2025 Award "Best Practice in Citizen Participation"

Digital Hackathon Río Grande is an innovative event that seeks to develop technological solutions to local challenges using the Design Sprint methodology. Since its inception in 2022, it has managed to consolidate itself as a key tool to foster collaboration between secondary, tertiary and university students, tutors, mentors and the community of Rio Grande, Tierra del Fuego, Antarctica and South Atlantic Islands.

In this way, the event brings together more than 200 students organized in teams that, together with trained tutors, work intensively in the creation, development and validation of proposals aimed at solving specific problems of their institutions and communities. It also encourages citizen participation through a public voting process that allows the community to become directly involved in the selection of the finalist projects, thus strengthening the values of participatory democracy.

On the other hand, the dissemination of the Hackathon is carried out through a comprehensive strategy that includes its own website, local media and social networks, achieving a broad reach and strengthening citizen engagement. This approach has generated a significant impact on public policies, positioning technology and innovation as fundamental pillars for local development.

As a result, the technological and creative skills of the young participants have been strengthened, empowering tutors with innovative pedagogical tools. In addition, a collaborative space has been created that connects diverse sectors of the city. These achievements have contributed to institutionalizing participatory processes, consolidating a culture of innovation and laying solid foundations for long-term sustainability.

In summary, Digital Hackathon Rio Grande is a transformative experience that integrates education, technology and citizen participation. It has boosted local development by promoting a city that is more inclusive, creative and connected to contemporary demands, consolidating itself as an inspiring model for other communities.

• https://hackathon.riogrande.gob.ar/ (External link)