The MunichTech EXPO Hackathon is a Europe-focused innovation challenge bringing together developers, researchers, students, startups, and industry professionals to build practical, high-impact technology solutions for real-world problems.

This hackathon is not about hype or demos that end on Sunday night. It is designed to foster applied innovation, open collaboration, and long-term impact in areas that are strategically critical for Europe’s future independence and competitiveness.

Participants will work on challenges across domains such as:

 

  • Artificial Intelligence and applied machine learning

  • Digital sovereignty and European tech infrastructure

  • Industry 4.0, manufacturing, and supply chains

  • Digital health and public services

  • Sustainability, energy, and climate technology

  • Data platforms, automation, and enterprise software

 

What makes this hackathon special:

 

  • Strong focus on usable, deployable solutions, not just concepts

  • Real-world problem statements inspired by industry, research, and public sector needs

  • Direct exposure to companies, investors, universities, and innovation leaders at MunichTech EXPO

  • A European perspective: building technology in Europe, for Europe, with global relevance

Selected projects will be showcased during MunichTech EXPO and gain visibility among enterprises, investors, and ecosystem partners.

Requirements

To successfully submit a project, teams must provide the following on Devpost:

 

  1. A working prototype or functional proof-of-concept

     

    • This can be software, hardware, or a hybrid solution

    • The project must demonstrate clear functionality, not just slides

     

  2. Project description

     

    • Problem statement

    • Solution overview

    • Target users or industry

    • Why this solution matters for Europe

     

  3. Technical details

     

    • Architecture overview

    • Technologies, frameworks, and tools used

    • AI models, datasets, or APIs (if applicable)

     

  4. Repository or access link

     

    • GitHub, GitLab, or equivalent

    • Or a live demo link if available

     

  5. Short demo video (2–3 minutes)

     

    • Explaining the problem, solution, and demo

    • Screen recording or live demonstration is sufficient

     

 

Optional but encouraged:

 

 

  • Business or deployment considerations

  • Ethical, regulatory, or sustainability considerations

  • Potential next steps after the hackathon

Hackathon Sponsors

Prizes

1 non-cash prize
MunichTech EXPO Grand Challenge Award
5 winners

Five outstanding projects will be selected during the MunichTech EXPO Hackathon 2026 and recognized on-site at the EXPO.

The awards include:
1. MunichTech EXPO Grand Challenge Award
Awarded to the overall best project, demonstrating exceptional technical quality, innovation, and real-world impact.
2. Best Applied AI Solution
Recognizes excellence in applied artificial intelligence, data-driven systems, or intelligent automation solving a concrete problem.
3. Best Industry & Enterprise Use Case
Honors the most enterprise-ready solution with clear business value, scalability, and deployment potential.
4. Best Sustainability & Societal Impact Solution
Awarded to a project creating measurable positive impact in sustainability, climate action, public services, or societal challenges.
5. Best Student / Early Talent Project
Dedicated to student teams or early-career innovators showing outstanding creativity, learning potential, and execution.

What winners receive:
• Official award recognition at MunichTech EXPO 2026
• On-stage award ceremony and public announcement
• Featured project showcase at the EXPO (demo or presentation slot)
• Visibility across MunichTech EXPO website, press, and social media
• Direct introductions to industry partners, enterprises, investors, and public-sector stakeholders
• Fast-track opportunities for exhibiting, pitching, or joining the MunichTech EXPO Talent Hub

All prizes are non-cash and focused on visibility, ecosystem access, career opportunities, and real-world impact.

Devpost Achievements

Submitting to this hackathon could earn you:

Judges

Francisco Duarte

Francisco Duarte

Judging Criteria

  • Problem Relevance & Impact
    How well does the solution address a real, clearly defined problem? Judges will assess the relevance of the problem to industry, society, or public sector needs, as well as the potential impact if the solution were implemented at scale.
  • Technical Excellence & Feasibility
    How strong is the technical implementation? This includes architecture, data usage, AI/ML soundness (if applicable), robustness, and whether the solution can realistically be built, deployed, and maintained beyond the hackathon.
  • Innovation & Originality
    How novel is the idea or approach? Judges will look at originality, creative use of technology, and whether the solution goes beyond standard or expected implementations.
  • Practical Applicability & Scalability
    Can the solution be applied in real-world environments? Evaluation focuses on usability, scalability, integration potential, and suitability for enterprise, startup, or public-sector deployment.
  • Presentation & Communication
    How clearly and convincingly is the solution presented? Judges will assess clarity of explanation, demo quality, storytelling, and the team’s ability to communicate technical and business value effectively.

Questions? Email the hackathon manager

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