21-22 May 2026

Crafting Future Cities – Hackathon

Hack the city: Designing inclusive, smart and nature-Integrated urban environments together.

About

Cities today face intersecting challenges: climate pressure, social fragmentation, car-dominated infrastructure, data overload, and widening inequalities in access to high-quality public space. Streets, squares and transit hubs are too often designed for speed, consumption and traffic efficiency rather than for wellbeing, connection and ecological resilience.

The Widening Hackathon: Crafting Future Cities responds to these challenges by creating a structured space for experimentation, collaboration and applied innovation.

Organised under the UNITE! Widening framework by Wrocław University of Science and Technology, Universidade de Lisboa, and KTH Royal Institute of Technology,

This 48-hour hybrid innovation challenge brings together students, researchers, professionals and engaged citizens to rethink public space as a living, shared and regenerative commons.

Why Participate?

  • Work in international teams
  • Prototype real urban solutions
  • Receive mentoring from experts
  • Present to an international jury
  • Compete for travel and presentation opportunities
  • Receive an official international participation certificate

About/Why we are doing it

We are creating a Europe-wide platform to turn urban challenges into actionable solutions. Over two days, multidisciplinary teams tackle real issues – mobility, climate adaptation, public health, circular infrastructure, and digital inclusion using human-centred, data-driven approaches. Teams prototype ideas that are feasible, scalable, and socially equitable, factoring in finance, governance, and environmental impact. By showcasing solutions through engaging storytelling and compelling pitches, ideas gain momentum, attract collaborators, and spark real change. Our mission is to transform innovation into impact – making Europe’s cities smarter, fairer, and ready to meet the challenges of tomorrow.

Who Is This Event For

  • Researchers & academics
  • Startups & technology founders

Practical Information

  • Data: 21-22 May
  • Venue: Wrocław University of Science and Technology, Universidade de Lisboa (ULisboa), KTH Royal Institute of Technology (KTH)
  • Format (on-site / hybrid)
  • Language: English

Subjects

  • Data: 21-22 May
  • Venue: Wrocław University of Science and Technology, Universidade de Lisboa (ULisboa), KTH Royal Institute of Technology (KTH)
  • Format (on-site / hybrid)
  • Language: English

Additional Information

Oragnisers:

KTH, Wroclaw Tech, ULisboa

Contact: