Explore AI, software, hardware, blockchain and emerging tools.
Macromedia Startup Community presents
HACK THE
FUTURE.
A two-day interdisciplinary hackathon for people who want to turn bold ideas into real projects. Bring your perspective, find your team and reimagine what comes next.
2–3 November 2026Berlin CampusAll disciplines welcome€650 total prize pool
01 / THE CHALLENGE
REIMAGINE THE FUTURE.
How can we use AI, technology and creativity to improve tomorrow’s world?
Your mission
Make an idea
matter.
Identify a real challenge, bring different perspectives together and create a concept, prototype or experience that could make a difference.
No matter what you study, you have something valuable to contribute. Build across disciplines, not inside a box.
Bring film, media, fashion, design and storytelling into the process.
Understand people’s needs and shape ideas into useful solutions.
02 / THE REWARD
BUILD IT. SHOW IT. WIN.
One winning team takes the top prize. Two additional teams are also recognised.
For the winning team
For the runner-up team
For third place
Beyond the prizes
Top five projects may be considered for future funding grants and LEXIE programme opportunities. Selection and support are subject to approval and availability.
03 / THE EXPERIENCE
TWO DAYS. BIG IDEAS.
A working schedule for November 2–3. Final timings and campus access details will be confirmed with participants.
DAY 01MONDAY · 2 NOVEMBER
09:00–10:00
Registration & breakfast — meet the community and get settled.
10:00–10:20
Welcome & opening — learn what the Hackathon is about.
10:20–11:00
Challenge, rules & judging — understand the mission and what makes a strong project.
11:00–12:00
Team formation & ideation — find collaborators and shape your idea.
12:00 onwards
Build begins — prototype, test and get feedback, with food breaks throughout the day.
Evening
Progress check — share your progress and plan the next steps. Overnight work depends on campus access approval.
DAY 02TUESDAY · 3 NOVEMBER
09:00–11:00
Final development — polish your solution and prepare the demo.
11:00–12:00
Submission preparation — finalise your presentation and prototype.
12:00–12:30
Lunch & expo setup — get ready to present.
12:30–14:30
Project expo & judging — show the judges what you’ve made.
14:30–15:30
Deliberation & finalist demos — hear the strongest ideas.
15:30–16:30
Awards, photos & networking — celebrate the work and meet future collaborators.
04 / THE PEOPLE
MEET THE TEAM.
A cross-functional team bringing the Hackathon to life with the support of the Macromedia Startup Community and university team.
Abdullah Khawaja
Director & Organiser
AI and technology student, robotics maker and project builder focused on using technology to solve real-world problems. Abdullah leads the Hackathon’s vision, coordination and participant experience.
Contact Abdullah ↗AA
Anastasiia Ashrafzianova
Design & Logistics
Helping shape the event’s visual experience and coordinate the practical details that keep the Hackathon running smoothly.
MD
Marina Dedkova
Design & Logistics
Supporting event design and logistics, helping create a welcoming, organised experience for participants.
VH
Viltė Helmaitė
Marketing & Communications
Supporting outreach, promotion and clear communication with students and the wider university community.
PP
Peter Potocar
Videographer & Editor
Capturing the Hackathon through video and editing content that showcases the teams, ideas and event highlights.
AH
Prof. Dr. Arthur Hofer
Faculty Support
Supporting the initiative through the Macromedia Startup Community and university network.
MC
Macromedia Team
University Support
Helping connect students, faculty and the wider university community in support of the event.
STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP
SolanaExploring the intersection of blockchain, technology and creative problem-solving.
05 / PLAN YOUR PARTICIPATION
GOOD TO KNOW.
Technology, business, media, film, fashion, design and all other fields are welcome.
Studio One, Mehringdamm 33, Berlin.
Selected students outside Berlin may receive partial or full support for reasonable travel and accommodation, subject to available funding and budget limits.
Bring a laptop or tools if you have them, an open mind and a willingness to collaborate. Practical details will be sent to registered participants.
A project name, the problem addressed, an explanation of the solution, what was built during the event, team roles and a demo or prototype. Detailed instructions will be shared with participants.
YOUR NEXT CHAPTER STARTS HERE
GOT AN IDEA?
Bring your ideas. Meet your people. Build something extraordinary. We can’t wait to see what you create.
APPLY NOW ↗
Questions? Email the organiser