The Future Simple Hackathon has become a platform for collaborative innovation among Ukrainians from different cities and industries for the second time. 140 IT specialists, teachers, designers, and business representatives formed teams to work on interactive English learning solutions over a 10-day period.
Focused on the largest IT professionals' championship in Europe, DEV Challenge, within the Future Perfect language program, the hackathon aimed to develop tools encouraging children aged 3 and up to engage in language learning. Under the new law on English language application, preschoolers in Ukraine are mandated to study English in kindergartens, aligning the educational goals set by Future Simple Hack.
"We are focusing on the countries with strong human capital for the future. Jointly with MKIP and the Ministry of Education and Science, we have launched Future Perfect. This language program offers educational opportunities for learning English, an essential component of progress today. Recently, the President signed an important law, which solidifies English as one of the languages for international communication in Ukraine. It foresees the start of English education from preschool age, ensuring that growing children do not lag behind modern trends and can communicate with the world in one language," supported Deputy Minister for European Integration of the Ministry of Digital Transformation of Ukraine, Valeriya Ionan.
14 mentors and 7 jury members selected 5 finalist teams whose solutions make the language learning process engaging and game-like.
"Learning English opens up limitless opportunities, and innovative technologies make this path exciting and effective. English should be accessible to every Ukrainian, and innovative technologies are the key to providing limitless opportunities for everyone. Every new day is a chance to discover the world, which becomes closer thanks to modern tools and our persistence," commented Deputy Minister of Culture and Information Policy of Ukraine for Digital Development, Digital Transformation, and Digitization, Anastasia Bondar.
The winning teams from the first hackathon include:
Ghost: a web service based on 'learn by playing' principle, teaching English through play for children aged 3 and up. The prototype engages all senses: children watch, listen, and imitate the game. The team developed a prototype using TensorFlow.js and AI to recognize children's movements and voices.
Autolayout: an application for children aged 3 and up to learn English through gamified practical tasks. Learning occurs by navigating levels with a character, and the child can track progress. The app is designed for younger users who absorb information non-verbally, featuring a bright interface, associative elements, rounded design, large buttons, and a simple menu. The platform also includes educational cartoons with integrated exercises.
The teams behind the winning solutions will receive educational and career opportunities from Sigma Software Group, Ukrainian Startup Fund, SKELAR, Beetroot Academy, speakingclub.ua, and ITVDN. The prizes reflect the principle of lifelong learning, as implemented in the Future Perfect language program, emphasizing the importance of continuous education and career growth.
"The modern world demands the study and popularization of the English language, starting from early childhood. The Future Perfect language program actively involves the young generation of Ukrainians in this process through innovative digital solutions. Today, investments in learning English are investments in the future of our children and the integration of our country into the global community," noted Deputy Minister of Education and Science of Ukraine for Digital Development, Digital Transformation, and Digitization, Dmytro Zavgorodniy.
The final of the hackathon took place on July 1st at UNIT.City, bringing together EdTech innovators, participants, mentors, and representatives of partner companies.
"We at UNIT.City are excited to host such wonderful initiatives aimed at implementing state programs to engage young and creative professionals. The accessibility of learning English and improving its learning capabilities is a critical necessity, as English is a must-have for almost any modern professional," commented Managing Partner of UNIT.City, Kostyantyn Yevtushenko.
Explore the world of Future Simple Hack on their website and be inspired by new EdTech innovations.
This series of hackathons is part of the Future Perfect language program and the largest IT championship in Europe for IT professionals, DEV Challenge, initiated by the Ministry of Digital Transformation of Ukraine. The project is also supported by Sigma Software and the first innovation park, UNIT.City.
