhancing essential working-life skills through authentic learning experiences. A hackathon is an excellent platform for developing, for example, communication skills and creativity,” says Pertti Aula, Project Manager of the IntoAction project. 

Duration of the project: 1.11.2023 - 30.4.2026 

Funding programme: EU, ESF+ 

For more information on the IntoAction project on MUOVA's website.