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Dream! Hack! Build!: Unleash citizen-driven innovation with the power of hackathons
Purchase options and add-ons
Leverage hackathons as a powerful catalyst for rapid innovation, empowering you to tackle your organization's challenges head-on through collaborative engagement.
Expert review and foreword by Johan Soderstrom, Executive Advisor to the CEO, Hitachi Energy
Key Features
- Learn how to identify challenges in your organization quickly by engaging people
- Understand how to organize your hackathon to find practical and impactful solutions
- Execute winning solutions through a scientific, customized acceleration program
- Purchase of the print or Kindle book includes a free PDF eBook
Book Description
Drawing from the combined expertise of five distinguished professionals, this book brings together diverse perspectives on hackathon innovation. Ann, founder of Hack for Earth Foundation, joins forces with serial entrepreneur and hackathon expert Love Dager and renowned urban planner Mustafa Sherif. Completing this powerhouse team are Carolina Emanuelson, a leader in talent management, and Kristofer Vernmark, a researcher at Linköping University. Together, they present the groundbreaking "Dream! Hack! Build!" method, equipping you with proven strategies to run successful hackathons and rapidly transform ideas into reality.
The book explains why hackathons are so particularly effective in today’s fast-changing business world. Through real-life examples of citizen-driven innovation, it demonstrates how these events can drive impact and how you can apply them within your own organization. You'll gain insights into how hackathons can address complex problems and foster creative, high-impact solutions.
The authors cover everything from engaging participants and creating urgent challenges to managing teams, mentors, and partners. They show you how to design an acceleration program based on proven start-up success strategies, ensuring that the ideas generated during your hackathon lead to real-world results.
By the end of this book, you'll be well-prepared to lead transformative events that create lasting impact in your field.
What you will learn
- Find out what makes the hackathons a game changer in innovation
- Identify and tackle challenges in your organization by finding practical solutions
- Activate engagement among customers, partner organizations, and employees through an interactive and fun hackathon experience
- Leverage the Dream-Hack-Build method for enhanced organizational performance and brand development
- Customize your hackathon using the best platforms for your challenge
- Create a personalized acceleration program rooted in the science of group dynamics and psychology
Who this book is for
This book is for business leaders, C-suite executives, and decision-makers in search of impactful solutions to their organization's challenges. While a basic understanding of hackathons is beneficial, no other technical skills associated with hackathons are required to derive value from this book.
Table of Contents
- Redefining the Hackathon Tool
- Making Citizen-Driven Innovation Work for You
- The Dream! Hack! Build! Method
- Creating the Perfect Challenge for Your Hackathon
- How to Organize an Impactful Hackathon
- Communication and Managing Hacker Teams and Mentors
- Partnerships for Success
- External Communication and Social Media Presence for Hackathon Success
- Taking Citizen-Driven Innovation to the Next Level
- Converting Hackathon Results into Real Tools
- Build for Earth Learnings – How to Make a Startup a Success Fast
- ISBN-101835085334
- ISBN-13978-1835085332
- PublisherPackt Publishing
- Publication dateApril 30, 2024
- LanguageEnglish
- Dimensions7.5 x 0.62 x 9.25 inches
- Print length274 pages
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Editorial Reviews
About the Author
Ann started the Hack for Earth Foundation in 2021, sensing the need for an international platform for citizens to co-create sustainable innovation for the future. As a licensed psychologist with 18+ years of experience, she has a profound understanding of human behavior and the importance of people and communication. As Head Project Manager at the government mission Hack for Sweden, she invented the impactful Dream-Hack-Build method and coined the concept of citizen-driven innovation. She introduced her work at the United Nations General Assembly in New York in 2022, and at TEDx Stockholm in 2020. She is a multiple published author and an international speaker on hackathons, citizen-driven innovation, and ESG in action.
Love Dager is a serial entrepreneur, hackathon expert and co-founder of Hack for Earth AB. Known for his outstanding achievements in creating tech communities, fostering innovation and impact, Love comes from a background in tech working for Norrsken, Microsoft and Hack for Earth. Pioneering the hackathon method for the government mission Hack for Sweden in 2019, Love adapted this previously tech based format to tackle society's greatest challenges, laying the foundation to what would evolve into Hack for Earth and the Dream! Hack! Build! method. Back in his home country of Sweden he runs Stockholm Fintech, the nation's largest community within fintech, and invests in early stage startups on the side. Love's passions are tech and empowering youth to become entrepreneurs.
