ChefTreff AI Hackathon 2026
ChefTreff AI Hackathon 2026
Build real AI solutions for real companies. In 24 hours.
Join 300+ hackers, builders, and future leaders for the biggest AI hackathon in Northern Germany — right at the heart of the Future Leader Summit 2026 at Factory Hammerbrooklyn, Hamburg.
Pick one of 7 challenges from leading companies like BCG Platinion, BioNTech, Finanz Informatik, HERO Software, Eurogate, and Pacemaker. Build a working prototype. Pitch it. Win.
No fluff, no theory — just shipping.
April 9–10, 2026. Free to attend.
Why join
🛠 Build with purpose — solve real business challenges from top companies, not toy problems
🤝 Meet your people — connect with 300+ ambitious builders, founders, and tech talent from across Europe
🚀 Get discovered — pitch directly to company leaders and decision-makers. Some of our challenge partners are actively hiring
🎁 Win prizes — cash, credits, company visits, and more from every challenge partner
☕ Everything's covered — food, drinks, snacks, sleeping spots, and good vibes. Just bring your laptop
How it works
9 challenges. 6 teams per challenge. 3-5 people per team. 24 hours to build.
You can apply as a team or solo — we'll match you with a crew that complements your skills. You don't need to be a developer. We need product thinkers, designers, strategists, and builders of all kinds.
Agenda
Day 1 — Thursday, April 9
08:30 — Doors open, check-in & breakfast
09:00 — Welcome & orientation
09:30 — Challenge presentations by all partners (5 min each)
10:15 — Team assignments & challenge deep-dives
11:00 — Start hacking 🚀
(Lunch, dinner, snacks & drinks throughout the day and night)
Day 2 — Friday, April 10
10:00 — Pre-pitches (internal per challenge)
11:30 — Final pitches in the auditorium
13:00 — Winners announced, group photo, lunch & celebration
Note: Agenda may be slightly adjusted closer to the event.
Challenges & partners
Each challenge is designed by one of our partners around a real problem they face. You'll get the context, data, and mentorship to build something meaningful — from AI-powered products to predictive models and smart automations.
Challenge partners: BCG Platinion · BioNTech · Pacemaker · Finanz Informatik · HERO Software · Eurogate (+ more TBA)
Tech partners: OpenAI · MIRO · ElevenLabs · Langdock
Full challenge descriptions will be shared with accepted participants.
Sleeping & logistics
Want to hack through the night? We've got you. Limited sleeping spots are available at the venue on a first-come, first-served basis — bring your own sleeping bag and mat. We offer a dedicated sleeping area for women. Hostel options will be shared after acceptance.
Rules
Build starts at the hackathon — you may come with ideas and notes, but everything you submit must be built on site
Teams of 3-5 — come with a team or get matched
Pitch what you built — every team presents, top teams pitch on the main stage
Have fun — seriously
Who should apply
Students, graduates, young professionals, founders — anyone between 18 and 35 who wants to build, learn, and connect. Whether you code, design, strategize, or just ship things — there's a place for you.
Applications are open now. Spots are limited to 350 participants.
The ChefTreff AI Hackathon is part of the Future Leader Summit 2026 — Europe's leading talent event. Organized by Be Brave gUG, a non-profit on a mission to inspire and empower the next generation of leaders.