Invitation to the first EU Agri-Hackathon

The first EU Agri-Hackathon invites creative minds from across Europe to play an active role in shaping the digitalisation of agriculture. We are looking for farmers, developers, data analysts, researchers, entrepreneurs, students and experts from the agricultural sector and the world of politics to come together from 16 to 18 October 2026 to develop innovative digital solutions to the challenges facing European agriculture. Registration for the event is open until 31 August.

The event will focus on how modern technologies can ease the workload for farmers in their day-to-day work whilst simultaneously improving sustainability, efficiency and transparency throughout the entire agri-food chain. The aim is to create digital tools that reduce administrative burdens, enable data to be used more intelligently and simplify the exchange of information between farms and their partners.

Focus on three challenges

The hackathon focuses on three key challenges. Firstly, the aim is to develop solutions that cut red tape and automate time-consuming administrative processes. Secondly, the aim is to process the vast amount of data from sensors, connected machines and digital applications in such a way that farmers can derive concrete recommendations for action in their day-to-day operations. The third challenge centres on secure and efficient data exchange throughout the entire value chain, whilst ensuring that farmers retain control over their own data at all times.

Networking and attractive prizes

In addition to the collaborative development work, participants will benefit from a comprehensive mentoring programme, exchanges with experts from academia, industry and politics, as well as valuable networking opportunities. The winning team will be honoured at the EU Agriculture and Food Days 2026 on 8 and 9 December 2026. There, they will have the opportunity to present their idea to leading representatives of the European agri-food sector and to introduce themselves to an international specialist audience at the partner exhibition. In addition, special awards will be presented for particularly innovative solutions in the fields of artificial intelligence and open source.

Terms and conditions of entry and registration

The competition is open to individuals aged 18 or over who are resident in an EU Member State and have a sufficient command of English. Applications may be submitted either individually or as part of an existing team. Individual applicants will be assigned to suitable teams in the run-up to the hackathon. The intellectual property rights to the solutions developed will remain with the respective teams.

The deadline for applications is 31 August 2026 at 12 noon. As the number of participants is limited, selection will be based on profile, motivation and the diversity of specialist skills and experience. With the first EU Agri-Hackathon, the European Union is sending a clear signal in support of innovation and digitalisation in agriculture. We are looking for practical ideas that ease the burden on farmers, promote sustainable farming and actively help shape the future of European agriculture. Click here for the registration form and further information: agriculture.ec.europa.eu/overview-vision-agriculture-food/digitalisation/eu-agri-hackathon_en.

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