Leuphana AI Hackathon
From Problem to Prototype: Build Your AI Startup in a Weekend!
Two days, one team, and the power of AI. From November 5–6, we’ll transform the library foyer into a hotbed of innovation. Bring your own idea or work exclusively on a real-world business challenge — two tracks offer attractive prizes for the best teams. Use state-of-the-art AI tools to build working prototypes in record time. Inclusive, intensive, and completely free.
Two Tracks, One Goal: From Problem to AI Prototype
Want to do more than just talk about AI—want to use it to build real products? The Leuphana AI Hackathon is your chance.
The hackathon runs in two parallel tracks. Both follow the same format of team building, prototyping, and a pitch to the jury. However, the starting point differs.
Track 1 – Open Track: Your Own Ideas & Team Building
Bring your own idea or join a team that’s just forming. On Friday evening, participants will pitch their own ideas, after which interdisciplinary teams will be formed, bringing together tech, business, and creative professionals. For everyone who wants to dive in with maximum initiative.
Track 2 – Corporate Challenge Track: Real-World Business Problems
Work exclusively on a real-world problem posed by a partner company. A company representative will be involved as a sparring partner throughout the entire hackathon, ensuring the project remains grounded in reality. Spots in this track are limited—so sign up quickly!
In both tracks, you’ll use no-code and AI infrastructure to develop a working software solution and pitch it on Sunday to a panel of experts from the business, investment, and academic communities.
What to Expect in Both Tracks
- Vibe-Coding & Prototyping: Experience how AI tools make it possible to create working product versions in a single weekend—even without in-depth programming knowledge.
- Expert Mentoring: Experienced founders and tech experts will support you with technical implementation and business model development.
- Final Pitch: Present your prototype on Sunday to a high-caliber jury and win attractive prizes.
Organizational Note
- Limited places: Participation in the Corporate Challenge Track is subject to capacity limits.
- Announcement of Challenge Topics: The topics for the corporate challenges and the corresponding partner companies will be announced in early October and featured here on the website starting at that time.
- Registration Deadline: Registration for the Corporate Challenge Track closes on October 22. When you register, simply select the track you’d like to participate in.
Programm
Thursday
08:30 – 09:00
Check-in & Networking
09:00 – 09:30
Welcome & Agenda
09:30 – 11:00
Team Building
11:00 – 13:00
First Planning & Building
13:00 – 14:00
Mentor Introduction
14:00 – open end
Prototyping & Mentoring Sessions with Experts
Friday
09:00 – 10:00
Pitch Training
10:00 – 16:00
Finalization Prototypes & Pitch Preparation
16:00 – 19:00
Final Pitches (5 Min + Q&A) & Award Ceremony
The Leuphana AI Hackathon is an event organised by the Leuphana Startup Lab project, funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the State of Lower Saxony, in cooperation with the Leuphana AI Campus, funded by the Foundation for Innovation in Higher Education, and IGNITE Startup Club Lüneburg.