Vernetzung

Hack the Paradise! 2026: Developing Digital Solutions for Jena Together

Over 30 participants, four exciting challenges, and plenty of creative energy: The “Hack the Paradise! 2026” hackathon once again demonstrated just how much innovative potential Jena has when people from different fields come together to work on concrete challenges.

At the kickoff event at JEDI—the Jena Digital Innovation Hub—participants got to know one another, formed teams, and developed initial ideas for real-world issues facing the city. This was followed by an intensive work phase: within a short time, concepts, prototypes, and new approaches to solutions emerged.

The challenges came from various areas of urban development:

  • No Time to Waste: Smart route planning for municipal vehicles
  • DimTheLight: Intelligent control of existing lighting infrastructure
  • WattsUp: AI-powered forecasts for renewable energy
  • TalkToMe: An interactive AI avatar for the JEDI

The atmosphere during the hackathon was characterized by openness, creativity, and mutual support. It was particularly impressive to see how quickly genuine teams formed from diverse perspectives, working together on viable ideas. 

Grupper vieler Menschen schauen in die Kamera.


The results also won over the jury and the audience. The jury prize went to the team behind the “DimTheLight” challenge. What’s particularly noteworthy is that no mentor had originally been found for this challenge. Thanks to the mutual support of the participants on site, the team was still able to develop a compelling solution.

The Audience Choice Award went to the “TalkToMe” challenge—an interactive AI avatar for JEDI.

Together with the challenge organizers, the ideas and prototypes that emerged will now be examined and evaluated in greater detail. The main questions are: What can be further developed? And how can the results be turned into concrete applications for Jena?

A big thank you goes to all participants, mentors, challenge organizers, and the entire organizing team who made this hackathon possible.

And after the hackathon is before the hackathon: In June 2027, “Hack the Paradise!” will enter its next round. We’re already looking forward to seeing everyone who’s coming back—and welcoming new participants.

“Hack the Paradise!” demonstrates once again that digital urban development takes shape where people come together, share knowledge, and shape the future together.

Dritter Hackathon "Hack the paradise" 2026