Hackathon 2026 at the Wissensturm in Linz

After a short creative break, our hackathon for FINTA*s (women, inter-, non-binary, trans-, and agender people) is back! This time, we're meeting in the Wissensturm,right across the train station - easy to find, hard to miss.

Never been to a hackathon before? Perfect — you’re exactly who we want here. A hackathon is basically a joyful, slightly chaotic, creativity-fueled day where people team up to build small tech projects together. No all-nighters, no pressure, no “you must already be a coder.” People from all skill levels are welcome!

Das Event ist free, takes a single day and, thanks to our generous sponsors, we can provide you with Snacks & Refreshments.

Tracks

To make the division a little easier, we offer four tracks to choose from, as usual. Brainstorming, i.e., idea generation, and group formation take place in the individual tracks. Yes, it's totally okay and normal to come alone and without any concrete ideas!

1. Artificial Intelligence

This track is all about AI projects. Essentially, it's about training computers to recognize patterns and solve tasks that would previously have required human thought: understanding texts, recognizing images, sorting things, or supporting decisions. Here are a few examples: 

  • A chatbot that gives you pep talks like a queer best friend
  • An AI that recognizes gendered language and suggests more inclusive alternatives
  • A tool that generates feminist bedtime stories to combat stereotypes

2. Web

Have you always wanted to create your own website but never knew where to start? In this track, we work in groups on our own web projects—whether it's a browser-based computer game or a portfolio website—anything is possible!

  • Short browser game with brief decision scenarios on allyship
  • A web tool that provides brief tips on inclusive language, awareness, and accessibility

3. Mobile App Development

In this track, we will focus on the design and implementation of mobile apps. No programming experience is required! With App Inventor, you can develop mobile apps without any prior knowledge. 

  • A simple game where you defeat microaggressions by throwing them into the sun
  • Small notifications or timers that encourage breaks, stretching, drinking water, or getting fresh air
VR headset Meta Quest 2

4. Free Track

You have a great idea but it doesn't fit into any of the available tracks or maybe you even have a project that you want to take up again? No problem, that's exactly what the free track is for! Come with your own ideas, find others who can support you. Our mentors* will give you the best possible support!

Agenda


  • Doors open

    08:00


  • Welcome

    08:30


  • Start: Track Choice & Team building

    09:00


  • Hacking

    10:30


  • Lunch buffet

    13:00


  • Hacking continued

    14:00


  • Group photo

    16:00


  • Presentation of projects

    18:00


  • Dinner & After party

    19:00

Frequently Asked Questions

 

I'm not a programmer (yet). Can I still come?

Of course! The hackathon is designed to support newcomers with their first programming projects, but also to give experienced programmers* the chance to spend a day working on focused projects. We would like to FINTAs from different backgrounds and disciplines, as a hackathon requires a wide range of skills - from software development and copywriting to UI/UX design.

In three of our four tracks, we will provide instructions that explain the first steps in the topic and enable you to implement your own ideas. Our mentors* will be at your side throughout the day. Just bring a good mood, motivation to learn new things and fun!

I have never participated in a hackathon before. Can I still participate?

Of course! There is a first time for everything. smile

Is this a womens only event?

Not only! Our hackathon is a safe space for groups that are normally underrepresented in IT, which is why we invite all IT-interested FINTA*s aged 15 and over to our hackathon.

How much does it cost to attend?

Thanks to our generous partners and sponsors, this hackathon is absolutely free of charge for participants. We will provide the infrastructure and catering to get you through the day.
However, since there are only limited places, we ask you to register reliably online.

What do I have to bring?
Please bring your laptop and charging devices. If you don't have a suitable laptop, you are welcome to borrow one - just let us know when you register and we will prepare a loaner for you.

Bring a lot of motivation, joy and enthusiasm! smile

Who are the mentors?

Our mentors are people who work in and around IT - including as Java or web developers or data scientists. They will be on site all day to help you with any questions or problems you may have.

Do I have to come as a team?

You can come to the hackathon alone or in a team. However, we ask you to register individually so that we have a good overview of the number of participants.

If you don't have a team yet, that's no problem at all! We will find groups at the beginning of the day of the hackathon.

Sponsor

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