Unbreakable Connectivity hackathon: a personal reflection on a groundbreaking event
As I walked into Nokia’s headquarters on the afternoon of the Unbreakable Connectivity Hackathon, I could feel the energy in the air. Developers, buzzing with ideas and anticipation, were gathering for what would become a truly epic event. Over the next three days, I witnessed something extraordinary—a hackathon hosted by Nokia and Telia that utilized a live 5G network with advanced network API.
With 44 developers forming 12 teams, the challenge was clear: harness Telia’s cutting-edge 5G capabilities and Nokia’s Network as Code (NaC) platform to create innovative solutions that push the boundaries of connectivity.
Setting the Stage for Innovation
What made this hackathon stand out was the opportunity for participants to work in a fully operational live environment. This wasn’t just a theoretical exercise or a simulation—developers had direct access to Telia’s Sirius 5G network. By utilizing Nokia’s Network as Code developer portal and its advanced NaC APIs, participants could integrate products like Device Location, Device Status, Quality of Service on Demand (QoD), and real-time capabilities directly into their applications, unlocking unprecedented possibilities for innovation.
I spoke with several developers, and the feedback was consistent: This hackathon was unlike any they had attended before. Many expressed their excitement at having access to resources that allowed them to test and refine their ideas in real-time.
One participant shared, “It’s not every day you get access to a live 5G network and APIs like these. This kind of hands-on experience was a first for me and my team.”
Guided by Expertise
One of the most rewarding aspects of this event was the incredible support provided by a dedicated team of mentors—nine in total, with four from Nokia and five from Telia. Over the first two days alone, these mentors collectively contributed more than 100 hours of guidance, offering their expertise to help the teams refine their ideas, overcome technical challenges, and create compelling pitches.
Personally, I was thrilled to be part of this effort, dedicating over 15 hours to working directly with the teams. It was inspiring to see their creativity and determination as they brought their ideas to life, testing them in real-world scenarios using the Network as Code platform. For many participants, this was a first-of-its-kind opportunity to work hands-on with such advanced tools, and they rose to the occasion brilliantly. The mentors' guidance was repeatedly mentioned as a key factor in the success of the teams, with several participants expressing their gratitude for the expert advice that helped them push their innovations further.
The winning team, in particular, made excellent use of this support. They credited the mentors for helping them refine their solutions and align them with real-world needs. Hearing this feedback, I couldn’t help but feel proud of the collaborative spirit that defined the hackathon.
Groundbreaking Innovations
The innovations that emerged from this hackathon were nothing short of inspiring. Each team approached the challenge with creativity and ambition, resulting in solutions that leveraged the unique capabilities of 5G and NaC to address real-world challenges.
The Winning Solution: Industry 4.0 Innovation
The winning team “MOD5G” tackled a critical need in industrial automation. By optimizing Modbus TCP communication using QoD and Device Location, they showcased how 5G can replace wired networks in industrial settings. Their solution delivered the low-latency and deterministic communication required for Industry 4.0 applications, making it scalable and accessible even for those without deep networking expertise.
First Runner-Up Teams
The competition was incredibly close, with four runner-up teams delivering equally impressive innovations:
- Web-Based Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Teleoperation Platform
This team “NetFly” developed a UAV teleoperation solution that utilized QoD and Device Location for real-time UAV control and video streaming. Their application prioritized critical traffic in bandwidth-constrained environments, demonstrating 5G’s potential to enhance UAV operations, especially in remote or high-stakes scenarios. - Teleoperations of Waste-to-Energy (WTE) Plant Cranes
The second team “5G ACR” tackled a pressing issue in the WTE plants. Their demo replicating remote operated cranes, powered by Telia’s 5G and Nokia’s Network APIs, offered an on-demand “charge boost” feature. This innovation brought real-time, flexible remote crane operation solution to diverse environments, enhancing mobility, safety, and convenience for crane operations. - Health Monitoring for Hazardous Industries
The third team “MARINIFY” presented a health monitoring solution for seafarers and other hazardous industries that used wearable sensors, AI, and Nokia’s NaC platform. Their application provided proactive health recommendations and reliable connectivity in challenging environments, ranging from maritime to construction, effectively addressing the critical need for safety and well-being in isolated settings. - Unishopper: Revolutionizing Shopping Experience
The fourth team, “Future of Mobile Payments,” explained an innovative retail use case where customers connected to the network slice to scan products using their mobile device cameras and approve payments, eliminating the need for traditional barcode scanning. Their solution leveraged Device Location to enhance security and QoD to ensure high bandwidth, introducing a new way to experience shopping.
Reflections and Looking Ahead
As I reflect on the event, I am filled with pride—not only for the incredible solutions the teams developed but also for what this hackathon represented. It wasn’t just about competition; it was about collaboration, learning, and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with 5G / application connectivity.
The Unbreakable Connectivity Hackathon demonstrated the immense potential of network APIs in a 5G network. The projects showcased new ideas that could redefine industries, from smart automation and UAV operations to crane mobility and maritime healthcare.
This was more than just a hackathon—it was a glimpse into the future of connectivity. I’m deeply grateful to everyone who made it possible: the developers who brought their passion and creativity; UltraHack, the company that helped us organize the hackathon; the mentors who provided their expertise; and the teams at Nokia and Telia who delivered an event that exceeded all expectations.
Congratulations to the winning team and all participants. Your work has set a high bar for innovation and shown what’s possible when technology and creativity converge.
I’m already looking forward to seeing where these ideas go next—and to the next opportunity to build something extraordinary together.
Here’s to shaping the future of connectivity, one innovation at a time.
