Join [#b_hack] 2026: Where young minds innovate for freedom and security in the Baltic Sea Region

How can freedom and security coexist in an increasingly complex world? Join us in Lübeck, Germany, from 2–5 July 2026 for four days of collaboration, creativity, and impact at [#b_hack] – the Baltic Sea Region Hackathon 2026.

This year’s edition invites young people from across the Baltic Sea Region to explore the theme “Free and Secure Societies. Working together in challenging times.” Through innovation and teamwork, participants will tackle real-world challenges and develop ideas that strengthen both individual freedoms and collective security.

Organised by the Council of the Baltic Sea States (CBSS) in cooperation with the German Land of Schleswig-Holstein and Technische Hochschule Lübeck (TH Lübeck), the hackathon brings together young talents aged 18–29 from CBSS Member States — Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Poland, and Sweden. Whether you are a coder, designer, analyst, or creative thinker, your perspective matters.

The hackathon is designed to harness the creativity and technological skills of young people, foster collaboration, spark innovation, and empower youth to address real-world challenges that enhance regional identity and promote sustainable development.

Participants will work in teams on today’s most pressing issues. They will have the opportunity to engage in one of eight exciting hackathon topics:

  1. Fake News Detection – Fight misinformation with smart tools
  2. Pirates of the Baltic Sea – Track suspicious shipping using open data
  3. RoboFamily: Physicalization of Artificial Intelligence to make Algorithms Walk Among Us – Bring AI into the physical world with robotics
  4. Voice of the public – What moves us? – Discover what truly moves societies
  5. Resilience by Design – Build your own crisis-readiness AI
  6. Liberty and Security Dashboard – Compare freedoms across countries
  7. Cyberattacks as Predictors – Explore links between cyber and military conflicts
  8. Mystery Track– Stay tuned…

With guidance from experts at TH Lübeck, participants will have access to data, tools, and mentorship to bring their ideas to life. The hackathon will culminate in final presentations to high-level representatives from Schleswig-Holstein and CBSS, showcasing innovative solutions for the region.

Selected participants will receive a fully funded experience, including travel, accommodation, and meals—alongside the opportunity to connect with like-minded peers and explore the historic city of Lübeck.

Registration is open till 26 April 2026. Apply now: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/e/atxjFDeiqv

For more information, visit the [#b_hack] event page: https://cbss.org/b_hack