HACK_002: 24h AI Hackathon
HACK_002: Signal From Tomorrow
24-Hour In-Person AI Hackathon · Vienna · 26–27 September 2026
→ Visit the official HACK_002 website
→ View photo impressions from HACK_001
Build something that should exist.
HACK_002 is a 24-hour, in-person AI hackathon bringing together builders, researchers, designers, founders, students, hardware makers, and domain experts in Vienna.
Over one focused weekend, small teams will turn ambitious ideas into working prototypes. This is not just about writing code: research, product thinking, system design, hardware, storytelling, and deep domain knowledge matter just as much.
Come to experiment with bleeding-edge technology, meet people outside your usual bubble, exchange skills, and build the first version of something meaningful.
🎯 Who Should Join?
You belong here if you are a:
Developer or AI builder exploring agentic workflows and modern stacks
Researcher or scientist with complex data or domain problems
Designer or product thinker crafting real-world user interfaces
Founder, student, or operator looking to execute on ideas
Hardware, robotics, medical, or biotech specialist
Curious builder with an idea and the drive to make it real
No developer background required. Apply solo or in a team of 1–4 people. Team formation also happens on-site and in the participant Discord.
⚡ Hackathon Tracks
Build a prototype in one of four dedicated challenge tracks (or propose your own):
Modern AI Tools · Developer experience, evaluations, agent harnesses, observability
Applied AI · Concrete solutions for industry, science, and everyday workflows
Med / Bio · AI tools for medicine, biology, clinical workflows, and life sciences
Hardware & Edge · Robotics, sensors, edge computing, and cyber-physical systems
Output: Teams submit a 3-minute video and a working prototype on Sunday at 12:00.
🛠️ Day 0: AI Crash Course & Briefing (Friday, 25 Sep)
Accepted participants are invited to the Day 0 in-person onboarding session at HOIV:
16:00 – 21:00 · 4 Parts: Basics · Practice · Culture · Impact
Hosted by Peter Wimberger (Machine Literacy)
Public materials and slides will be available at machine-literacy.com.
🕒 Weekend Schedule Overview
Friday, 25 Sep (16:00–21:00): Day 0 Workshop & early check-in
Saturday, 26 Sep (09:30): Doors open
Saturday, 26 Sep (10:30): 24-hour build sprint begins
Sunday, 27 Sep (12:00): Build sprint closes & project submissions
Sunday, 27 Sep (15:00): Top 8 final pitches & live jury demo
Sunday, 27 Sep (16:30): Awards ceremony & wrap-up celebration
📍 Location
HOIV — Home of Innovation Arsenalstraße 11, 1030 Vienna, Austria
HOIV is a 4,500 m² innovation hub with coworking floors, labs, and creative breakout spaces. The venue remains open throughout the complete 24-hour build window (overnight building supported).
📋 Key Facts
Dates: 26–27 September 2026 (Day 0 on 25 September)
Format: In-person only
Language: English (official)
Team size: 1–4 people
Overnight access: Yes (24h open venue)
Prizes: Category awards & prize pool will be announced
About Telos Circle
Telos Circle is a Vienna-based nonprofit bringing builders, researchers, and founders together around ideas worth pursuing. Our events create the spark; a committed network helps turn those ideas into projects, companies, and lasting collaborations.
🌐 Full details & briefing on the HACK_002 website
✉️ Questions? Contact us at events@teloscircle.com.