What is the Hackathon for the SDGs? 

This Hackathon for the SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) is an exciting, dynamic, hands-on event where students collaborate in teams (up to 5 members), generate ideas, co-design and present innovative solutions to a given problem and compete for fantastic prizes. The exact problem that student teams will be working on will be revealed at the start of the event, and teams will have around 3 hours to come up with a solution and then pitch it to a panel of judges. The winners of the Hackathon event at UCC will progress to the Showcase Final which takes place in a hybrid format on Friday 20th of February 2026. 

Why participate? 

This is a unique opportunity for students across disciplines to engage meaningfully in identifying sustainable solutions to societal challenges and to apply the skills they have gained across their respective programmes. You will experience what it really feels like to be like an entrepreneur, compete for amazing prizes and gain recognition that will boost your CV. 

Do I need a business degree? 

No. A business degree or previous entrepreneurship experience is not required for this Hackathon. This Hackathon is all about creativity, networking, and having fun while acquiring new skills and valuable experiences that can advance your career. 

Can I participate? 

You can participate in the UCC Hackathon for the SDGs if you are a:  

Full-time or part-time undergraduate or postgraduate student (e.g., enrolled in a Certificate, Diploma, Degree, Masters, PhD or post-doc programme) in any discipline at UCC. 

What is the timeframe? 

The Hackathon for the SDGs at UCC will take place on Tuesday 17th of February 2026 between 5:30 pm and 8:30 pm in Aula Maxima (The Quad). The winning team from UCC will then pitch for prizes at the Showcase Final on Friday 20 of February 2026 – this will be a hybrid event. 

Do I need to prepare anything beforehand? No, you do not need to prepare anything. On the day of the Hackathon, you will have a team/be placed in a team, and you will work on a solution as part of that team. The description of the problem that all teams will be solving will be announced at your university at the start of the Hackathon event. 

How does it work? 

• Phase 1: Sign up using the Microsoft Form below. 

• Phase 2: On the day of the Hackathon, you will work in a team to provide a solution to a set problem and pitch that solution. You can indicate in the Microsoft Form if you are applying as part of an established team (e.g., one that you and your colleagues have already set up), or if you would like to be randomly placed in a team by your university Hackathon coordinator. 

• Phase 3: If you are successful and win the local UCC Hackathon, you and your team will progress to the Showcase Final (20/02/2026) where you will pitch your solution online to a panel of judges. 

What are the team prizes in the Showcase Final? 

• Prize 1 (Overall Winners): €5,000 

• Prize 2 The Most Creative Solution: €4,000 

• Prize 3 Best Pitch: €3,000 

How do I get involved? 

Please click on the Microsoft Form link below, complete and submit the Form by the 11th of February to secure your place:  https://forms.office.com/e/wmRfSbE2t8 

UCC Hackathon for the SDGs event leads are Professor Joe Bogue and Dr Lana Repar.  

For any questions or guidelines, send an email at j.bogue@ucc.ie or lana.repar@ucc.ie 

More details and guidelines can be found in the UCC SGD Hackathon Guidelines.