TECH CHALLENGE 2026 – Student Hackathon
November 28
Got the Skills? Ready for the Challenge?
HACKATHON 2026
Can you turn your technical knowledge into a working prototype?
Put your skills to the test at a one-day hackathon, where you’ll work with a team to solve a real-world technological challenge in collaboration with Instrumentation Technologies, a high-tech company based in Solkan, Slovenia.
📅 Saturday, 28 November 2026 | 9:00 AM–6:30 PM
📍 Start Lab, Solkan, Slovenia
🎟️ Participation is free of charge.
🗓️ Registration deadline: 11 November 2026.
Your Challenge: From Idea to Prototype
How can you develop a smart system that uses a camera to recognise selected objects, distinguish between known and unknown objects, and trigger an alert when an unknown object is detected?
During the hackathon, you’ll have one day to work with your team to develop a solution, build a physical prototype, and present it to a panel of expert judges.
You’ll be able to use technologies and platforms such as Raspberry Pi, NVIDIA Jetson, or similar solutions suitable for developing smart systems and camera-based object recognition. The challenge will focus on the practical application of technical skills in the development of intelligent systems. Further details about the challenge, equipment, and other arrangements will be provided before the event.
What Will You Gain?
- Hands-on experience: Apply your knowledge to a real-world technological challenge.
- Direct contact with engineers: Present your solution to experts from Instrumentation Technologies.
- A prize for the winning team: Each member of the winning team will receive a Red Pitaya STEMlab Starter Kit — a compact measurement and development device for electronic testing, hands-on experimentation, and the development of electronic solutions.
- Career opportunities: Get to know the company and open the door to potential collaboration, internships, work placements, or employment.
- New connections: Meet other young talents, exchange knowledge, and gain experience working as part of a team.
Who Should Apply?
Students in technical fields and young technology enthusiasts, particularly those studying computer science, electrical engineering, physics, and related disciplines.
Students in their later years of study, master’s students, and those approaching graduation are especially encouraged to apply if they are interested in technology, innovation, and practical problem-solving.
Students and young professionals from the Goriška region, the Vipava Valley, surrounding areas, and the neighbouring Italian border region are particularly welcome, especially given the potential opportunities for internships, work placements, and employment.
You can register individually — you don’t need to have a team in advance. Teams will be formed at the event, so you’re welcome to participate even if you haven’t found teammates yet.
About Instrumentation Technologies
Instrumentation Technologies is a high-tech company based in Solkan, Slovenia, developing advanced electronic systems for measuring, processing, and monitoring signals in demanding scientific and industrial environments. Its R&D expertise also gave rise to the Red Pitaya brand, which offers compact measurement and development devices for engineers, researchers, and educational purposes.
At the hackathon, you’ll have the opportunity to put your skills to the test in an environment where advanced technological solutions are developed and connect with professionals from the industry.
What Will the Day Look Like?
- Team technology challenge: Develop a solution through a full day of practical work.
- Solution presentation: Build and present your prototype to a panel of judges.
- Judging and awards: Discover the best solutions and celebrate the winning team.
- Networking: Connect with engineers, organisers, and fellow participants.
Register by 11 November 2026 and dedicate a day to a real challenge, hands-on experience, and new opportunities for your future.
The organiser reserves the right to make changes to the programme.
The programme is co-organised by Primorski tehnološki park, Instrumentation Technologies, and the University of Nova Gorica. The event is held as part of the ACROSS project, which we are implementing in collaboration with the University of Nova Gorica.
