Organised by the IDEAS Research Institute, home to the ELLIS Unit Warsaw, and part of the Horizon Europe project ELIAS (European Lighthouse of AI for Sustainability), IDEASHACK 2026 is a pan-European hackathon created to connect researchers, innovators, and entrepreneurs. The event, titled "IDEASHACK 2026: Where AI Meets Impact," provides a platform for participants to transform ideas that bridge science and business into tangible solutions.
Program Objective
• The primary goal is to build tools that enhance the speed, intelligence, and effectiveness of knowledge transfer between academia and industry.
• Participants will design concepts for platforms capable of mapping scientific expertise, research output, and implementation potential.
• The aim is to assist companies and institutions in identifying collaboration opportunities and translating research into real-world applications.
Participant and Team Guidelines
• Teams must consist of 3 to 5 members.
• The competition is open to individuals residing in EEA countries, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.
Event Structure and Format
• The hackathon will be conducted in a hybrid format, combining online and in-person elements.
• The program commences with an online kick-off event.
• The event concludes with an in-person Demo Day and Grand Final in Warsaw, where the top teams will present their solutions.
Prizes
• 1st place: €5,000
• 2nd place: €4,000
• 3rd place: €3,000
Key Dates
• Team Registration: 23 March - 20 April
• Online Kick-off Event: 24 April
• Final Project Submission Deadline: 8 May
• Announcement of Top 5 Teams: 15 May
• Demo Day & Grand Final in Warsaw: 19 June
Technical and Professional Scope
• Participants have the freedom to use any technology or tools they deem most effective for their projects.
• The event welcomes expertise in AI, data science, platform design, and innovation management, encouraging interdisciplinary collaboration to create solutions with significant societal and economic impact.
Following the first Polish edition of the hackathon in November 2024, which gathered interdisciplinary teams at the intersection of AI, research, and innovation, this initiative continues to grow. Individuals passionate about AI, collaboration, and translating knowledge into action are encouraged to monitor for upcoming registration details and join the community dedicated to shaping the future of AI-driven knowledge transfer in Europe.