NEWS & EVENTS

The application for GreHackathon 2027 is now open! Students from all ENLIGHT member universities are invited to submit proposals addressing sustainability challenges at their universities or in surrounding communities. GreHackathon 2027 will take place in Bratislava, Slovakia on 25–28 February 2027.

GreHackathon is a four-day, in-person international event bringing together students from five European universities to collaborate in interdisciplinary teams and develop practical solutions to real-world sustainability challenges. At the heart of the event is a 24-hour hackathon, supported by academic experts and professional mentors. Participants will present their solutions to an expert panel, and selected projects may receive further support for development and potential implementation.

What challenges can you tackle?

Students are invited to propose innovative solutions to sustainability challenges, including:

• Student Housing: Making student accommodation more affordable, accessible, and sustainable.
• Affordable Student Food: Improving access to affordable, nutritious food while reducing food waste.
• Student Support: Making university support services easier to find, understand, and access.

These topics are intended as inspiration rather than limitations. Students are welcome to propose their own environmental or sustainability challenges. Solutions should be realistic, innovative, and potentially adaptable to other ENLIGHT universities and European contexts.

Who can apply?

• BA, MA, and PhD students from all academic disciplines and all ENLIGHT universities

No previous hackathon experience is required. Interdisciplinary applications are particularly encouraged.

How to apply?

Submit your application via online form by 30 November 2026.

Applicants should submit an initial proposal addressing a specific sustainability challenge at their university or in its surrounding community. Proposals do not need to be fully developed but should briefly explain:

1. The sustainability challenge identified
2. Why the problem matters
3. The proposed solution
4. How the solution could be implemented

Submission formats:

• Written proposal (maximum 500 words)
• Video or audio submission (maximum 5 minutes)
• Other creative formats that can be uploaded through the application form

Apply here: GreHackathon 2027 – Turn a Campus Problem into a Solution

Why participate?

By joining GreHackathon, you will have the opportunity to develop your ideas into practical solutions, collaborate with experts and mentors, meet motivated students from across Europe, and strengthen your problem-solving and teamwork skills. You will also gain hands-on international experience and contribute to a student-led initiative with the potential to create real impact.

Costs

There is no participation fee. Meals are covered during the event, while travel and accommodation costs may be covered by your sending institution. Please contact your local ENLIGHT coordinator for further information.

For further information, please contact:

• Vivien Ďuricová – Comenius University in Bratislava – This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
• Arno Ratzinger – University of Bern – This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
• Aisling Burke – University of Galway – This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
• Marco Lange – University of Göttingen – This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
• Arantxa Lailheugue Dagorret – University of Bordeaux – This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.