Survey on Crowdsourcing Sustainable Ideas: Student Hackathons and Innovation Challenges

It is increasingly critical to recognize the value of deriving sustainable solutions from the people themselves. While sustainability has gained momentum over the past decade, the urgency of the environmental crisis is still not fully understood, and public awareness remains slow to catch up. This paper delves into how crowdsourcing can serve as a catalyst for generating impactful, community-driven ideas that contribute to environmental conservation and social resilience. Through a survey assessing the outcomes of sustainability-focused hackathons, the research highlights the innovative solutions offered by grassroots communities and the vital role of student-led initiatives within universities. The study further examines the motivational drivers and engagement strategies that encourage participation, while addressing the limitations and opportunities inherent in this approach. Ultimately, the paper proposes a framework to effectively harness the collective intelligence of diverse communities to achieve long-term, sustainable impact.