The hackathon took place at the ISS headquarters in De Meern and brought together FM students and young professionals from Inholland University of Applied Sciences, Hanze University of Applied Sciences Groningen, The Hague University of Applied Sciences, Breda University of Applied Sciences, ISS Facility Services, VFM Facility Experts, Humanagement, Flexim Netherlands, and Ster Facility Management.
From cost savings to value creation
The central question was how robotics can strengthen people and add value for organizations and society. The presented concepts show that robotics is increasingly being used as a strategic tool: cobots take over repetitive tasks, data drives service delivery in real-time, and facility staff have more space for hospitality, well-being, and management. Thus, the focus shifts from cost reduction to integrated value creation.
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Directly applicable practical case
PwC Netherlands provided the practical case, allowing the ideas to be directly tested for feasibility in a complex, international work environment. A jury with representatives from Ifmec, FMN Young, FMN Experts, PwC, and ISS evaluated the submissions based on innovation, impact, scalability, and social added value. The winning team consisting of students from Inholland University of Applied Sciences developed the concept Intelligent Neuro Assistant (INA) in which smart robotics and data management help facility teams proactively manage usage, experience, and sustainability. The team received a personal prize and was also allowed to present a check of €1,000 to the Ronald McDonald House Utrecht, the social goal of this edition.
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Accelerating innovation through co-creation
The hackathon shows how innovation in the facility sector arises from collaboration between education, young talent, and clients. By actively involving young professionals in strategic issues related to robotics and data-driven services, ISS, Ifmec, and FMN Young are building a new generation of facility leaders who connect technology and human-centeredness.
