Ideathon

Ideathon is a Tech & Public Policy program sponsored incubator for novel approaches to policymaking, rooted in the theory that tech policy must fundamentally shift to a more agile model, reflective of digital product design, in order to be responsive to modern technology. The project adopts design principles from digital products in the start-up world, such as being focused on the user, working in quick “sprints,” brainstorming, storyboarding and iteration, to create an environment that allows for tech policy learning and innovative solution development. Graduate students are paired with experienced policy practitioners, academic mentors and students at other international universities from diverse backgrounds and experiences to collaborate on a tech policy challenge.

Building on this foundation, Ideathon is now evolving into its next phase as we redesign the program’s structure, aimed at expanding its long-term impact. We look forward to sharing more soon. You can learn more about past Ideathon below. 

Ideathon 2025: In 2025, Ideathon was convened in Tokyo in partnership with National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS).

Problem: Advanced quantum technology emerges from China. The country announces that its quantum computers have moved beyond the threshold to make traditional encryption obsolete and that it has developed a quantum communications technology.  The U.S. and Japan, as longtime allies and trade partners, recognize the dual threat and opportunity posed by this quantum leap. 

Solution: The Ideathon team created QUARK , which enables a quantum-ready global future. 

Ideathon 2024:  In 2024, Ideathon was convened in Singapore in partnership with Nanyang University and the government of Singapore.

Problem:  The aging population in Singapore is disproportionately victim to financial fraud on Facebook. Students used a scenario in which there is a rogue generative AI that is scooping up user data to create and spread  personalized, targeted financial scam content.

Solution: The Ideathon team created Safe Mode , which is an AI powered Algorithm that plugs into existing social media platforms. Safe Mode aims: Protect elderly users from falling for financial scams; Improve transparency and accessibility to Singapore based safety resources; Make social media platforms more safe and healthy for all.

Ideathon 2023: In 2023, Ideathon was convened in Paris in partnership with SciencesPo.
Problem: emojis, often used for hate speech, to traffic drugs and people, evade content moderation systems.

Solution: The Ideathon team created Project Emoji , which created the idea of a shared emoji dictionary, a plugin to allow for shared context and education via collaboration with Unicode and Emojipedia, and cross-platform cooperation to build standards.