Over the past year, we ran four hackathons. They sparked great ideas, but we found the format had limits. It became repetitive, participation declined, and the structure didn’t always support how innovation truly happens.
They also got ambitious, requesting teams to innovate across multiple dimensions at the same time: technology, value proposition, and business model. This complexity often slowed progress rather than driving it. With each edition, only the topic changed, making the experience predictable. And since rewards were accumulative, new participants felt they had little incentive to join mid-year or to join again if they missed one of them.
So, we asked ourselves: What if we created a space for continuous exploration rather than a single event? That’s how The Forge was born.
Introducing The Forge: A Place for Experimentation and Creation
The Forge represents a shift in how we approach innovation. We wanted something that conveys craftsmanship, exploration, and practical action. A place where ideas take shape through hands-on experimentation.
The Forge isn’t just a new format; it’s an open space for exploration. Here, we test ideas quickly, experiment with new technologies, and refine concepts at different levels of engagement. It introduces variety and agility, giving teams more ways to contribute beyond a one-size-fits-all event.
The Forge includes three key formats:
- Spikes: Short, focused deep dives into new technologies or approaches.
- Challenges: Targeted problem-solving initiatives with a clear outcome.
- Hackathons: Retooled into shorter, high-energy sprints with a more defined focus.
These formats allow us to experiment on different scales, whether it’s testing technical feasibility, refining business concepts, or tackling complex external problems.
Four Dimensions of Innovation
Innovation can happen at multiple levels, and The Forge recognizes that by embracing four key areas to us:
- Technical Innovation: Exploring new technologies and frameworks to stay ahead of the curve.
- Business and Value Innovation: Finding new ways to deliver value beyond just technical advancements.
- External Problem-Solving: Collaborating with partners to tackle industry-wide challenges.
- Internal Innovation: Optimizing our own processes and workflows to work smarter.
By focusing on these four dimensions, we ensure each edition tackles innovation from a different angle, creating a balance between exploration and execution.
The Forge is a mindset shift. It recognizes that innovation isn’t a one-size-fits-all process. It’s about learning by doing, failing fast, and iterating in ways that matter. We’re creating a space where trying new things isn’t just encouraged. It’s expected.
What’s Next?
We’re not stopping at Arionkoder’s space. One of our goals with The Forge is to open the door to external collaboration. We’re exploring ways to bring in new perspectives, invite industry experts, and connect with problem-solvers beyond our walls.
Innovation thrives when given the right space to grow. That’s what The Forge is all about. We’re just getting started, and we look forward to building this together.