Abstract
This study investigates the potential of multi-disciplinary collaboration and hackathon-based approaches in addressing smart city challenges, with a particular focus on Kochi, India. It examines how interdisciplinary teams and participatory innovation models contribute to smart city development while identifying the key benefits and challenges of this approach. Employing a case study methodology, the research uses a hackathon as an experimental setting where participants from diverse backgrounds worked collaboratively to develop solutions for urban challenges in Kochi. Data was gathered through observations, stakeholder interactions, and collaborative analysis, with findings structured around key smart city attributes. The results indicate that multi-disciplinary collaboration enhances problem-solving depth but requires structured facilitation to align diverse disciplinary perspectives effectively. While the hackathon format fosters rapid innovation, its time constraints limit deep stakeholder engagement and iterative refinement. Additionally, digital collaboration tools improve efficiency, yet face-to-face interactions remain crucial for collective synthesis and solution integration. The study underscores the importance of contextual understanding, bottom-up approaches and bridging the smartness through technology to people-centric initiatives. Future research should explore extended engagement strategies and comparative analyses across multiple smart city initiatives. By offering practical recommendations for improving hackathon-driven urban solutions, this study contributes to the discourse on people-centric, context-aware city and community development that focus on sustainability and quality of life.