From Big Idea to Prototype: A Challenge-Based Learning Framework for Hackathons in Higher Education

This paper introduces the Hack4CBL framework, which integrates Challenge-Based Learning (CBL) principles into hackathon design to enhance multidisciplinary education in higher education settings. By aligning the stages of a hackathon-pre-hackathon, hackathon, and post-hackathon-with the CBL domains of engage, investigate, act, and transfer, the framework fosters meaningful collaboration among students pursuing diverse learning outcomes within the same project. We illustrate the effectiveness of Hack4CBL through a binational hackathon centered on Tourism 4.0, involving over 200 undergraduate students from Colombia and Costa Rica across disciplines like systems engineering, computer engineering, business administration, tourism management, and data science. Students formed interdisciplinary teams to tackle real-world challenges provided by industry professionals, leading to the development of Minimum Viable Products (MVPs) over two months. Results indicate that integrating CBL into hackathons enhances collaboration, deepens domain-specific knowledge, and accelerates professional skill development. The Hack4CBL framework offers a replicable model for leveraging hackathons as powerful educational platforms closely aligned with professional realities.