• Albania
• Armenia
• Azerbaijan
• Belarus
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Georgia
• Kazakhstan
• Kosovo
• Kyrgyzstan
• Moldova
• Montenegro
• North Macedonia
• Serbia
• Tajikistan
• Turkmenistan
• Ukraine
• Uzbekistan

🟡 Note: The She’s Next Hackathon 2025 is tailored for our growing community of women entrepreneurs across Eastern Europe, the South Caucasus, and Central Asia—represented by the 17 countries listed above. This regional focus and nationality requirement helps us provide targeted support and relevant opportunities.

1. General principles

• Respect and professionalism

  All participants and mentors are expected to interact with mutual respect and professionalism at all times.

• Constructive collaboration

  Mentorship is offered to support participants' learning and project development during the hackathon. Feedback should be constructive and helpful.

• Inclusivity

  This is a safe space for all participants regardless of gender, race, background, or business stage. Discrimination or inappropriate behaviour will not be tolerated.

2. Boundaries of Mentorship

• Non-commercial interaction

  Mentorship during the hackathon is non-commercial in nature.

  Mentors and participants are not allowed to enter into any financial agreements, offers of paid services, or business contracts during the hackathon period.

• No solicitation

  Mentors may not pitch or promote their paid services to participants. Similarly, participants should not solicit mentors for funding, business services, or commercial deals.

• Confidentiality

  Any sensitive information shared during the mentorship sessions must be treated as confidential and not shared outside the hackathon setting without explicit consent.

3. Expectations from mentors

• Provide guidance within the scope of the hackathon.

• Respect participants’ ideas, regardless of their level of development.

• Avoid leading conversations toward personal or commercial interests.

4. Expectations from participants

• Come prepared with clear questions or areas where they seek input.

• Respect mentors' time and boundaries.

• Avoid requests for personal favours, funding, or partnerships.

5. Reporting Concerns

If a participant or mentor feels that this Code of Conduct has been violated, they are encouraged to report it confidentially to the organising team at shesnext@emergingeurope.org.

6. Consequences of breach

Any violation of this Code of Conduct, especially in relation to financial agreements or inappropriate conduct, may lead to disqualification from the hackathon or removal from the mentorship programme.

Five Scoring Categories

1. Problem clarity and market relevance (max 15 points) - How well does the team define the problem and show market understanding?

• Problem definition: Is the problem clearly defined, specific, and compelling?
• Target audience: Does the team understand who is affected and why?
• Market context: Has the team demonstrated awareness of the broader market or ecosystem trends?

2. Innovation and differentiation (max 15 points) - How original, bold, and strategically sound is the solution?

• Creativity: Does the solution approach the problem in a novel or bold way?
• Uniqueness: Is the concept differentiated from existing solutions?
• Strategic fit: Is the idea aligned with the hackathon theme?

3. Feasibility and Business Readiness (max 15 points) - How realistic and actionable is the solution?

• Viability: Can the solution be implemented with reasonable resources?
• Business model: Is there a clear understanding of how the concept could be monetised or sustained?
• Next steps: Does the team show awareness of what needs to happen next (e.g. MVP, partnerships, funding)?

4. Potential for Social Impact (max 15 points) - What is the scope of positive change this idea could bring?

• Potential for social impact: What is the scope and depth of positive change this idea could bring, especially for disadvantaged or underserved communities?
• Social value: Does the concept create meaningful value for its users, particularly women or vulnerable groups?
• Scalability: Can this idea grow, replicate, or expand across geographies, sectors, or communities with similar needs?
• Alignment with She’s Next goals: Does the project contribute to female empowerment, inclusive entrepreneurship, or business resilience?

5. Pitch Quality (max 10 points) - How effectively was the idea communicated?

• Clarity and structure: Was the pitch clear, well-paced, and logically organised?
• Confidence and engagement: Did the team show conviction, preparedness, and presence?

Total: max 70 points

Awards mapping

• Best idea: Highest total score across all five categories (judges may also consider cohesion, story, and overall merit)
• Most innovative idea: Highest score in Category 2: Innovation and differentiation
• Best social impact: Highest score in Category 4: Potential for social impact

Full legal name (as stated on their official ID)

Nationality

LinkedIn profile or professional website

Email address

Phone number

Self-declaration confirming they:

• Are not under criminal investigation, and
• Are not subject to any international sanctions
  (to be submitted as a simple Yes/No statement)