GEFIE 3 - AI Hackathon: Aspen Solutions

Client: Aspen Solutions

Event: GEFIE 3 – AI Hackathon

Industry: Cyber Security & IT Support

Date: 17th February 2026

Consultant: Rufus Curnow, Samiul Hoque

Driving Practical AI Application in a Digitally Literate Cyber Security Team

Aspen Solutions brought together a digitally confident team in Glasgow for GEFIE 3, the AI Hackathon stage of the AI Transformation Playbook. Building on earlier literacy and application work, the session focused on turning prepared ideas into working AI solutions. The outcome was clear: multiple functional prototypes built in a single day, strengthened internal AI leadership, and tangible progress toward embedding AI into operational workflows.

Aspen entered this stage well prepared. Following GEFIE 2, their internal AI lead had supported teams in refining project concepts and strengthening proposals. As a result, the Hackathon was able to move quickly from discussion to delivery.

Business Context

Aspen Solutions operates in the Cyber Security and IT Support sector, where operational clarity, documentation accuracy and efficient review processes are essential. In this context, AI is not a theoretical enhancement. It directly influences how consistently processes are executed and how effectively information is handled.

By the time of GEFIE 3, Aspen had already progressed through the literacy and formulation stages of the AI Transformation Playbook. Teams were no longer exploring tools at a surface level. They arrived with structured project ideas and a shared understanding of how generative AI, automation and agent-based tools could support their roles.

GEFIE 3 represents the Iterate stage of the Playbook. Its purpose is to convert applied understanding into collaborative experimentation, allowing teams to test and refine solutions under time-bound conditions.

Objectives of the Event

• Advance pre-defined AI project ideas into working prototypes

• Strengthen collaboration between digitally literate team members

• Apply a range of AI tools to real operational challenges

• Validate which ideas were ready for further development and embedding

What Happened During the Event The Hackathon was delivered in person in Glasgow, led by Rufus Curnow and Samiul Hoque. The group demonstrated strong digital literacy from the outset, which allowed the session to focus on depth rather than basic tool orientation.

Teams used a broad mix of AI technologies. These included Copilot agents, automation workflows, custom GPTs and Claude-based solutions. Rather than converging on a single platform, participants selected tools aligned to the needs of their specific projects.

Several teams made significant progress on cloud review and account review processes. Others developed process documentation assets, including the creation of structured videos generated from presentations and AI-assisted PDF workflows. The practical output extended beyond written drafts into multimedia and operational artefacts.

The day was characterised by iteration. Teams built, tested and refined within short cycles, benefiting from the preparation completed between GEFIE 2 and GEFIE 3. Because project framing had already been strengthened, execution moved quickly and with focus.

The atmosphere was constructive and forward-looking. Participants were open to experimentation and engaged actively with feedback and adjustment throughout the day.

Key Insights and Takeaways

Across the session, several patterns emerged that extend beyond this single client engagement.

First, preparation materially changes the quality of Hackathon output. The work Aspen completed between GEFIE 2 and GEFIE 3 meant that the Hackathon was not spent inventing ideas but advancing them. The presence of an engaged internal AI lead acted as a multiplier for progress.

Second, higher baseline digital literacy increases the sophistication of experimentation. The team was able to move fluidly between tools, compare outputs and make informed decisions about which platform best suited each task. This reflects the Execution component of the Purpose – Execution – Judgement framework in action.

Third, tool diversity strengthens learning. Exposure to multiple AI environments, including Copilot, custom GPTs and Claude, reduced platform dependency and reinforced transferable skills rather than narrow product familiarity.

Finally, practical build time remains essential. AI capability develops through doing. The structured, time-bound format of GEFIE 3 creates the conditions for concentrated learning and measurable output.

Impact

By the end of the session, Aspen Solutions had:

• Advanced multiple AI projects into working prototypes

• Improved defined operational processes such as cloud and account reviews

• Created new AI-assisted documentation and presentation workflows

• Strengthened internal AI leadership and cross-team collaboration
  

Just as importantly, the organisation increased its internal confidence. The team experienced what coordinated, AI-supported delivery feels like in practice. This shift from understanding to applied execution is a critical milestone within the AI Transformation Playbook.

What Happens Next

Following GEFIE 3, the logical progression is toward structured embedding.

Projects that demonstrated operational value can now move into refinement and governance alignment. Internal AI leadership can prioritise which prototypes transition into production workflows. This aligns with the Strategic Integration stage of the AI Transformation Playbook, where experimentation is formalised and integrated into core business objectives.

The momentum generated during the Hackathon provides a clear base for continued iteration, measurement and expansion.

Closing Insight

Organisations in technically demanding sectors such as cyber security often possess the digital foundations required for effective AI adoption. The differentiator is not access to tools, but structured progression through literacy, application, iteration and embedding. GEFIE 3 demonstrates how that progression translates into tangible operational improvement.