On 14 October 2024, the UIC 2nd TrainRail Hackathon held its “Train the Trainers” session online. Organised by UIC’s HR Development Unit in partnership with Southwest Jiaotong University (SWJTU), the event brought together experts, academics, and leaders to equip regional organisers and coaches with essential knowledge and tools to facilitate impactful and effective hackathons in the Asia Pacific, Africa, Middle East and Europe regions.
Yuke Li, UIC Junior Advisor for HR Development & International Training, opened the session and welcomed the speakers and participants on behalf of Meryem Belhaj-Clot, UIC Deputy HR Director and Head of HR Development.
Alicia Li, Deputy Director of the General Office of Tianyou Railway Institute, Southwest Jiaotong University (SWJTU), introduced the speakers and moderated the presentations, which detailed key aspects such as Hackathon Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) criteria, current railway sector challenges, the “maker spirit”, and design thinking.
Yifan Yang, PhD in Economics and Professor at SWJTU, demonstrated the integration of SDGs into rail and hackathons, highlighting the 17 SDGs as a global framework for addressing pressing issues and promoting social inclusiveness, environmental sustainability, and economic development. Professor Yang shared insights from the Mombasa-Nairobi Railway project in Kenya, demonstrating how sustainable transport strategies can be effectively implemented in railway development.
Song Xiao, Professor and Senior Member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), discussed how hackathons have the potential to address pressing challenges facing rail transit systems. From the increasing frequency of icing problems to the complexities of traction power supply systems, the industry is grappling with major obstacles. Professor Xiao offered a glimpse into the future of hackathons, exploring the potential of emerging technologies like magnetic levitation and Hyperloop. As rail continues to evolve, ongoing research and innovation will be crucial in addressing these challenges and ensuring the long-term durability of this vital mode of transport. He finished by again emphasising the potential of Hackathons to foster innovative solutions for these issues.
Eric Pan, Founder and CEO of Seeed Studio - a hardware company pioneering the commercialisation of AI technology, provided valuable insights into the fundamentals and best practices of hackathons. With open-source tools and resources, Seeed Studio empowers individuals and organisations to create innovative AI-powered solutions. From smart sensors to advanced robotics, the studio enables users to harness the potential of AI for a wide range of applications, such as for environmental monitoring and industrial automation.
Bill Zhang, CEO of Balanx Inc., shared his insights on the transformative power of hackathons. His presentation offered guidance for individuals and teams looking to participate in these collaborative events. From defining clear goals to assembling teams with different backgrounds, Zhang provided practical tips for maximising the learning and creative potential of hackathons. His emphasis on the importance of hands-on experience and experimentation aligns with the core values of the maker movement, inspiring individuals to explore their own innovative ideas.
Na Zhan, Innovation and Entrepreneurship Mentor at FabLab-SIC, SWJTU, emphasised the importance of human-centred design in high-speed rail systems. By applying inclusive design principles and focusing on user needs, more accessible and enjoyable experiences for all passengers can be created. Zhan’s presentation highlighted the need to move beyond traditional efficiency-focused design and consider different individual needs, such as for people with disabilities or families traveling with children. Through empathy, problem-solving, and innovation, hackathon teams have the potential to transform high-speed rail travel.
The event concluded with a strong emphasis on the potential of hackathons to drive innovation, promote talent development, and address pressing challenges in the railway industry. By providing participants with the necessary tools and resources, regional hackathon organisers and coaches can foster a culture of innovation and create a positive impact on the railway sector.
