In the early evening of the 15th of October 2023, the first mentoring session unfolded, setting the stage for valuable interactions between the participating teams and a panel of experienced mentors. This unique mentoring session was structured as a “speed dating” style event, designed to optimize the exchange of ideas and insights in a limited timeframe. Each mentor was allotted a succinct yet impactful 8 minutes with each team. Within this brief window, the teams had the opportunity to pitch their innovative ideas to the mentors. However, the objective of this session wasn’t for mentors to provide instant solutions, but rather to guide the teams through thoughtful questioning. By asking probing questions, the mentors aimed to stimulate critical thinking and encourage the teams to explore various aspects of their projects.

This approach proved to be immensely beneficial. As the teams engaged in rapid-fire pitching to mentors with diverse areas of expertise, they were able to fine-tune their project pitches and further validate their innovative solutions. This dynamic mentoring session created an environment where ideas were refined, and participants gained fresh perspectives, all contributing to the growth and development of their projects.

The second day of the Maldives Ocean Hackathon featured two essential workshops aimed at equipping the participating teams with valuable skills and insights. These workshops were conducted by an experienced facilitator who played a pivotal role in guiding the teams through the intricacies of rapid prototyping and effective pitching. The first session delved into the art of rapid prototyping, a critical phase in the development of innovative solutions. During this workshop, the teams received guidance on refining their Minimum Viable Products (MVPs), taking them to the next level of productivity and feasibility. This practical guidance allowed the teams to work on transforming their initial ideas into tangible, functional prototypes, ensuring they were on the right path towards creating impactful solutions. In the second workshop, the focus shifted to perfecting the art of pitching. As the teams prepared to present their projects to the judges on the upcoming third day, this workshop provided them with the essential skills and strategies for delivering compelling and effective pitches. Participants learned how to communicate their ideas clearly, concisely, and persuasively, setting the stage for successful presentations and a better chance of impressing the judging panel. These workshops, collectively, were pivotal in nurturing the teams’ projects and ensuring their readiness for the final pitching session.

On the second day of the Maldives Ocean Hackathon, two additional mentoring sessions were organized to provide teams with focused guidance and support as they continued to develop their projects. Unlike the speed dating-style session held on the previous day, these mentoring sessions allowed teams to have more extended, one-on-one interactions with mentors of their choice. The process was structured to ensure that each team had the opportunity to book a 15-minute slot with a mentor who could offer specific advice and guidance relevant to their project. This personalized approach aimed to empower the teams while maintaining the ownership and vision of their products. It was essential to prevent the projects from being steered by the mentors, ensuring that the teams retained creative control and a sense of ownership throughout the development process. These mentoring sessions were instrumental in addressing individual project needs, helping teams refine their ideas, and fostering a collaborative yet self-driven environment for the hackathon participants.

Mentors played a central and pivotal role in guiding hackathon teams towards achieving excellence during the intensive hacking phase. Throughout the event, these experienced professionals provided essential guidance, valuable insights, and technical expertise. Their primary objective was to empower participating teams, enabling them to develop innovative solutions that effectively tackled the urgent challenges confronting our oceans.

To ensure the exceptional performance of Maldives Ocean Hackathon teams in shaping their ideas, a carefully curated panel of experts, both locally and internationally, from diverse fields was chosen. These experts encompassed a wide range of backgrounds, and they offered their invaluable support to the hackathon participants, contributing to the event’s overall success.

Mentor briefing was organized on 14th October 2023 and all mentors were briefed thoroughly on their role and responsibilities.