YFN x EU Energy Hackathon
YFN x EU Hackathon 2026: Powering Europe's Energy Future 📅 September 27, 2026 | 📍 Munich | ⏱ 9:00–20:00
Join ~80 students, researchers, young professionals, scientists, startups, and EU representatives for a one-day hackathon designing real solutions for Europe's energy and climate future, hosted as a side event of Bits & Pretzels 2026.
Organised by the Young Founders Network e.V. in partnership with the European Commission Representation Munich, Europe Direct Munich, and the European Geosciences Union (EGU).
What to expect
🎤 Morning keynotes & breakout sessions across three tracks:
People & Citizens: energy communities, just transition, crisis communication
Innovation & Business: startup models, investment trends, EU market opportunities
Infrastructure & Cybersecurity: grid architecture, energy security, resilience
⚡ Hackathon (12:00–17:00): Interdisciplinary teams tackle a real-world energy challenge, from concept to prototype in one afternoon.
🏆 Pitch competition & award ceremony (18:00–20:00): Top 5 teams present to a jury of founders, policymakers, and scientists. Winners pitch on the main stage at Bits & Pretzels in front of thousands of founders and investors.
🤝 Cross-sector networking throughout the day, connect with the people actually building Europe's energy future.
Whether you're a founder, researcher, student, or policy enthusiast: this is where you meet your co-founders, mentors, and the jury that takes your idea to the next level.
👉 Apply now! Spots are limited to ~80 participants.