Transport and mobility
How can people move through the region more easily, safely and sustainably?We will explore better use of public transport, visitor flows, parking, connections between transport modes and mobility data.
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Prešov Self-Governing Region × SAPIE × STICS
Hack the Tatras.
- Date
- 13–15 November 2026
- Venue
- Astronomical Institute of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, Stará Lesná
For students, young innovators, developers, designers, analysts and people who want to work on regional challenges.
I want to joinFrom criticism to change
Build a solution for the Tatras.
Transport, energy, public services and sustainability shape everyday life for people living in and visiting the Tatras. Over one weekend, you will use data, AI, technology and design to address a specific regional challenge.
At Hackathon Tatry, young people will work with municipalities, experts, companies and researchers. Teams will develop prototypes, data models and digital solutions for transport, energy, public services and the protection of the region.
Your outcome can be an app, digital service, data visualisation, AI tool, model, campaign or working prototype. What matters is that it responds to a real problem.
Local challenges
Challenges for the Tatras.
Energy and regional resilience
How can buildings, schools, hotels and municipalities manage energy better in mountain conditions?Ideas can address savings, smart consumption management, renewable energy, demand forecasting and resilience during seasonal peaks or extreme weather.
Sustainable Tatras and better services
How can data, AI and new technology protect the landscape while improving life for residents and visitors?From a digital picture of the territory and environmental monitoring to safety, information and simpler public services.
The detailed briefs, available data and experts for each challenge will be published before the event. Come with an idea or without one; you can choose a challenge and form a team at the event.
Who it is for
Different skills. One team.
We are looking for people with experience in coding, data, AI, design, analysis, public services, communication and regional knowledge.
Come with your own team or on your own. You can form a team at the event.
The hackathon weekend
Three days. One region. Real solutions.
We start on Friday evening and finish at noon on Sunday.
- 01
Friday · 13 November · from 18:00
Start together
Opening, challenge presentations, meeting experts and team formation. - 02
Saturday · 14 November
Build and test
Focused work on solutions, mentoring, consultations and idea testing. - 03
Sunday · 15 November · until 12:00
Present the outcome
Final pitches, expert-jury feedback and the selection of projects with potential to continue.
What you will take away
More than a hackathon weekend.
- Experience solving a real problem.
- A new team, connections and a community of people who want to build.
- Mentoring from experienced practitioners.
- A project or prototype for your portfolio.
- A chance to present your solution to people who understand the region’s needs.
Why the Tatras
The Tatras as a testing ground.
The Tatras bring together nature, tourism, transport, public services, energy and strong local communities. Solutions developed at the hackathon may also be useful in other Slovak regions.
The hackathon is part of STICS, which brings together municipalities, experts, researchers, companies and Living Labs. Selected solutions can later be consulted and validated in a real-world environment.
Challenge→Hackathon→Living Lab
Hackathon Tatry partners
Partners who know the region.
Local government, community and experts helping teams work on real challenges in the Tatras.
Support throughout the weekend
Mentors
Experts in technology, data, AI, design, business and municipal practice will help you move your solution forward.
Jaroslav Bukovina
SAPIE · Innovation policy expert
Jaroslav knows public administration from the inside. He has worked on innovation reforms and understands where a good idea can get stuck in rules, funding or decision-making. He will help teams find a way to take their solution further.
LinkedIn
Michal Číž
SAPIE · Programme Director
Michal has long worked on digitalisation, innovation and cooperation between the public sector and the technology community. He will help teams frame a problem so their solution is useful to people and local government alike.
LinkedIn
Dominik Čížik
Data analyst, City of Kežmarok
Dominik is introducing a data-driven approach to decision-making and improving city services in Kežmarok. He brings the perspective of someone in local government who deals with how data and digital tools work in a city's day-to-day operations.
LinkedIn
Michal Kardoš
SAPIE · Executive Director
Michal brings experience from business, public administration and international partnerships. He knows how to connect a good idea with the right people and show why it matters for a region or a city.
LinkedIn
Tomáš Pavlík
bAvenir · Business Development Director
Tomáš works on partnerships, data and their use in real-world settings. He will help teams consider who their solution serves, what data it needs and what has to work for it to be tested further.
LinkedIn
Juraj Popovič
SAPIE · Expert
Juraj has experience with digital products, venture building and public-sector innovation. He helps teams get to the heart of a problem, understand the user and identify the next step from a presentation to a useful product.
LinkedIn
Elena Schweigert
SAPIE · Expert
Elena has managed projects and hackathons focused on the digital transformation of the public sector. She helps teams organise their work, set priorities and bring a solution to the finish line during an intensive weekend.
LinkedIn
Martin Veselý
SAPIE · Expert
Martin has worked on dozens of hackathons and now helps translate AI research into practice at KInIT. He will help teams test whether an idea solves a real problem and how it can become a viable project.
LinkedIn
Good to know
Practical information
- Date
- 13–15 November 2026
- Venue
- Astronomical Institute of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, Stará Lesná
- Participation
- Free
- Meals
- Provided during the hackathon
- Accommodation and overnight access
- Details will be published in the practical instructions.
- What to bring
- Your own laptop and a collaborative mindset. Further technical and organisational instructions will be sent before the event.
FAQ
Questions about taking part
What is STICS?
STICS is a project linking municipalities, experts, researchers, companies and Living Labs to develop and validate innovations for better public services, cities and regions.
Who are the hackathons for?
Students, developers, designers, AI and data specialists, startups and young professionals. Your willingness to solve a real problem matters more than your job title.
Do I need my own team?
No. You can join as an individual. Teams can also be formed at the event.
How much does it cost?
Participation in Hackathon Tatry is free and meals are provided during the event. Information about accommodation, travel and any reimbursement of other costs will be published in the practical instructions.
Does the hackathon run non-stop overnight?
The hackathon runs from Friday evening until Sunday noon. The exact venue hours, options for overnight work and information about accommodation or sleeping arrangements will be published in the practical instructions before registration opens.
What prizes will the winning teams receive?
Prizes and other benefits for the strongest teams are being prepared. The specific awards will be announced no later than the launch of registration.
Can participants under 18 take part?
Yes. Participants under 18 will need consent from a parent or legal guardian. Details and the relevant form will be part of the registration process.
Can I bring a project I am already working on?
Yes. You may build on an existing idea, experience or technology. Assessment will focus primarily on the work, progress, experimentation and result created during the hackathon weekend, so a finished project does not automatically provide an advantage.
What happens after the hackathon?
Selected solutions may continue through consultation and pilot validation with STICS partners and Living Labs.