Case Study: BioNTech SE – RNA AI Hackathon

Posted By: Editor 5 March 2025

Client: BioNTech SE
Event: RNA AI Hackathon
Location: On-site in Mainz, Germany, with virtual participation from Tunis, Paris, London, and Cape Town
Objective: Celebrate BioNTech’s acquisition of InstaDeep by fostering collaboration and developing AI-driven solutions to real-world operational challenges.

Background

The RNA AI Hackathon was organized to mark BioNTech’s strategic acquisition of InstaDeep, one of the leading AI companies. This event sought to merge the innovative cultures of both organizations, emphasizing a collaborative spirit that could translate AI capabilities into actionable solutions. The hackathon aimed to inspire creativity and teamwork among BioNTech and InstaDeep employees, bringing together diverse skills to solve practical challenges using Large Language Models (LLMs) and other AI tools. It also served as a platform to identify operational issues and devise AI solutions that could improve BioNTech’s efficiency and impact.

Objectives and Challenges

The primary objectives of the RNA AI Hackathon were to:

  1. Unite Teams: Foster integration between BioNTech and InstaDeep teams, encouraging cross-departmental collaboration.
  2. Solve Real-World Problems: Use AI to address specific operational challenges within BioNTech, generating innovative solutions for implementation.
  3. Promote Learning and Networking: Create opportunities for participants to deepen their understanding of AI applications and network with colleagues across locations.

Challenges:

  • Managing Hybrid Participation: Ensuring seamless interaction between in-person and virtual participants across multiple time zones required sophisticated coordination.
  • Data Security: To protect sensitive information, mock data sets were created for problem-solving activities, balancing the need for realism with strict data privacy.
  • Space and Logistics: Accommodating more participants than anticipated and managing the logistics of both physical and virtual attendance presented unique planning challenges.

Solution and Execution

BioNTech’s internal teams, alongside InstaDeep, orchestrated the event over months of planning, focusing on creating a dynamic and engaging hybrid format.

Innovative Hybrid Design
The hackathon was hosted in an iconic venue in Mainz, a historic postal depot repurposed to foster a creative atmosphere. It served as the central hub, while virtual participants joined from dedicated InstaDeep offices across various cities. The hybrid setup allowed seamless collaboration, with live video feeds and digital workspaces enabling real-time communication between teams in different locations.

Key elements included:

  • Interactive Workshops: Workshops on LLMs, reinforcement learning, and AI applications were streamed live, enabling both on-site and virtual participants to learn new skills and immediately apply them to their projects.
  • Custom Hackathon Platform: A custom-built digital platform allowed participants to form teams, share updates, and access resources, ensuring that all collaborators, regardless of location, could contribute effectively.
  • Problem-Driven Approach: Participants tackled real issues identified by BioNTech and InstaDeep employees, selecting from 88 submitted challenges. Teams then worked intensively over two days to develop AI solutions to 23 selected problems.

Guest Experience

The event was designed to be engaging and inclusive, ensuring that every participant, whether on-site or online, felt part of the hackathon’s vibrant energy:

  • On-Site Experience: In Mainz, attendees enjoyed an immersive experience with access to the venue’s creative workspaces, networking lounges, and AI demo zones. The space was designed to encourage collaboration, with breakout areas where teams could brainstorm and innovate together.
  • Virtual Accessibility: For remote participants, the hackathon experience was tailored through live-streamed workshops, virtual collaboration tools, and interactive discussions. A dedicated tech support team ensured smooth connectivity, making it easy for virtual attendees to engage fully with their on-site counterparts.
  • Open Door Policy: The event welcomed all BioNTech employees, even those who were not formally participating, allowing them to visit the venue, observe the hackathon, and interact with the teams. This approach fostered a sense of inclusivity and curiosity throughout the organization.

Outcome and Impact

The RNA AI Hackathon surpassed its objectives, delivering impactful results:

  • High Participation: The event drew over 200 active participants, with 120 on-site in Mainz and the rest joining virtually from around the world. Additionally, daily visitor numbers reached up to 300, showcasing strong internal interest.
  • Innovative AI Solutions: The hackathon produced 23 potential AI solutions to real-world business challenges.
  • Positive Feedback: Participants praised the collaborative atmosphere and the opportunity to work on meaningful projects. Many noted that the hackathon provided a unique chance to apply their skills in a practical, real-time setting, deepening their understanding of AI.

Business Impact

The hackathon delivered tangible business benefits for BioNTech:

  • Enhanced Efficiency: The AI solutions developed during the event contributed to resolving operational issues, allowing teams to work more efficiently.
  • Strengthened Team Integration: The event fostered a sense of unity between BioNTech and InstaDeep teams, solidifying the cultural integration post-acquisition and paving the way for future collaborative efforts.
  • Empowered Innovation: By giving employees the chance to address real-world challenges, BioNTech empowered its teams to innovate from within, encouraging a proactive approach to problem-solving that will continue to benefit the company.

Conclusion

The RNA AI Hackathon was a pioneering event for BioNTech, blending the physical and digital worlds to create a truly hybrid experience. It harnessed the power of collaboration, AI, and creative problem-solving, delivering solutions that will have a lasting impact on the company’s operations. This event not only marked the beginning of a new chapter for BioNTech and InstaDeep but also set a new standard for how hybrid events can drive innovation, engagement, and unity within an organization.