Mustafa Sherif, an urban planner from Baghdad, now residing in Sweden, is renowned for his people-focused city designs. Educated in Stockholm and Milan, his global insights drive his commitment to community-involved urban development. At Hack for Earth, as Community Manager, Sherif channels his passion for community and citizen-driven innovation into international hackathons. Additionally, Sherif's Urbanistica Podcast, reaching over 140 countries globally, has become a vital platform for urban dialogue, emphasizing human-centric city planning. His multifaceted contributions underscore his influence in shaping the future of urban spaces globally.
Carolina Emanuelson stands out as a dynamic force in talent management, notably shaping the future of Hack for Earth as Partner Manager with her innovative approach to partner community development and value-driven partner packages. Now at Apoteket AB, she leads Talent Acquisition & Employer Branding, masterfully steering strategies to attract top-notch candidates, fulfilling hiring needs and propelling business growth. Her impressive career spans key roles, including at the Swedish Public Employment Service as Talent Manager in IT and at the burgeoning tech firm GOALS. Carolina's expertise in enhancing employer branding and optimizing talent acquisition processes marks her as an influential figure in driving organizational success, underscoring her profound impact across various sectors.
Kristofer Vernmark (PhD, MSc) is a revered researcher at Linköping University and the innovator behind the Build for Earth program. With 17 years of experience as a psychologist, manager, consultant, author, and researcher in digital mental health, Kristofer has been a pioneer in integrating internet-based treatments into Swedish primary care. His efforts were recognized with the 2022 eMHIC award for Leadership in eMental Health Implementation. Collaborating with the Hack for Earth foundation, he works with global teams to develop sustainable solutions, showcasing his commitment to enhancing mental health care and promoting sustainability.
Product details
- Publisher : Packt Publishing
- Publication date : April 30, 2024
- Language : English
- Print length : 274 pages
- ISBN-10 : 1835085334
- ISBN-13 : 978-1835085332
- Item Weight : 1.05 pounds
- Dimensions : 7.5 x 0.62 x 9.25 inches
- Best Sellers Rank: #5,251,214 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #2,913 in Software Design & Engineering
- #6,019 in Software Development (Books)
- #6,970 in Business Decision Making
- Customer Reviews:
About the authors

Ann is a pioneering figure in the realm of global hackathons and citizendriven innovation, renowned for her groundbreaking contributions to sustainable impact. As an award winning, international speaker and published author, Ann has established herself as a leading authority on hackathons, innovation, and sustainable development with a strong focus on action.
Having presented her work on global hackathons at prestigious venues such as the UN General Assembly in New York, TEDx Stockholm, and the House of Lords, UK, Ann has garnered widespread recognition for her innovative approaches to addressing global challenges. Her unique method, Dream! Hack! Build!, which she has crafted, stands as a testament to her visionary thinking and creative ingenuity. Notably, this method has no direct competition worldwide, underscoring Ann's unparalleled expertise in the field. Ann was awarded the Sustainable Climate Investment Award at the House of Lords, Palace of Westminster, UK, at the Global Sustainability Summit in March 2024.
One of Ann's most notable achievements is the recent success of the global hackathon, Hack for Earth, held at COP28 in Dubai. Drawing participation from over 1000 teams from 112 countries, the event exemplified Ann's ability to mobilize people and diverse stakeholders in pursuit of sustainable innovation. The winners of Hack for Earth are set to graduate from the customized Build for Earth acceleration program in June 2024, a testament to Ann's commitment to nurturing and supporting emerging talent in the field.
As the founder of the Hack for Earth Foundation, Ann has established an international platform for citizens to collaborate on sustainable innovation initiatives. Leveraging her background as a licensed psychologist with over 18 years of experience, Ann brings a nuanced understanding of human behavior and communication to her work.
Ann's visionary leadership, groundbreaking methodologies, and unwavering commitment to sustainable impact have positioned her as a trailblazer in the field of global hackathons and citizendriven innovation. Through her tireless efforts, she continues to inspire and empower individuals and organizations worldwide to drive positive change for the betterment of our planet and future generations.

Carolina Emanuelson, a seasoned professional in talent management, currently excels as the Talent Acquisition & Employer Branding Lead at Apoteket AB, a state-owned pharmacy chain and also the largest pharmacy chain in Sweden.
Throughout her career, her mission has been to strategically optimize talent acquisition efforts to meet hiring goals and drive business success in which she has demonstrated commitment to optimizing talent acquisition solidifying her role as a key contributor to successful organizations.
