Summary
AngelHack partnered with UBS to run a global “UBS Innovate” hackathon to reignite employee engagement and spark innovation. Over 500 employees participated in 5 cities, generating innovative ideas and fostering a culture of collaboration. This internal hackathon increased employee engagement, improved cross-cultural knowledge sharing, and accelerated innovation within UBS.
Challenge
UBS, a global financial services leader, sought to reignite employee engagement and spark innovation across its diverse workforce. With teams spread across different countries and cultures, fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing posed a significant challenge.
Solution
AngelHack partnered with UBS to design and execute a unique hackathon experience. The initiative, aptly named “UBS Innovate,” aimed to:
- Break down geographical barriers: Five simultaneous hackathons were held in New York, London, Zurich, Singapore, and Hong Kong, connecting participants through a live video conference platform.
- Harness collective intelligence: Over 500 UBS employees, representing various departments and roles, formed interdisciplinary teams to tackle real-world business challenges.
- Empower creativity and innovation: The hackathon focused on open-ended problem statements, encouraging participants to think outside the box and develop disruptive solutions.
- Foster a culture of collaboration: The virtual platform facilitated real-time teamwork, knowledge sharing, and peer-to-peer learning across continents.
Impact
- Unleashing Innovation: The hackathon generated many innovative ideas, ranging from streamlining internal processes to developing new customer-centric solutions. Winning teams pitched their concepts to a panel of UBS executives, with the top contenders receiving funding and support to develop their ideas further.
- Building Bridges: The event fostered a sense of community and collaboration across UBS’s global workforce. Participants from different countries and departments learned from each other’s perspectives, breaking down silos and fostering a more inclusive work environment.
- Boosting Engagement: The hackathon witnessed a remarkable level of employee engagement, with over 500 participants actively contributing to the ideation process. This enthusiasm translated into increased morale and a renewed sense of purpose within the organization.
- Accelerating Innovation: The post-program accelerator provided winning teams with mentorship, resources, and access to UBS leadership, enabling them to refine their ideas and bring them to market. This commitment to nurturing innovation further solidified UBS’s position as a leader in the financial services industry.
Conclusion
AngelHack ignited a spark of innovation within UBS by connecting diverse minds across continents. “UBS Innovate” not only unleashed groundbreaking ideas but also built bridges between teams and cultures, leaving behind a legacy of collaboration and a reinvigorated workforce ready to tackle the future.
