IV international

hackathon

FRESH AIR 2026

Your Idea. Your Impact. Europe's Future.

Build tomorrow's solutions - where they are needed most.

Fresh AIR 2026 - where innovation meets real urgency

Fresh AIR 2026 is the largest international youth hackathon of Southern Ukraine - for those who don't wait for change, but create it.

Ukraine is not just a country rebuilding after conflict - it is a live laboratory for innovation. A nation fast-tracking digital transformation, reshaping cities, reimagining public services, and building a European future at a speed unmatched anywhere on the continent. Here, your ideas don't sit in a drawer. They get tested, piloted, and applied.

We are looking for youth-led projects with social impact that will become building blocks for the digital and technological renewal of this country - and a model for sustainable European development.

📅 April 2–4, 2026 | 📍 Odesa, Ukraine + Online (Europe)

Fourth annual international hackathon Fresh AIR 2026, is organized by the Institute of Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (AIR) at the National University "Odesa Polytechnic" together with Odesa IT Family, supported by leading Ukrainian IT companies.

Hackathon Themes: Fresh AIR 2026

Your idea — our renaissance.

We welcome solutions in the following areas:

Digital Reconstruction: Community platforms, Smart City, digital education, e-governance tools.
Robotic & Automated Solutions: Reconstruction automation, demining support, eco-monitoring.
Social Impact Technologies: Inclusion, healthcare, and initiatives supporting displaced Ukrainians' return.

Why you should apply now:

Early mover advantage: The earlier you register, the more mentoring and preparation time you get. Don't hesitate - we'll help you get ready.
Direct access to industry leaders: The jury includes C-level executives from top IT companies and leading universities. Honorary guests are investors and officials actively looking for projects to support and fund.
International vibe: Teams from across Ukraine and Europe. A rare opportunity to co-build with peers across borders.

Real rewards

6 prize places,

a very serious prize fund,

exciting partner prizes,

guaranteed gifts for every participant.

Registration is open until 29 March 2026.

Don't miss the opportunity to do something truly important!

What to expect

• Three days of intensity: Focused work on projects that can shift reality.

• Flexible format: Join in-person in Odesa or online from anywhere in Europe.

• International teams: Work side by side with talent from Ukraine and across Europe.

• Professional mentors: Experts from leading IT companies will help you take your idea to the next level — technically and in terms of pitch.

• Real impact: Your project could become part of the real reconstruction effort. Not a case study - an actual solution.

• Great atmosphere: The in-person event on April 4 will be held at a vibrant venue. Bring your friends and family to cheer you on - teams with the most active support get special prizes from the organizers!

Your team's journey: From idea to victory 🏆

Stage 1: "Quick Start" (Qualification) - by March 29

We don't require finished code or a prototype on day one. We want to see your fire.

What you need to do: Fill in a short form with your idea. Tell us:

• The Problem: What challenge in Ukraine do you want to solve? (Example: "Help visually impaired people navigate city infrastructure.")

• The Solution: How will your digital or hardware approach help?

• The Team: Who are you, and why are you the ones to do this?

Submit as a few paragraphs, slides, or a video up to 60 seconds. Once qualified, your team enters a cycle of masterclasses with top speakers and mentors from leading IT companies - both in-person and online.

Teams work intensively on their solution. Mentor workshops run both in-person in Odesa and online. Evening sessions on April 3 are dedicated to pitch rehearsal and final refinements.

Stage 2: "Deep Dive" (Mentoring & Development) - April 2–3

Stage 3: "The Battle" - April 4

All teams present their final solutions before the jury - IT directors, academics and business leaders. Awards ceremony and partner gift distribution follow.