Her career highlights include a notable tenure as Partner Manager in the hackathon industry where she has made a mark in handling complex partner communities. She has played a crucial role in hackathons such as Hack for Sweden, Hack the Crisis, EUvsVirus and Hack for Earth where she has leverage the partner commitment to next level.

Love Dager is a serial entrepreneur and hackathon expert. Known for his achievements in creating tech communities, fostering innovation and impact, Love comes from a background in tech working for Norrsken, Microsoft and Hack for Earth. Pioneering the hackathon method at the government mission Hack for Sweden in 2019 Love adapted this previously tech based format to tackle society’s greatest challenges, giving birth to the method that would later become Hack for Earth. Back in his home country of Sweden he runs Stockholm Fintech, the nation’s largest community within fintech, and invests in early stage startups on the side. His passions are tech and empowering youth to become entrepreneurs.

Kristofer Vernmark (PhD, MSc) is a researcher at Linköping University and creator of the Build for Earth program. Together with the Hack for Earth foundation, Kristofer has worked with diverse and innovative teams from all over the world in their quest to create solutions for a more sustainable planet. For over 17 years, Dr Vernmark has worked as a psychologist, manager, consultant, author, and researcher in the field of digital mental health. He was one of the pioneers in making internet-based treatment available in the Swedish primary care system and was recently awarded the 2022 eMHIC award for Leadership excellence in eMental Health implementation. He is currently researching and working with the conditions for implementation and dissemination of digital tools to assess and treat mental health problems in refugees and migrants.
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The perfect instruction and guide for hackathons and innovations
Top reviews from the United States
- 5 out of 5 stars
You get to learn how to wield hackathon as an effective tool
Reviewed in the United States on June 27, 2024What I loved in this book
One of the book’s strongest points is its comprehensive exploration of the hackathon tool, redefining it from a simple tech event to a powerful method for citizen-driven innovation. The authors successfully argue that hackathons can create real, lasting impact by bringing together diverse groups of people to solve complex problems.
Key Highlights:
* Citizen-Driven Innovation: The book emphasizes the importance of engaging citizens in the innovation process. It provides practical examples, such as the Dream for Sweden campaign, which invited citizens to share their dreams and ideas for a better future. This approach ensures that the solutions developed are more inclusive and aligned with the needs of the community.
* Diverse Participation: The authors highlight the value of diversity in hackathons. By involving people from various backgrounds, not just tech-savvy individuals, the solutions generated are more innovative and well-rounded. As stated in the book, “Science shows that diversity in teams is linked to higher levels of innovation capacity".
* Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): The book aligns the hackathon methodology with the United Nations’ SDGs, demonstrating how hackathons can contribute to solving global issues like climate change and social inequality. The COP28 hackathon in Dubai, where over 1000 teams from 112 countries participated, is a prime example of this alignment.
* Practical Guidance: “Dream! Hack! Build!” provides detailed instructions on organizing impactful hackathons. From creating the perfect challenge to managing communication and partnerships, the book covers every aspect necessary for success. The emphasis on storytelling and communication, for instance, ensures that the solutions developed are effectively conveyed and can gain broader support.
* Real-World Examples: The inclusion of real-world case studies and examples, such as the Hack for Earth Foundation’s initiatives, adds credibility and practical insights. These examples illustrate the transformative power of hackathons when executed with a clear purpose and strategic planning.
Do I think the book could be made better?
While the book is highly informative and well-structured, there are a few areas where it could be enhanced:
* More Technical Insights: Given that hackathons often involve technical challenges, providing more in-depth technical guidance or resources could benefit readers who are looking to implement specific technologies or platforms during their events. I’m involved with the Autism Hackathon, which involves cloud credits, locked down data sources, and more, would be nice to have ideas on that too.
* Follow-Up Strategies: Although the book discusses the importance of post-hackathon activities, such as acceleration programs, more detailed strategies for ensuring the long-term sustainability and implementation of hackathon solutions would be valuable. Readers could benefit from additional insights into funding options, partnership development, and scaling solutions beyond the initial hackathon phase. On another hackathon I’m involved with, the GAAD Accessibility hackathon, being able to make it sustain for the months between the different phases of the hackathon, could have benefits.
* Additional Case Studies: While the book includes several excellent case studies, incorporating more examples from diverse geographical regions and industries could offer a broader perspective on the hackathon methodology’s applicability and impact across different contexts. There are significant geographical differences in like high speed internet access, or even access speed to a central data center, which might be differential aspect.
