In a significant move towards digital transformation, WaiWai and the Samolet Group successfully implemented artificial intelligence (AI) solutions through a hackathon, resulting in 14 functional projects developed by managers without prior IT experience. The initiative addresses a common challenge faced by corporations: the failure to achieve measurable returns on investment in AI, often attributed to unclear goals and disconnection from real-world processes.
The hackathon allowed employees to work directly on AI tools, leading to the rapid development of practical solutions. Over the course of two days, participants created several applications, including an AI system for reviewing construction documentation that dramatically reduces processing time from hours to mere minutes. Another notable project was an AI chat application for residential complexes, capable of resolving up to 70% of inquiries without the need for a human operator. The standout project, which won the hackathon, was an AI assistant for the government relations department that leverages data from 21 databases and APIs to streamline legislative analysis.
Mik Weisman, CEO of WaiWai, highlighted the hackathon's effectiveness as a means of rapidly testing ideas, stating that it empowers experts to become creators, allowing them to develop solutions independently of IT departments. The approach not only fosters innovation but also debunks the myth that technical development is exclusively the domain of IT professionals.
The hackathon attracted 70 participants organized into 15 teams, with only 20 members from IT departments, while the rest hailed from various fields such as HR, sales, marketing, and legal. This diversity proved advantageous, as the absence of traditional development skills allowed professionals to focus on their specific challenges without being hindered by preconceived notions about technological limitations.
Oleg Tikhonov, head of technology development and AI, emphasized that true breakthroughs in AI usage should involve all departments, not just IT. The hackathon also served to accelerate the pace of innovation within the corporation, enabling employees to test hypotheses without waiting for approvals, and delivering tangible results in days rather than months.
This groundbreaking approach signals a shift in corporate dynamics, where the ability to formulate AI tasks becomes more valuable than traditional coding skills. As companies increasingly embrace this model, it may reshape competitive landscapes, allowing agile organizations to outpace those adhering to conventional development processes.
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