The Häme University of Applied Sciences (HAMK) will host the RUN-EU Innothon ‘Innovation Hackathon Smart Cities & Smart Villages’ on 17 and 18 February 2026 in the Riihimäki campus, Finland.

In this hands-on, two-day Innothon hackathon, student teams will take on one big question: how would you design a smarter city or village — and what would it look like?

Over two intensive days, participants will research, debate and create, guided by expert mentors and HAMK staff who will challenge their thinking and help refine their ideas.

The winning team will take their concept even further, developing a full presentation and video pitch that brings their vision to life – a real opportunity to showcase their talent beyond the hackathon itself.

No technical background or prior knowledge of smart cities is required. All you need is curiosity, teamwork skills and a genuine interest in reimagining the places we live.

RUN-EU Innothon
Innovation Hackathon Smart Cities & Smart Villages

Date
17 & 18 February 2026

Time
9h00 – 16h00

Mode
Face-to-Face

Target group
Urban Infrastructure degree programme students

Previous knowledge required
No previous knowledge/experience is required.

By the end of the programme, students will have created something tangible:

• A Canva poster that clearly and visually communicates their solution
• A three-minute pitch presented to a jury of professionals

The top teams will then have the opportunity to showcase their ideas and demonstrate how their solution makes a real difference for real people in a real-world context.

Coordination
HAMK, Finland