Barcolana AI Sea Hackathon

Barcolana AI Sea Hackathon: From Idea to Prototype

The journey that began on 8 October with the Barcolana AI Sea Summit continues with the Barcolana AI Sea Hackathon powered by Asperastra Innovation Lab, organised by Barcolana and Asperastra APS and funded by the Autonomous Region of Friuli Venezia Giulia, with the aim of harnessing artificial intelligence to support water and marine sustainability.

Applications are open until 8 December 2026 and are aimed at students, researchers, developers, designers, professionals and members of the public aged 18 and over who are interested in contributing their skills to a collaborative project.

The Hackathon will take place on 12 and 13 December at the Asperastra Innovation Lab in Trieste, where up to 50 participants, working in multidisciplinary teams, will have two days to turn an idea into a working prototype, using artificial intelligence to tackle challenges relating to water and marine sustainability.

Participation is free, with individual applications submitted via Eventbrite. A total prize fund of €9,000 will be shared among the top three teams (€4,500, €3,500 and €1,000 respectively), who will also gain access to an acceleration programme culminating in the Demo Day in January 2027.