Conclusion
“Dream! Hack! Build!” is an exceptionally valuable resource for anyone looking to harness the power of hackathons for citizen-driven innovation. Its blend of theoretical insights and practical advice makes it a comprehensive guide for business leaders, community organizers, and innovators. By addressing the areas for improvement, future editions of the book could become even more indispensable for readers worldwide. Overall, this book is a testament to the transformative potential of hackathons in creating a more sustainable, equitable, and innovative future.
Sending feedback...Sending feedback...HelpfulThank you for your feedback.Sorry, we failed to record your vote. Please try againThanks, we'll investigate in the next few days.Sorry, We failed to report this review. Please try again - 5 out of 5 stars
The perfect instruction and guide for hackathons and innovations
Reviewed in the United States on August 14, 2024Dream! Hack! Build! by Ann Molin (one of the key speakers during our DIPS 1000+ Innowave event, in Seoul. Founder and CEO of Hack for Earth foundation, former psychologist), and the help of 4 co-authors (Love Dager, Mustafa Sherif, Carolina Emanuelson, and Dr. Kristofer Vernmark. ) is a comprehensive guide on harnessing the power of hackathons to drive citizen-driven innovation.
This book gives a thorough understanding of Hackathons and how to organize one that, whether you are familiar with hackathons or even from the standpoint of someone that might not know what it is exactly and/or wants to be introduced to this notion, is an easy read. The book is precisely organized and goes from the definition, idea, and start of a hackathon project to the realization of one that would be tailor-made, durable and a success for one’s organization’s specific goals, needs, and capacities. This makes it easy to follow the flow of information and the points made by the book. What makes Ms.Ann Molin take on hackathons different from others and interesting is her past experience as a professional psychologist and therefore her very humane approach to something that is traditionally only looked at through a very practical but “mechanical” lens. Thanks to her approach she conveys various concepts for the success of hackathons and introduces the notion of citizen-driven innovation that, for her, needs to be a crucial part of a hackathon and will if you follow her advice. Moreover, not only do the authors explain all those notions and their point of views, but they also prove those points and illustrate those notions with real-life examples throughout the book. Some of the examples are even first-hand experiences from the authors, as Ann Molin has done successful hackathons herself. This helps immensely in understanding and to project oneself in the organization of a hackathon themselves with all of the tips scattered in the chapters. “Dream! Hack! Build! Unleash citizen-driven innovation with the power of hackathons” by Ann Molin truly is an insightful read that is the perfect instruction book and guide for anyone interested in Hackathons and for anyone who wants to organize one themself.
5 out of 5 starsThe perfect instruction and guide for hackathons and innovations
Reviewed in the United States on August 14, 2024Dream! Hack! Build! by Ann Molin (one of the key speakers during our DIPS 1000+ Innowave event, in Seoul. Founder and CEO of Hack for Earth foundation, former psychologist), and the help of 4 co-authors (Love Dager, Mustafa Sherif, Carolina Emanuelson, and Dr. Kristofer Vernmark. ) is a comprehensive guide on harnessing the power of hackathons to drive citizen-driven innovation.
This book gives a thorough understanding of Hackathons and how to organize one that, whether you are familiar with hackathons or even from the standpoint of someone that might not know what it is exactly and/or wants to be introduced to this notion, is an easy read. The book is precisely organized and goes from the definition, idea, and start of a hackathon project to the realization of one that would be tailor-made, durable and a success for one’s organization’s specific goals, needs, and capacities. This makes it easy to follow the flow of information and the points made by the book. What makes Ms.Ann Molin take on hackathons different from others and interesting is her past experience as a professional psychologist and therefore her very humane approach to something that is traditionally only looked at through a very practical but “mechanical” lens. Thanks to her approach she conveys various concepts for the success of hackathons and introduces the notion of citizen-driven innovation that, for her, needs to be a crucial part of a hackathon and will if you follow her advice. Moreover, not only do the authors explain all those notions and their point of views, but they also prove those points and illustrate those notions with real-life examples throughout the book. Some of the examples are even first-hand experiences from the authors, as Ann Molin has done successful hackathons herself. This helps immensely in understanding and to project oneself in the organization of a hackathon themselves with all of the tips scattered in the chapters. “Dream! Hack! Build! Unleash citizen-driven innovation with the power of hackathons” by Ann Molin truly is an insightful read that is the perfect instruction book and guide for anyone interested in Hackathons and for anyone who wants to organize one themself.
