Cover Image for HAIckathon: How can AI transform software development practices?
Cover Image for HAIckathon: How can AI transform software development practices?
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Presented by
The POD
A living lab where digital & tech minds converge. Louvain-la-Neuve, Walloon Brabant.
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Private Event

HAIckathon: How can AI transform software development practices?

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About Event

Haickathon #1 : From ideas to prototypes : exploring AI in real-world development workflows

Artificial Intelligence is progressively reshaping every layer of software development: from the way we design features, to how we write code, test, deploy and collaborate.

Value is shifting. Speed is increasing. New possibilities are emerging.

But one key question remains:
How can we effectively integrate AI into software development processes in a meaningful, practical and collaborative way?

As developers, designers or AI practitioners, the challenge is not only to experiment with AI tools, but to embed them into real workflows, in ways that improve productivity, enhance collaboration, and create tangible value.

This hackathon is designed as a space to explore these questions through practice.

Over two days, participants will work in teams to imagine, prototype and present solutions that leverage AI within software development processes : from feature ideation to delivery.

Who is this for?

This hackathon is open to a diverse audience:

  • Students

  • Junior and senior developers

  • AI practitioners and experts

Format

Participants will form teams of 3-4 people (around 10 teams in total).

We will create the team during the event and we strongly encourage mixed teams to foster collaboration and collective intelligence.

Each team will work on the same proof of concept (POC) exploring how AI can be integrated into software development workflows. The objective will be to see which process you choose and how it affects the journey behind the poc. 

Throughout the hackathon, participants will benefit from:

  • Coaches available on-site (brainstorming & development phases)

  • A shared Discord space to exchange resources, ideas and challenges

  • A collaborative environment focused on experimentation and learning

Important

👉 BYOS (Bring Your Own Setup)
Participants are expected to bring their own laptop and development environment.

Programme

Day 1 : Thursday, April 23rd, 2026

  • 5.30 pm : Public reception

  • 6.00 pm : Opening session (introduction, presentation of the theme, inspirational keynote)

  • 7.00 pm : Icebreaker & team formation

  • 7.30 pm – 9.30 pm :
    Brainstorming session + dinner
    Teams define their concept, scope and approach in preparation for the next day

Day 2 : Friday, April 24th, 2026

  • 9.00 am : Welcome breakfast & start of development

  • 9.00 am - 4.00 pm : Development phase : teams work on their prototype with continuous support from coaches

  • 12.00 pm : Lunch

  • 4:00 pm : End of protoyping

Final presentations & jury

  • 4.00 pm – 5.00 pm :
    Team pitches (3–5 minutes per team)
    Presentation of prototypes in front of a jury

  • 5.00 pm – 5.30 pm :
    Jury feedback & closing remarks
    A symbolic recognition will highlight the most innovative project

Daiv Café — Open to the public

  • 6.00 pm: Opening of the Daiv Café

    • Recap of the hackathon

      • Discovery of the prototypes

        • Informal exchanges with participants

          • Networking over drinks

  • 10.00 pm: End of the event

Join us

Whether you want to experiment, learn, build or meet like-minded people, this hackathon is an opportunity to explore the future of software development with AI together.

Location
The Pod
Rue de Rodeuhaie 4, 1348 Ottignies-Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
Avatar for The POD
Presented by
The POD
A living lab where digital & tech minds converge. Louvain-la-Neuve, Walloon Brabant.
Hosted By