2017 The Microsoft Hackathon Challenge

16 January 2017, Newnham College

Female graduate students from across the University of Cambridge interested in embarking on technology careers came together on 16 January 2017 to compete in a Hackathon Challenge. The participants came from a wide range of backgrounds, including business, engineering, bio-technology and medicine. The event, organised by the Wo+Men’s Leadership Centre at Cambridge Judge Business School, Newnham College and Microsoft, invited students from STEMM disciplines at the University of Cambridge and current students at Cambridge Judge and asked them to come up with creative ideas to tackle technological challenges. During the day students worked in teams to offer new solutions on how Microsoft could improve customer engagement in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE). The teams brainstormed some ideas and then worked on recommendations combining technology and business aspects, with help from top executives from Microsoft.

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Working with Newnham and Cambridge Judge was enriching for all sides. The high potential female students were full of energy and came to the Hackathon Challenge with rich insight and perspectives that were very relevant to solving the real world challenges in Microsoft. There was learning for all and the value created will hopefully be useful for years to come. ”

Amanda Mesler, General Manager, Microsoft Central and Eastern Europe