Client: PwC
Event: AI for Government Hackathon
Location: London
Objective: Empower government organisations to explore AI solutions for real-world challenges, foster collaboration, and demonstrate the capabilities of Microsoft’s AI tools through a hands-on hackathon experience.
Background
Artificial Intelligence (AI) offers transformative potential for government agencies, providing opportunities to streamline processes, enhance public services, and drive innovation. However, understanding how to practically apply AI technology remains a significant challenge. PwC, in collaboration with Microsoft, sought to bridge this gap with the AI for Government Hackathon, a 48-hour event designed to give government departments the chance to develop AI-driven solutions. The event aimed to strengthen relationships between PwC, Microsoft, and public sector clients while promoting responsible AI use and fostering an inclusive approach to technology.
Objectives and Challenges
The primary objectives of the AI for Government Hackathon were:
- Demonstrate AI Capabilities: Showcase how AI can be applied to improve public services and address real-world challenges faced by government organisations.
- Promote Innovation: Provide a creative space for participants to explore and develop new AI solutions.
- Highlight PwC and Microsoft Expertise: Position PwC as a leader in AI consulting, supported by Microsoft’s advanced AI tools.
- Encourage Diversity in Tech: Ensure a diverse range of participants and perspectives, fostering a culture of inclusion within the event.
- Facilitate Collaboration: Strengthen ties between PwC, Microsoft, and government stakeholders.
Challenges:
- Tight Timeline: The event had to be planned and executed within just six weeks, requiring rapid coordination and planning.
- Technical Complexity: Ensuring the availability and integration of AI tools like ChatGPT tokens required meticulous setup and testing.
- Balancing Participant Needs: Meeting the varying needs of both government clients and the tech-savvy hackathon participants required careful attention to event design and structure.
Solution and Execution
PwC’s Creative Experiences team led the planning and delivery, working closely with Microsoft and various government departments. The team created an immersive and collaborative environment that maximised engagement and productivity.
Event Design and Experience
The hackathon was held in a state-of-the-art venue featuring a triple-height atrium, which was transformed with innovative 3D projection mapping technology—creating a dynamic, 360-degree visual experience. The venue was divided into four uniquely themed hacking spaces, each designed to inspire creativity through custom scents, colors, and visual branding.
To ensure participants’ comfort and focus, PwC designed a thoughtful guest experience:
- Developer-Friendly Amenities: Menus were tailored to the tech-savvy crowd, featuring themed food options like the popular “Super Mario Mac and Cheese Station.”
- Wellbeing Focus: A dedicated quiet room and on-site hand masseuse were available, offering a respite from the intensity of the hackathon.
- Accessibility: The space included a variety of seating options and desk configurations, ensuring all participants could work comfortably.
Collaboration and Technology
The event brought together over 125 technologists and civil servants from 15 government departments. Working in teams, participants developed innovative AI solutions to address real challenges in public service. PwC’s hybrid infrastructure approach allowed participants to seamlessly integrate cloud-based AI tools with local resources, facilitating efficient solution development.
The hackathon also highlighted the ethical considerations of AI. PwC and Microsoft worked closely with TechSheCan, a charity focused on increasing the representation of women in technology, ensuring diverse perspectives were integral to the event.
Outcome and Impact
The AI for Government Hackathon achieved all of its goals, making a substantial impact on participants and stakeholders:
- Enhanced Collaboration: The event fostered knowledge sharing among technologists, civil servants, and AI experts, creating a vibrant environment for learning and innovation.
- Real Solutions Developed: Several AI concepts were created during the hackathon, with one solution already being implemented by a participating government department.
- Positive Publicity: The event gained significant media attention, including coverage in The Financial Times, which highlighted PwC and Microsoft’s role in driving AI innovation in the public sector.
- Diverse Participation: The hackathon succeeded in its diversity and inclusion goals, bringing together a broad range of voices and achieving a 4.7/5 satisfaction score from participants.
- Significant Reach: The event generated over 253,000 social media impressions, raising awareness of the potential for AI in government.
Business Impact
The success of the AI for Government Hackathon had tangible business outcomes for PwC:
- New Business Opportunities: The event led to a £9 million pipeline of potential projects, including new hackathons with clients like the Home Office focused on emerging threats like deepfakes.
- Global Adoption: Inspired by the success of the London event, PwC developed a “Hackathon in a Box” concept, which has since been deployed in over 10 territories worldwide, helping to drive AI adoption across the public sector.
- Strengthened Alliances: The collaboration with Microsoft solidified PwC’s position as a leading AI consultancy partner, demonstrating their combined capability to deliver complex, impactful events.
Conclusion
The AI for Government Hackathon exemplified PwC’s commitment to fostering innovation and collaboration within the public sector. By creating an immersive, inclusive, and technologically advanced experience, PwC and Microsoft empowered government organisations to explore AI’s potential in a hands-on, engaging environment. The event not only delivered immediate solutions but also set the stage for ongoing collaboration and innovation, reinforcing PwC’s role as a leader in shaping the future of AI in government.