DEI4SME Hackathon II Grand Finale: Inclusion, Diversity, and Innovation Driving Change
DEI4SME Hackathon II Grand Finale: Inclusion, Diversity, and Innovation Driving Change
On March 28, the DEI4SME Hackathon II Grand Finale took place at the KTU Library in Kaunas and online, bringing together students, academics, business professionals, and policymakers to explore how diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) can be powerful drivers of change in organizations and communities.
The event featured student pitch presentations, inspiring keynote speeches, and a high-level panel discussion. Together, they encouraged participants to challenge norms and reimagine the future of work through inclusive and innovative practices.
The event was officially opened by Prof. Eugenijus Valatka, Rector of Kaunas University of Technology, and Dr. Jurgita Butkevičienė, Associate Professor of Sustainability and Entrepreneurship and DEI4SME Project Manager in Lithuania.
Keynote Insights: Breaking Stereotypes and Embracing Growth
The program began with a keynote by Ms. Evelina Nevardauskaite Rudzikiene, a doctor and specialist in endobiogenics, who delivered a talk titled “Run Like a Girl”. Her message focused on breaking gender stereotypes and empowering individuals—regardless of gender—to pursue their potential without limitation.
The second keynote, “You Are OK Already,” was delivered by Ms. Giedrė Vaitiekūnaitė, CEO at HR Hint Online and Partner at OVC Consulting. She offered an encouraging perspective on early career development, reminding young professionals that their unique viewpoints and willingness to learn are already valuable.
Panel Discussion: What Works in DEI?
A central part of the event was the panel discussion “DEI Best Practices: Success Stories & Key Lessons Learned,” moderated by Dr. Gerda Žigienė, Professor of Finance & Sustainability at Kaunas University of Technology and a LAVA Board Member.
The panel featured:
- Ms. Julija Markeliūnė – DEI Lead at Telia Lithuania
- Mr. Arvydas Makselis – Vice President at Moody’s Corporation, Board Member at the Lithuanian Diversity Charter
- Mr. Karl Daniel Klee – CEO of EDUNAUK, Expert at IHK-Projektgesellschaft Ostbrandenburg
- Dr. Emil Velinov – Associate Professor at DHBW Villingen-Schwenningen (Germany), Newton University (Czech Republic)
Panelists shared practical DEI strategies implemented within their organizations, highlighting successes, ongoing challenges, and the real-world impact of inclusive policies in both local and international contexts.
Student Innovation in Action
Later in the event, student teams presented their creative solutions to real-world DEI-related challenges. Their work was evaluated based on innovation, practical application, and collaboration.
Congratulations to the winning teams:
1st Place – Creative Collective (Vilnius University)
- Karina Kandrotaitė
- Lukas Urbanavičius
- Liepa Ramanauskaitė
- Dominykas Andriušis
2nd Place – Diverse Visions (Kaunas University of Technology & University of Bristol)
- Keso Gagoshidze
- Maximilian Krahe
- Khushi Agarwal
- Patid Rattanadechakul
- Vijayansh Wasson
3rd Place – Fusion Force (University of Vaasa & Vilnius University)
- Elisha Itani
- Irene Puerta Uusitalo
- Pijus Petrauskas
The winners were announced by Ms. Agila Barzdienė, Vice-Minister of Economy and Innovation of the Republic of Lithuania, and Dr. Kęstutis Duoba, Dean of the School of Economics and Business at Kaunas University of Technology.
Partners and Sponsors
This event was organized as part of the DEI4SME project by the following partners:
Kaunas University of Technology, University of Vaasa, Technology Centre Merinova Oy, IHK-Projektgesellschaft mbH Ostbrandenburg, Room466 by WKO Steiermark, and E.N.T.E.R.
We extend our sincere thanks to our sponsors for their generous support:
Telia, Wix, Avilio istorijos – Certified Honey, IHK-Projektgesellschaft mbH Ostbrandenburg, and Skaylink
Photo Highlights
We invite you to explore the photo gallery and relive the energy, creativity, and shared purpose that made this event such a success.