Microsoft's OpenAI Hackathons: Fostering Continuous Learning and Innovation
Learn how Microsoft's dedicated Learning Fridays and AI-focused hackathons are driving innovation and success in the industry, and explore the resulting blog posts and training courses to discover the power of AI with step-by-step guidance.Microsoft Global Hackathon 2025: MVPs Driving Innovation Across Communities
The countdown is on! The Microsoft Global Hackathon is back the week of September 15, 2025, bringing together thousands of Microsoft employees and select external contributors to dream big, team up, and build solutions that make a difference. Hosted by The Microsoft Garage, this multi-day gathering is the largest private hackathon in the world - a place where creativity, curiosity, and community collide. A Movement Born in 2014 When Satya Nadella launched the first Microsoft Hackathon in 2014, the goal was simple: spark innovation and inspire cultural transformation. Fast-forward to today, and it’s become a global movement. In 2024, more than 71,000 people participated across 75+ venues worldwide - spanning every role, team, and geography at Microsoft. The energy was contagious, and the projects tackled challenges in AI, sustainability, accessibility, and developer tools. MVPs and RDs Making Their Mark Last year, Microsoft Most Valuable Professionals (MVPs) and Regional Directors (RDs) joined virtually, bringing their expertise and community connections into the mix, collaborating with employees, mentored teams, and even took time off from work to fully immerse themselves in the event. Projects ranged from reimagining education and improving transportation to advancing responsible AI, supporting healthcare innovations, and championing diversity and inclusion. “We find that MVPs and RDs bring meaningful perspectives and experiences to Hackathon, and this diversity can enhance the outcomes for project teams.” – Susie Kandzor, Senior Director of Hacking. Stories from the Front Lines In 2024, several MVPs were publicly recognized for their impactful contributions: Lesley Crook led a project exploring HR onboarding experiences using Viva, Mesh, AI, and Copilot, while Jeremy Sinclair described his collaboration with Microsoft employees as “exhilarating,” highlighting the value of cross-functional teamwork. These stories reflect Microsoft’s commitment to celebrating MVP impact and fostering inclusive, community-driven innovation. How You Can Join the Story Even if you’re not an MVP, you can still be part of the movement: Learn more about the MVP Program and its role in the Microsoft ecosystem. Watch the MVP Program video for inspiration. Curious about becoming an MVP? Check out the FAQs to see how to apply. Innovation Starts Here The Microsoft Global Hackathon isn’t just an event - it’s proof that grassroots innovation can change the way we work, live, and connect. Whether you’re joining in this year or simply cheering from the sidelines, we invite you to follow along, share your thoughts, and celebrate the people who make it possible. What’s your MVP story? Drop it in the comments or tag us on social media. Let’s inspire the next wave of innovators and community leaders!Mastering Hackathons with Microsoft Design-Led Thinking: Unleash Your Creative Potential
Unlock your team's full potential in hackathons with Microsoft Design-Led Thinking. Explore the principles of empathizing, ideating, prototyping, and delivering with impact. Enhance your problem-solving skills and create innovative solutions that make a lasting impact.Hack Together! AI + Power Platform = ❓❓❓
From September 14th – 28th, Hack Together: The Power Platform AI Global Hack will be in full swing! This is your chance to get skills in AI and low-code/no-code tech that will bring your ideas to life in no time! Get signed up, it's free! This event isn’t just for AI and Power Platform pros, this is a chance for people to come and get a handle on the latest AI and low-code/no-code tech with the support of our Microsoft community! If this is your first time, come on in!Empowering Nurse Innovation in the NurseHack4Health: First Virtual Hackathon
Together, Microsoft, Johnson & Johnson, SONSIEL, and DevUP proudly co-sponsored the NurseHack4Health: Virtual Hackathon. Over 500 nurses and other healthcare professionals and tech enthusiasts convened to help solve todays top health challenges with technology solutions.Hospital innovation with Computer Science students on Azure FHIR – GOSH DRIVE and UCL CS students
The DRIVE unit based at Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust (GOSH) is a world first and unique in the United Kingdom’s National Health Service (NHS). It is a major innovation hub for hospital systems and over the past two years since its creation, it has become a central London lab for experimental clinical systems development.
