Unleashing creativity: Moldova's youth hackathon for mental health solutions

What does it take to create a successful hackathon?

In an inspiring display of creativity and innovation, Chișinău recently became the stage for a remarkable event that not only showcased the potential of young minds but also highlighted the importance of mental health awareness. Thanks to the collaborative efforts of Startup Moldova and Triumf Health supported by ESTDEV, the city buzzed with excitement as nearly 70 participants, aged between 10 and 15, embarked on a journey to become startup founders for the very first time during a hackathon focused on mental health solutions.

A catalyst for change

These young innovators were not just participants; they became startup founders for a day, embarking on a mission to create digital solutions that support mental wellbeing.

The hackathon was more than just a competition; it was a catalyst for change, empowering children to think critically about mental health and wellbeing. By focusing on this theme, the event highlighted the importance of addressing mental health from a young age and provided a safe space for participants to express their ideas and solutions.

Innovative solutions from young minds

The creativity and innovation displayed by the participants were nothing short of remarkable. Let's dive into the remarkable services these young innovators proposed. And can you imagine, this was the first time ever for our wonderful participants to take part in a hackathon!

The Confidence: boosting self-esteem through gaming

The winning project, "The Confidence," leveraged the popular gaming platform Roblox to create a mental well-being game aimed specifically at teenagers struggling with low self-esteem. This innovative solution proposed a unique approach by integrating a chatbot or psychologist within the game to provide compliments and encouragement, fostering a positive environment. To ensure a safe space free from cyberbullying, regular chatting was disabled, highlighting the thoughtful consideration of the challenges faced by teenagers online.

The Heritage 12: a virtual wellbeing room

Securing the second place, "The Heritage 12" introduced a groundbreaking virtual reality (VR) solution—a virtual wellbeing room designed for mental health activities. This service allows friends to visit each other's virtual rooms, offering a novel way for peers to understand and support each other's emotional states. By creating a shared virtual space, "The Heritage 12" aims to foster a sense of community and empathy among users, making it easier for friends to offer encouragement and support when needed.

Mood Mender: a smartwatch for emotional sharing

"Mood Mender" took the third place with its innovative smartwatch concept. This device, designed as a stylish bracelet, enables users to share their emotions with parents and peers. By facilitating this level of communication, the smartwatch aims to ensure that individuals receive the comfort or help they need in a timely manner. This solution recognizes the importance of emotional support in mental health and seeks to make it more accessible.

Additional noteworthy innovations

Mental Juniors: This team developed a mental health game designed to help teenagers navigate real-life challenges. Featuring interactive content and video-based resources, the game addresses various issues teenagers face, providing a valuable tool for mental health education.

Stop Teen Manipulation: Focusing on manipulative activities, this mental health game presents different scenarios where children must find solutions to tackle these challenges. It's an innovative approach to educating children on how to recognize and respond to manipulation.

Clear Mind: An inventive smart bracelet designed to help form meaningful friendships. By allowing users to indicate their interests and location, it facilitates connections with like-minded individuals nearby, promoting social well-being.

Mini Psychologists: A mental health monitoring platform that offers advice based on one's emotional state and connects users with mental health experts if necessary. This service underscores the importance of timely professional support in maintaining mental health.

Mentors fostering collaboration and teamwork

Children who participated in the hackathon did it the first time ever which is why the role of mentors in addition to teachers was an especially important one. One of the key roles of mentors was to foster a spirit of collaboration and teamwork among the participants. They encouraged open communication, shared problem-solving, and mutual support, which are essential components of successful innovation. By promoting these values, mentors helped build a cohesive community of young innovators who were not just competitors but also collaborators in the quest to address mental health challenges.

The role of the jury

Selecting the winners from such an impressive array of solutions was no easy task. The jury, comprised of experts Natalia Bejan, Elena Armasu, and Andrei Buzdugan, had the challenging job of evaluating each project based on its innovation, impact, and feasibility. Their expertise and insight were crucial in recognizing the most promising solutions that could make a real difference in supporting mental health.

A step towards a brighter future

The hackathon in Moldova is a testament to the power of youth innovation in addressing complex issues like mental health. It not only provided a platform for young minds to showcase their ideas but also sparked a conversation about the importance of mental wellbeing and the role of technology in supporting it.

As we reflect on the success of this event, it's clear that the future of mental health solutions lies in the hands of our youth. With the continued support of organizations like Startup Moldova, Triumf Health, and ESTDEV, there's no limit to what these young innovators can achieve. Moldova's youth hackathon for mental health is just the beginning of a journey towards a healthier, more supportive world for all.

We are eternally grateful to Orange Moldova for hosting the hackathon at their premises, children were so happy and the organizers even more so. Estonian Centre for International Development (ESTDEV), thank you so much for supporting this project!

Startup Moldova in collaboration with Triumf Health delivered a truly amazing hackathon! We are so grateful for all the sponsors, supporters, mentors, jury members, participants and teachers!