SETU Hackathon for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

What is the Hackathon for SDGs?

This Hackathon for the SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) is an exciting, dynamic, hands-on event where students collaborate in teams (up to 5 members), generate ideas, co-design and present innovative solutions to a given problem and compete for fantastic prizes. The exact problem that student teams will be working on will be revealed at the start of the event, and teams will have around 3 hours to come up with a solution and then pitch it to a panel of judges. The winners of the Hackathon event at each university will progress to the Showcase Final which takes place in a hybrid format on Friday, 20 February 2026.

Why a Hackathon for the SDGs? 

This is a unique opportunity for students across disciplines to engage meaningfully in identifying sustainable solutions to societal challenges and to apply the skills they have gained across their respective programmes. Students will experience what it really feels like to be an entrepreneur, compete for amazing prizes and gain recognition that will boost their CVs.

Do I need a business degree to take part?

No. A business degree or previous entrepreneurship experience is NOT required for this Hackathon. This Hackathon is all about creativity, networking, and having fun while acquiring new skills and valuable experiences that can advance your
career.

Who can participate?

You can participate in the Hackathon for SDGs if you are a: Full-time or part-time undergraduate or postgraduate student (e.g., enrolled in a Certificate, Diploma, Degree, Masters, PhD or post-doc programme) in any discipline at UCC, MTU, TCD, DCU, SETU or DkIT.

What is the timeframe?

The Hackathon at SETU will take place online on 12 February 2026. The winning team from our University will then pitch for prizes at the Showcase Final on Friday, 20 February 2026 – this will be a hybrid event. 

Do I need to prepare anything beforehand? 

No, you do not need to prepare anything. On the day of the Hackathon, you will have a team/be placed in a team, and you will work on a solution as part of that team. The description of the problem that all teams will be solving will be announced at the start of the Hackathon event.

How does it work? 

Phase 1: Sign up via your university using the Microsoft Form.
Phase 2: On the day of the Hackathon (12 February 2026), participants will work in teams to develop a solution to a set challenge and deliver a pitch. When completing the Microsoft/HubSpot form, you can indicate whether you are applying as part of an existing team (for example, one already formed with colleagues) or whether you would prefer to be assigned to a team by your university Hackathon coordinator.

Prizes will be awarded to the winners of the SETU Hackathon. However, only the overall winning team will progress to the Showcase Final on 20 February, where they will compete for the major prizes.

Phase 3: If you are successful and win the Hackathon at SETU, you and your team will progress to the Showcase Final (20/02/2026) where you will pitch your solution online to a panel of judges.

The team prizes in the Showcase Final (Friday 20 February):

Prize 1, (Overall Winners): €5,000

Prize 2, The Most Creative Solution: €4,000

Prize 3, Best Pitch: €3,000

How do I get involved?

Click here to register. 

If you have any questions, please contact Brian Ogilvie ([email protected]) or Jane Foster ([email protected]).