From September 27th to 28th, the creative hub OMA Weimar became a meeting point for changemakers, students, and professionals passionate about social innovation. Hosted in collaboration with CGE Erfurt e.V., the Social Hackathoninvited participants to co-create solutions for pressing social and regional challenges through teamwork, design thinking, and entrepreneurship.
Day 1: Inspiration and Ideation
The event opened on Friday morning with an Expert Session on Social Entrepreneurship led by Jan Koltermann, official GWÖ (Economy for the Common Good) representative, coordinator of the Regional Group Jena (Thuringia), and member of the Working Group on Consulting (AK Beratung). Koltermann introduced participants to the concept of value-based business models, emphasizing how economic activity can and should serve social and ecological well-being. His talk framed entrepreneurship not merely as profit-seeking, but as a transformative force for communities.
The tone of collaboration continued with the Design Thinking Kick-Off: Challenges Presentation, moderated by two guest speakers:
- Rubén I. González Tinoco, from the Thüringer Agentur Für Fachkräftegewinnung (ThAFF), presented the challenge “Local Inclusion of Migrant Talents.” He discussed the barriers that migrants and international professionals often face in integrating into Thuringia’s labor market and community life.
- Malte Studt, from Next Level e.V., introduced the challenge “Opportunities for Young People in Thuringia,”highlighting the need to make the region’s opportunities more visible, accessible, and attractive to retain young talent and foster engagement.
The session concluded with two guiding questions that would shape the hackathon’s activities:
- How can we overcome the barriers to meaningfully include migrant talents in Thuringia and connect them with opportunities for work, entrepreneurship, and leisure activities?
- How can we make existing opportunities in Thuringia more visible, accessible, and attractive for young people so they can imagine and build their future in the region?
After lunch, participants moved into Problem-Solving Session I, facilitated by Dr. Ammalia Podlaszewska from Bauhaus-Universität Weimar and CGE Erfurt e.V. Using design thinking methodologies, teams brainstormed possible interventions—ranging from community platforms and mentorship programs to intercultural events and digital solutions—to address the two challenges.
A well-deserved Coffee Break & Talk with a Founder followed, where participants learned about the project “Inviting Environments: Technology for Supporting Engagement in Urban Communities.” The discussion highlighted how technology and participatory design can foster inclusion, social cohesion, and civic engagement in both urban and rural areas.
The energy carried into Problem-Solving Session II, where teams refined their ideas, identified stakeholders, and began shaping their prototypes. The day concluded with an Open Mic Evening, a lively and informal social event that invited participants to share music, stories, and reflections. The atmosphere of creativity and connection made the evening one of the most memorable parts of the hackathon.
Day 2: Prototyping, Pitching, and Feedback
Saturday morning began with a Pitching Workshop & Preparation Session led by Sophia Bernadette Lick, founder of MindLeague. Through interactive exercises, participants learned how to structure their pitches, communicate their vision, and present their ideas convincingly to potential partners or investors.
The Final Presentations and Pitching Session followed, bringing together a diverse panel of experts:
- Rubén I. González Tinoco (ThAFF)
- Dr. Ammalia Podlaszewska (CGE Erfurt e.V.)
- Sophia Lick (MindLeague)
- Huong Vo (Fachhochschule Erfurt)
- Christian Pietschmann (Gründungsgarage Chemnitz)
Each team presented its concept, demonstrating how inclusive thinking and community-driven innovation can help shape a more welcoming and opportunity-rich Thuringia. The jury provided constructive feedback, emphasizing the potential for collaboration and future implementation.
The event concluded with a Closing Session, where participants reflected on their learnings, exchanged contacts, and discussed potential next steps for continuing the projects beyond the hackathon.
A Community of Change
Over two intensive and inspiring days, the Social Hackathon at OMA Weimar showcased the power of co-creation, empathy, and social entrepreneurship. Participants left with new ideas, connections, and a shared commitment to fostering inclusion and opportunity in Thuringia.
Events like this remind us that meaningful innovation begins at the community level — when people from different backgrounds come together to listen, create, and imagine better futures for all.
