Theme

CONNECTED: Fashion Tech Hackathon 2021

The theme for the Fashion Tech Hackathon changes every year and is traditionally presented at the opening ceremony. As we have pivoted to a fully online and virtual hackathon (and given the state of the world), we believe the 2021 theme should embrace the idea of connections, how we connect, and how connected our world is. The theme title is connected (and it is purposefully a multilayered word - open to interpretation and exploration). We currently have 3 challenge streams with awards tied to the connected theme and look forward to how the students pair fashion and technology to innovate and address them. 

CHALLENGE STREAM PROMPTS 

CONNECTED INDIVIDUAL

What does connected mean in regards to an individual? How can they feel more connected to themselves? Can fashion and technology be harnessed to create deeper connections with oneself? And in what areas: expression? augmentation? data? health? sports? 

CONNECTED COMMUNITY 

Sponsored by Design Innovation 

What does connected mean in regards to a community? How can a foster deeper and more meaningful sense of community? Can fashion and technology be harnessed to do this? And in what areas: communication? expression? augmentation? data? 

CONNECTED SYSTEMS 

Sponsored by Burton D. Morgan Foundation Grant 

The fashion and tech industries can be thought of in terms of systems that must adapt (quickly) to change. Different business models (such as business to business or direct to customers) may benefits from being connected in new ways. What does connected mean in regards to a system or industry? How can fashion and technology be used to foster connections? What or whom are they connected to? Can fashion and technology be harnessed to create deeper connections with customers?