A path to innovation

You asked for it - we’re bringing it! Thanks to our partnership with The Microsoft Garage, Microsoft Alumni Network members are invited to participate in Microsoft Global Hackathon 2024! This is an exciting opportunity for alumni to create, innovate, and hack on ideas that inspire them!

The Microsoft Global Hackathon started in 2014 and today it's the largest private hackathon on the planet. In 2023, more than 73,000 people participated from countries around the world. The Hackathon is for any role! Whether you're an engineer, designer, business manager, or sales executive, you can have fun, learn new skills, and collaborate with others to bring your ideas to life.

Participants may sign up as a hacker on a project team with Microsoft employees or as a project lead, so get your creative juices flowing and talk with your friends and colleagues. The week of September 16, this virtual event will be happening online around the world. Project videos must be uploaded by September 23 to be eligible for judging in the Executive Challenges. Learn more in the Hackathon 2024 Overview for Microsoft Alumni.

Is the Hackathon only for coders?

You don’t have to be a coder to participate! People with skills such as design, finance, marketing and engineering join a project team to collaborate and learn new skills. This is a great opportunity to gather fellow alumni and create a project team!

Benefits of participating

Collaboration: As a Microsoft alumni participant, you may browse projects and join a project team to collaborate with Microsoft employees or create your own project with other Microsoft Alumni Network members.
Learning: As part of the Hackathon, you will be given the opportunity to share your expertise and learn from those in your project team.
Networking: As community leaders, this is a great opportunity to connect with others from around the world, start some new conversations and increase your network of mentors, contributors, and collaborators to assist in the great work you do.

To participate in Hackathon, you must be a current Microsoft Alumni Network member.

Commonly asked questions

What is hacking?

At Microsoft, hacking is a demonstration of the growth mindset and other cultural pillars that are evolving the way we work. Hacking means taking something apart and putting it back together, better. Or creating something brand new from your great idea. Or making technical or process improvements to a program, online tool, or design. Or making a difference and hacking for good.

What is the Microsoft Global Hackathon?

The Microsoft Global Hackathon is a multi-day, global event that brings Microsoft employees and select external guests from all over the world together to create, innovate, and hack on ideas that inspire them. It is the largest private hackathon on the planet.

How do I participate in the event?

You must be a current Microsoft Alumni Network member to participate in the Hackathon. To join or renew go here. Alumni Network members can participate by creating or joining an existing project. There are no minimum skill requirements for being a Hacker. You can be a coder, a business lead or a marketer – any type of role can participate.

Do you have an FAQ?

Yes! You can find answers to more questions here.