Client Project

Fostering Innovation in Direct-to-Consumer Models

How AYS Labs and Founders Forum partnered to deliver a high-impact hackathon exploring on-demand and subscription business models.

The Challenge

Unilever Homecare sought to explore innovative direct-to-consumer business models, including on-demand delivery and subscription services. To achieve this, they collaborated with Founders Forum to host a weekend hackathon, bringing together creative teams to:

• • Develop and pitch disruptive ideas in the homecare space.
• • Prototype solutions within a structured and fast-paced environment.
• • Identify opportunities for Unilever leadership to invest in and scale successful projects.

The event required:

• • Comprehensive logistical support to host the hackathon.
• • A structured format to guide participants through ideation, prototyping, and pitching.
• • Expert mentors to provide feedback and steer teams toward viable solutions.

Our Solution

AYS Labs collaborated with Founders Forum to deliver an expertly planned and executed hackathon:

• 1. Hackathon Design and Structure:
• • Developed a structured agenda to guide participants through brainstorming, prototyping, and pitching within 48 hours.
• • Organized judging criteria to evaluate ideas based on innovation, feasibility, and market potential.
• 2. Comprehensive Logistics Management:
• • Handled all event logistics, including venue selection, sponsorships, food and beverages, and team sourcing.
• • Coordinated promotions to attract top talent from diverse backgrounds, ensuring a mix of technical and business expertise.
• 3. Expert Mentorship:
• • Provided mentors with expertise in on-demand delivery, subscription models, and consumer goods to support teams during the hackathon.
• • Offered real-time guidance to refine ideas and prototype solutions.
• 4. Engaging Pitch Event:
• • Organized a final pitch session, judged by Unilever’s leadership team, to showcase the most promising ideas.
• • Created an environment that fostered creativity and high-impact problem-solving.

The Outcome

• Innovative Solutions:  Generated several high-potential ideas for direct-to-consumer models in the homecare space.
• Engaged Talent:  Attracted a diverse group of participants, fostering a collaborative and competitive atmosphere.
• Scalable Opportunities:  Delivered actionable ideas that Unilever leadership could further develop and scale.

Key Takeaways

AYS Labs helped Unilever Homecare:

• Design and execute a highly successful hackathon, fostering innovation and creativity.
• Identify viable business models in the direct-to-consumer space.
• Engage talented teams and provide leadership with scalable, actionable ideas.

Looking to Foster Innovation Through Hackathons?

Contact AYS Labs to learn how we can help you design impactful events.