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Ann Molin - Jensen of HPUs
Reviewed in the United States on July 2, 2024🚀📚 I recently had the pleasure of reading "Dream! Hack! Build!" by Ann Molin, a book that beautifully captures the transformative power of citizen-driven innovation through hackathons. The origin of the word "hack" is often misunderstood and underrated, but Ann turned that idea on its head, demonstrating how it can lead to immense impact and creativity. This aligns perfectly with my idea of HACK as an acronym: Humanity Applying their Collective Knowledge. This idea underscores the essence of hackathons—bringing together diverse minds to solve problems collaboratively and create lasting change 🧠🤝 . Ann is the Jensen Huang of HPUs 🖥 .
I first met Ann Molin at a sustainability hackathon during AWS re-invent Las Vegas in 2018 where my team was the winner 🏆 . Her passion for innovation and sustainability was evident then, and it has been inspiring to see how our relationship has continued to grow through various hackathons over the years. 💬💻 Ann's ability to craft effective challenges and drive impactful solutions is unparalleled, and this book encapsulates her expertise perfectly. 🌟📈"Dream! Hack! Build!" emphasizes the importance of execution over mere ideation, the role of acceleration programs in sustaining innovation, and the value of teamwork and networking. It provides a roadmap for turning creative ideas into tangible outcomes that can make a significant difference in the world. 🌐🔧
Through my own non-profit Social Data Science working with MinneAnalytics we've applied these principles to create significant impact in the local Minnesota area. By leveraging data science for social good, we've been able to address community challenges and drive positive change, reflecting the very essence of what Ann advocates in her book. 🌍📊
For anyone passionate about innovation, sustainability, and making a real impact, this book is a must-read. Ann Molin's work continues to inspire and guide many, including myself, in our journey to build a better, more sustainable future. 📖✨
#Innovation #Hackathons #Sustainability #BookReview #DreamHackBuild #AnnMolin #HACK #CollectiveKnowledge #Teamwork #Execution #RealWorldImpact #Networking #SocialDataScience 🌟📘👩💻🌱
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⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A Game-Changer for Innovation! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Reviewed in the United States on June 21, 2024I honestly wished I had this book before my first hackathon
"Dream! Hack! Build!: Unleash Citizen-Driven Innovation with the Power of Hackathons" by Ann is a must-read for anyone eager to drive real change in their organization. This book brilliantly shows how hackathons can solve problems quickly and collaboratively.
Ann's expertise shines through as she introduces the Dream! Hack! Build! method, guiding you from identifying challenges to implementing actionable solutions. The book is divided into three practical sections:
Understanding Hackathons: Learn why hackathons are essential for modern business innovation.
Organizing Hackathons: Get step-by-step guidance on setting up and running impactful hackathons.
Implementing Solutions: Discover how to turn hackathon ideas into real-world results.
A standout chapter on branding highlights the importance of a strong brand identity. Ann's advice on creating a cohesive and professional online presence is invaluable. The book also emphasizes "Embracing Incompleteness," encouraging startups to be transparent and seek feedback to accelerate growth.
While the book is packed with practical advice, adding more real-life examples could further inspire readers. Despite this, "Dream! Hack! Build!" is an essential guide to leveraging hackathons for innovation. Highly recommended!
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A book full of actionable insights on accelerating innovation
Reviewed in the United States on July 18, 2024One thing that really stuck with me is the idea of having a Massive Transformative Purpose (MTP). It’s like having a huge, game-changing goal that drives everything we do. For example, Google’s MTP is “to organize the world’s information and make it universally accessible and useful.”
The book also dives into how hackathons can be for everyone, highlighting our incredible ability as human beings to cooperate and connect. It’s fascinating to learn about anthropologists’ and historians’ argument that “it is this very capability for cooperation and social connection that has propelled Homo Sapiens to the pinnacle of the Earth’s biodiversity.”
Other nuggets of wisdom include the importance of “setting up a small but efficient and autonomous core team”, the business value of two-dimensional diversity, the example of EUvsVirus Matchathon, the success story of BrightAct and Zelij Invent, and so on - this book is a masterpiece full of actionable insights!
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Insightful book with real world examples
Reviewed in the United States on July 21, 2024Ann's book is packed with thorough insights on how to lead impactful hackathons with a sense of urgency to address climate change. I also loved how she has forged a path to build meaningful relationships between participants and experts, which has enabled people all over the globe to turn their best ideas into prototypes and products - from the Hack for Earth to the Build for Earth accelerator program.
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