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Ilia State University invites students, young researchers, and individuals interested in environmental sciences, marine research, technology, and innovation to participate in the EfxINNOs Regional Hackathon, taking place in Tbilisi, Georgia, on 14–15 November 2026.

The Hackathon aims to develop innovative digital solutions for Black Sea environmental monitoring and sustainable management. Participants will have the opportunity to work with marine monitoring data collected through modern technologies used within the EfxINNOs project, including smart buoys and satellite imagery, and develop practical prototypes, applications, data analysis and visualization tools, or decision-support systems.

Main Hackathon Challenge Areas

Participants are encouraged to develop innovative solutions addressing one or more of the following areas:

Coastal and Marine Ecosystem Monitoring – Digital tools for assessing biodiversity, monitoring environmental conditions, and detecting changes in coastal and marine ecosystems.

Marine Ecosystem Restoration – Innovative tools for identifying vulnerable marine habitats, prioritizing restoration measures, and monitoring ecosystem recovery.

Marine Data Processing and Visualization – GIS-based applications, interactive dashboards, web platforms, and other tools for processing, integrating, and visualizing marine monitoring data.

Artificial Intelligence for Marine Monitoring – Applications of artificial intelligence and machine learning for underwater image analysis, object and anomaly detection, habitat classification, and environmental change assessment.

Digital Solutions for Marine Spatial Management – Data-driven tools supporting marine spatial planning, environmental management, and informed decision-making.

Innovative Solutions for a Sustainable Blue Economy – Technologies and digital services promoting sustainable marine resource management, environmental protection, and the development of the blue economy in the Black Sea region.

Throughout the Hackathon, participants will collaborate with specialists from different fields and EfxINNOs project experts, exchange knowledge and experience, and develop their ideas into practical prototypes with the potential for further refinement and real-world application.

From Tbilisi to the International Hackathon in Varna!

The Georgian Regional Hackathon will serve as a qualifying stage for the EfxINNOs International Final Hackathon, which will take place in Varna, Bulgaria.

The team presenting the best idea and prototype will have the opportunity to represent Georgia at the international event, showcase its solution to an international audience, and compete alongside selected teams from other EfxINNOs partner countries.

All participants will receive a certificate of participation.

Who Can Participate?

The Hackathon is open to individuals from diverse academic and professional backgrounds who wish to contribute their knowledge and ideas to a sustainable future for the Black Sea.

Participation requirements:

Participants must be 18 years of age or older.

Applications are accepted from both individuals and groups. Participants will form teams of three members during the Hackathon.

Good knowledge of English is mandatory.

Interdisciplinary teams bringing together participants from different academic and professional backgrounds are particularly encouraged.

Programming experience is not mandatory for every team member!

The Hackathon aims to bring together expertise in environmental sciences, technology, engineering, and socio-economic fields. What matters most is a good idea, a willingness to work as part of a team, and an interest in the future of the Black Sea.

Event Details and Registration

Date: 14-15 November 2026

Location: Tbilisi, Georgia (the exact venue will be communicated to selected participants)

Registration deadline: 30 October 2026

Participation format: Teams of three members

Registration: To participate, please complete the registration form.

Important information: Due to the Hackathon's format and participation rules, participants will be required to remain at the event venue overnight and continue working on their projects. Meals and snacks will be provided throughout the event.

Hackathon Agenda

The two-day Hackathon will include teamwork, collaborative problem-solving, idea development, mentoring sessions with project experts, and presentations of the proposed solutions.

Detailed Hackathon Agenda

For further information about the event, participation rules, and planned activities, please visit the EfxINNOs Regional Hackathon in Georgia webpage.

Join us and help create innovative solutions for a sustainable Black Sea through science, data, creativity, and technology! 

About the EfxINNOs Project

The main objective of the EfxINNOs project is to develop and operate a cost-effective, innovative, and sustainable network of marine environmental monitoring platforms. Bringing together partners from Bulgaria, Romania, Türkiye, and Georgia, the project strengthens regional cooperation, advances innovative marine monitoring technologies, and supports marine innovation across the Black Sea region.

The project is implemented under the Interreg NEXT Black Sea Basin Programme, with co-funding from the European Union. Its total budget is €1,643,648.40.

2026