Smart Cities Council is pleased to support a partner-led Smart City Hackathon taking place in Kraków from 6–8 March, bringing together innovators, technologists, and urban thinkers to develop practical solutions for cities. The initiative is delivered by the AXIOS Acceleration ecosystem, which focuses on supporting startups, innovation programs, and early-stage collaboration between technology and urban development communities.
The hackathon is designed as an intensive 48-hour innovation program where participants work in teams to develop a ready-made solution to real city challenges. The program combines teamwork, mentoring, and practical workshops to help participants move from ideas to prototype solutions within a short timeframe.
Around 70 participants forming up to 16 teams will collaborate across four key challenge tracks where technology intersects with city life:
- Smart City innovation
- Ecology and environmental resilience
- Accessibility and inclusive urban services
- Tourism and visitor experiences.
Throughout the program, teams will receive guidance from experienced mentors and trackers specialising in areas such as artificial intelligence, urban planning, and urban design, providing both individual and team support as solutions evolve.
The three-day program begins with participant registration, an opening keynote, and the presentation of city challenges before teams form and begin development work. Workshops throughout the weekend will focus on solution design, prototyping, and presenting ideas effectively, culminating in final project presentations to experts and city representatives.
Beyond solution development, the hackathon also offers a vibrant environment for collaboration and networking. Participants will connect with peers who share a commitment to improving urban life, while gaining practical experience working on real-world challenges. All participants receive a certificate recognising their contribution.
The program welcomes a diverse range of participants, including developers, UX designers, urban planners, students, researchers, and civic innovators, who can join individually or as part of a team.
Through initiatives such as this, Smart Cities Council continues to support collaborative innovation and community-led approaches that help translate emerging technologies into practical solutions for cities.
Participants interested in joining the hackathon can find further details, the agenda, and application information on the event website.
About Smart Cities Council
Smart Cities Council is a global network of cities, governments, technology leaders, investors, and solution providers dedicated to enabling city and community transformation through governance, finance, technology, and partnerships that deliver measurable outcomes.
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