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DigiEduHack: hackathons as an educational tool

Discover how educational hackathons foster innovation, collaboration and digital skills development, and access practical resources to organise your own event.
Teams working during an educational hackathon
Teams working on their solution during a DigiEduHack edition in Turkey, 2025

Continue the DigiEduHack legacy

Over six editions since 2019, DigiEduHack brought together more than 12 000 participants across 56 countries to develop innovative solutions to challenges in education and digital learning.

Although the initiative has concluded, its tools, guidance and resources continue to support educators, institutions and organisations interested in using hackathons as a tool for learning and innovation.

Access useful resources

The DigiEduHack resource collection remains available on the Microsoft Teams environment of the European Digital Education Hub.

Once you become a member, you can access:

  • host guide for planning and running a hackathon
  • evaluation grids and judging tools
  • case studies and examples from previous events
  • communication and engagement materials

What is an educational hackathon?

An educational hackathon is an intensive, time-limited event, typically of one to two days. During this period, participants work in teams to develop solutions to a defined challenge in teaching and learning.

Originally a format from the technology sector, hackathons have since been adopted as a dynamic pedagogical tool.

 

DigiEduHack was transformative, intense, empowering

Gabriele Tealdo 2024 Global Awards Winner, co-founder of Unimate 

 

Why use hackathons in education?

Educational hackathons create opportunities for participants to collaborate, experiment and develop innovative solutions to challenges in teaching and learning.

They support:

  • hands-on, challenge-based learning
  • cross-disciplinary collaboration
  • development of digital and soft skills

 

Evaluating the innovative ideas of young talents from around the world was particularly inspiring, it’s incredible to witness the creativity and potential that students bring forward!

Davide Coppaloni Steering group member

 

Who benefits?

Hackathons bring benefits across the educational ecosystem.

  • Students develop digital and transferable skills, build confidence, and expand their professional network
  • Educators introduce innovative, learner-centred teaching methods, connect theoretical knowledge with practical application, and explore interdisciplinary approaches.
  • Education institutions strengthen engagement with local and global communities, foster culture of innovation and increase visibility of digital education
  • Innovators and businesses identify emerging talent, support local innovation, and contribute to the development of creative solutions in education
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