IDEASHACK 2026

IDEASHACK 2026: Where AI Meets Impact

Got an idea that could bring science and business closer together? IDEASHACK 2026 is your chance to turn it into reality.

The goal is simple but ambitious: build tools that make knowledge transfer between academia and industry faster, smarter, and more effective.

Participants will work in teams to design concepts for platforms that map scientific expertise, research output, and implementation potential, helping companies and institutions identify collaboration opportunities and translate research into real-world applications. Teams should consist of 3 to 5 members, and the competition is open to individuals residing in EEA countries, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.

The hackathon will run in a hybrid format, bringing together teams from across Europe both online and in person. The journey begins with an online kick-off and culminates in a Demo Day and Grand Final in Warsaw, where the best teams will present their solutions.

🏆 Prizes
1st place: €5,000
2nd place: €4,000
3rd place: €3,000

📅 Key dates
• 23 March - 20 April: Team registration
• 24 April: Online kick-off event
• 8 May: Final project submission deadline
• 15 May: Announcement of the Top 5 teams invited to Demo Day
• 19 June: Demo Day & Grand Final in Warsaw

Participants are free to use any technology or tools they consider most effective. Whether your expertise lies in AI, data science, platform design, or innovation management, IDEASHACK 2026 is an opportunity to collaborate across disciplines and create solutions with real societal and economic impact.

The first Polish edition of this hackathon took place in November 2024, bringing together interdisciplinary teams working at the intersection of AI, research, and innovation ecosystems.

If you are passionate about AI, collaboration, and turning knowledge into action, this is the challenge for you. Stay tuned for registration details and join the community shaping the future of AI-driven knowledge transfer in Europe. 🚀