At Hotovo, we believe that success is not only measured by success in the world of technology, but also by the impact we create in our community. This year has been full of significant initiatives that highlight our commitment to changing things for the better. From education programs to environmental advocacy and social support, here's a recap of how we gave back in 2024—a recap that may inspire you to find your own way to contribute and make a difference.

Rethinking our food choices

Our 2024 started in collaboration with Free Food, we focused on the environmental impact of our food choices. Through an engaging lecture, we looked at the path of food from production to consumption. The talk inspired us to make more thoughtful choices and reduce waste in our daily lives.

The LUX partnership

Our partnership with the LUX Social Center has been a truly meaningful part of our year, giving us the chance to engage with and support this community in various ways. One of the standout moments was a ping-pong tournament, where residents showcased their skills and spirit, bringing smiles and friendly competition to everyone involved.

We also spent a day volunteering at the center, rolling up our sleeves to revitalize the outdoor spaces. From cleaning pathways to tidying up the grounds, it was a day filled with teamwork, laughter, and genuine connection with the residents. 

One of the most memorable experiences was joining these people on a trip to the High Tatras. Surrounded by the beauty of our mountains, we shared conversations, joy, and moments of reflection. 

In addition to these events, we continued our tradition of supporting LUX through our spring and winter collections, gathering clothes, games, and art supplies for the residents. These gestures, though small, have been our way of showing that we care and that we’re committed to helping where we can.

Days with young innovators

We celebrated Girls' Day by welcoming high school students to our office, inspiring them to look into careers in technology. Our Hotovo girls club shared their journeys in IT, encouraging the girls to pursue their dreams. The day featured hands-on activities like AI, 3D printing, and marketing workshops, sparking curiosity and confidence in these future innovators.

We also had a great day when the clever children from the robotics club in Medzany came to visit us in the office. They introduced us to the robots, their achievements and what they enjoy about robotics and programming. To make their visit even more interesting, we introduced them to different IT roles and gave them an insight into the variety of opportunities in the world of technology. It was amazing to see how their eyes lit up when they realized their robotics hobby could turn into a real tech career someday.

These talented young innovators earlier competed at the World Robotics Olympiad, where they showcased their skills at regional and national competitions in Slovakia, and even made it to the finals in Denmark. Their determination and creativity at these events makes us happy to have been a part of their journey.

Shelter visit

Our team in Argentina spent a day helping out at a local dog shelter, bringing along food, comfortable beds, and anti-flea products to make life a little easier for the pups. Supporting the shelter wasn’t just about providing supplies—it was a way to show care for the community and give back in a meaningful way. While they went with the goal of helping the furry residents, they ended up leaving with just as much happiness and fulfillment in return.

PUCUNG festival

We attended PUCUNG festival, a special event full of engaging discussions, inspiring lectures and great live concerts. It brought together passionate people from civil society, journalism and culture to address important challenges in Slovakia. The festival was a powerful reminder of what is possible when creativity and determination come together to change things for the better.

The best Slovak skateboarder

We are proud of Rišo Tury, a skateboarder from Košice, whom we have had the honor to support for some time now. This year he has achieved his biggest success so far! - the 5th place at the Olympics in Paris! That's an incredible achievement on such a huge stage and we couldn't be happier for him.

Rišo's story is proof that with determination and hard work, amazing things can be achieved. He is an ordinary guy who had big dreams and made them come true. We look forward to seeing where his journey takes him next.

Making Braille accessible

This year, we’ve been working on something pretty exciting—the DotSight Scanner, a desktop app that helps digitize Braille texts and make them accessible to more people in the visually impaired community. It’s designed to turn physical Braille documents into digital formats, allowing users to read them as Braille Unicode or standard text using tactile readers or screen-reading software, helping to preserve Braille books. We’re still fine-tuning the app, but we can’t wait to see how it changes things for the better!

Second chances

This year, our internal office auction was not only a fun way to reuse unused items such as monitors, laptops, phones and lamps, but also a meaningful way to give these items a second chance. Our colleagues bid on these items, with all proceeds going to our Christmas collection. This year, the funds will support Centrum Dorka in Košice, an organization that has been providing vital social services for children and families. Just as our auctioned items found new purpose, we’re proud to contribute to an initiative that helps people rebuild and create brighter futures.

Mentoring future IT talents

The Live IT Projects program creates a great opportunity for IT students to step out of the classroom and go into real-world scenarios. Through this initiative, students collaborate with IT companies on projects, gaining hands-on experience and valuable insights. Our colleagues play a vital role as mentors, sharing their expertise and helping students navigate challenges in their school projects.

These students join companies like ours as part of their university degree programmes to work alongside experts and bridge the gap between theory and practice. It's a rewarding experience for all involved!

Don't be a bystander!

We extended our long-term cooperation with the Stop Corruption Foundation by hosting a learning session in our office to nurture a sense of responsibility and encourage taking action in challenging situations. The session focused on the bystander effect and the reasons people often stay silent in tough moments. It walked us through six key barriers that prevent people from speaking up in uncomfortable situations. Through real-life scenarios and practical examples, we learned how taking action and offering support can make a significant difference. So, don’t be a bystander!

More than just a box

Every year, we take part in the How Much Love initiative, bringing a little joy to elderly people in nursing homes who may feel lonely during the holiday season. The concept is simple but meaningful—pack thoughtful gifts into a shoebox, and the organization delivers them to brighten a senior’s day. It has become a tradition in our office. Why not start your own tradition of giving and bring joy to someone's holiday season?

As we reflect on 2024, we’re filled with gratitude for the opportunities we’ve had to make a positive impact. From supporting local communities and inspiring future innovators to preserving accessibility and fostering inclusion, this year has been about more than just achieving goals—it’s been about working together to create meaningful change.

Each initiative, big or small, reminds us of the power of compassion, collaboration, and determination. We’re happy with what we’ve accomplished this year and excited to continue building on these efforts in the future. Here’s to making an even greater difference in 2025—together!