BLACK FOREST HACKATHON
Smart Automation
The Black Forest Hackathon is the meeting place for visionaries who want to spend a weekend working with the latest technologies in a unique environment and atmosphere. We bring you together with like-minded people so that you can implement innovative projects from scratch in just 48 hours.
flow1986
Am alten Schlachthof 14, 77652 Offenburg
WHY HACK WITH US?
€6,000 in Cash Prizes – Compete for top rewards!
Free Participation – No fees, just innovation.
All Meals & Refreshments Included – Stay fueled and focused.
Exclusive Access – Cutting-edge tools, datasets, and APIs.
Networking & Career Opportunities – Connect with top companies.
Hackathon Swag – Walk away with cool merch!
Who should join?
We’re looking for 100 hackers from all backgrounds:
👩💻 Programmers & Engineers – Bring your coding magic!
📊 Data Scientists & AI Enthusiasts – Crack the toughest challenges.
🎨 Designers & UX Wizards – Make ideas come to life.
💡 Business Innovators & Entrepreneurs – Think beyond the code.
📚 Students & Professionals – Whether you’re a beginner or expert, this is for you!
Your 48-Hour Playground
Solve real-world industrial challenges – Tackle concrete use cases in smart production, ranging from AI-driven robotic cases to cutting-edge computing solutions for Industry 4.0.
Get expert mentorship & tech support – Learn from experienced automation professionals, tech founders, and industry veterans within the smartXautomation ecosystem.
Create solutions with industrial impact – Develop prototypes that drive real efficiency gains in manufacturing and pave the way for the autonomous factory.
Grow your network in the sXa ecosystem – Connect directly with leading industrial companies, innovative startups, and potential partners for your career or your own venture.
| Friday 8th May | Saturday 9th May | Sunday 10th May |
| 15:00 Registration | 08:00 Breakfast | 08:00 Breakfast |
| 16:00 Welcome | 09:00 Hacking continues | 09:00 Final Hacking |
| 16:30 Indroduction of Challenges | 12:00 Lunch | 11:30 Submission Deadline |
| 17:15 Team Formation | 13:00 Hacking continues | 12:00 Lunch |
| 18:00 Dinner | 18:00 Dinner | 13:00 Keynote I |
| 19:00 Hacking Begins | 19:00 Hacking continues | 13:30 Pitches |
| 15:30 Break | ||
| 16:00 Keynote II | ||
| 16:45 Awards Ceremony | ||
| 17:15 Networking and wrap up |
Our Partner 2026
HOW IT WORKS
DAYS 1: Ignition
Team up, explore real-world challenges, and brainstorm big ideas.
DAY 2: Code&Create
Build, break, debug, repeat! Mentors and tools at your fingertips.
DAY 3: Glory
Demo your innovation to industry leaders and compete for €6,000 in prizes!
Challenges 2026
RELIVE THE EXPERIENCE
FAQ
Do I need to pay a participation fee?
Nope! The Black Forest Hackathon is 100% free – including food, drinks, and all the tools you need.
Do I need to know how to code?
NO! We welcome programmers, but also business minds, designers, and creative problem solvers.
What if I've never been to a hackathon?
No problem! Whether you're a beginner or expert, we provide mentorship to help you get started. You will be able to quickly gather knowledge for your projects, exchange ideas with others, and learn from each other.
Do I need to be a student to join?
No! Anyone excited to build something amazing can participate.
Will the hackathon be online?
No, this is a fully on-site event at the flow1986 in Offenburg.
Can I stay overnight?
Our venue closes at midnight and reopens at 8 AM. Need accommodation? We’ll help you find a hotel or a fellow hacker with a spare couch!
Can I register without a team?
Of course! We have a team-building session on Friday where we’ll match participants based on their interests and skills.
I have no idea what I'll be working on…
No worries! Our industry partners will provide exciting real-world challenges to solve.
Have more questions?
Drop us an email: info@blackforesthackathon.de
Past Participating Companies
