The Challenge

This is an open challenge for digital tech-minded people. We are welcoming anyone who has skills within the digital mobile / social space. It is NOT essential to be able to code and write software on the day (although that would be great) BUT this is a technical Hackathon so must be “tech focused” ideas. We would be delighted to see a real mixture of attendees, so if you are Students, Start-ups, Working Professionals, Data Scientists, or simply “Tech Savvy” people then we’d love to hear why your team should be considered for attending our session.

Our hopes are to have all attendee backgrounds represented equally who can unpack the challenges/problems, design a solution, build a low-fidelity prototype, & pitch their idea. We believe the teams should have a mix of skills (e.g. business, tech, innovation, user experience, UX design).

Prize money will be distributed evenly across the winning teams.

TEAMS
2+ Members

TIMEFRAME
24 Hours

ELIMINATION
2 Rounds. First round of elimination will happen between the hours of 7-9pm on Nov. 3rd.

Why Join?

The MARS Hackathon gives you the opportunity to work with a global organization that is truly interested in your point of view on solving some of its most pressing business challenges. It gives you a platform to showcase how you think, unpack a challenge, & flesh out a solution in a team environment. Talk about a great way to flex your brain muscles by stretching your thinking!

• Win $7,500
We are offering $7,500 to the winning team and $2,500 to the runners up.

• Meet Executives
Connect with MARS executives

• Get Inspired
This is a safe place to innovate, learn and be inspired.

• Solve Real-World Challenges
Help solve a real world business challenge for a truly global organization

• Largest Tech-Startup Hub
The Hackathon takes place at 1871—within the Merchandise Mart, downtown Chicago.

• Gain Industry Knowledge
Experience the world of Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG)

• Chicago’s center for technology and entrepreneurship
This year’s venue host is 1871, Chicago’s largest tech Start-up Hub, within the Merchandise Mart, downtown Chicago.

About Mars
Mars is the world’s leading manufacturer of chocolate, chewing gum, mints, and fruity confections. With beloved global brands like M&M’S®, SNICKERS®, TWIX®, ORBIT®, DOUBLEMINT®, SKITTLES® and STARBURST®, Mars brings smiles to faces around the world. Globally, the business employs more than 30,000 Associates, operates in about 70 countries and distributes its brands in more than 180 countries. Mars is globally headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, and operates as a subsidiary of Mars, Incorporated. Based in McLean, VA, Mars is a family-owned business with more than a century long history, and more than 100,000 Associates in over 80 countries. For more information, please visit www.mars.com.

About Do Tank?

Do Tank is a team of strategic Business Designers. They bring together the art of “Strategic Thinking”​ and “Strategic Doing”​. They help condense months of traditional strategy work into weeks. They make use of business modeling, design thinking, visual thinking and sprinting techniques to cut through the blah and move you to action.
 

Let's Get Hackin'

Submit an application on our Eventbrite page to get started. Once submitted, send an email to [email protected] with the answers to the following questions:

1. Explain in 100 words or less why your team should participate in the MARS Hackathon.
2. Provide us with the LinkedIn URLs for your team members.

We will then review your application and let you know if you have been selected by October 27th.

Deadline for Application
October 19th
 

Note: There is limited availability. Earlier application = increased chance of admission.
 

Disclaimer

All content included & generated as part of the Hackathon, such as text, graphics, logos, images, as well as the compilation thereof, and any software used, is the property of MARS Information Services protected by copyright and other laws that protect intellectual property and proprietary rights. You agree to observe and abide by all copyright and other proprietary notices, legends or other restrictions contained in any such content and will not make any changes thereto.