Learning
Futures
Hackathon for
ambitious minds
shaping the future of learning
MAY 21-22, 2026
AALTO UNIVERSITY, ESPOO, FINLAND
Hackathon registration closed on April 1
Who is this for?
This is for all of us – students, professionals, career changers, educators, designers, researchers – and anyone interested in the future of learning.
You can join as a team of 3–5 people or apply individually, in which case teams will be formed before the event. Your educational background or career stage does not matter, but a basic understanding of data, AI or service development is an advantage.
The best ideas often emerge through collaboration across different fields. Whether your perspective comes from technology, design, pedagogy, business or society, we look forward to seeing your ideas take shape during the hackathon.
Why this hackathon?
Learning data exists everywhere, and higher education institutions have built a platform to collect it together. Yet much of its potential remains underused.
At the same time, opportunities to learn, reskill, and navigate change can feel complex and difficult to access. This is where new ideas are needed.
Learning Futures Hackathon exists to build the future of learning together – exploring how data can be put to practical use for the benefit of learners, higher education institutions and society.
How does it work?
- Application period: March 9 – April 1, 2026
- Who can apply: Apply individually or as a team of 3-5 individuals. There are no restrictions regarding background, degree level or employment.
- Pre-assignment: As part of the application, teams complete a short pre-assignment. Instructions for the task can be found in the application form.
- Selection: Up to ten teams will be chosen. Selection emphasizes multidisciplinary composition, technical ability and visionary thinking demonstrated in the pre-assignment.
- Before hackathon: Selected teams will receive detailed information about schedules and participation. The pre-hack webinar helps participants prepare for the event.
- During the hackathon: The event will take place on May 21-22, 2026 at Aalto University campus. Participation is free but participants cover their own travel and accommodation.
What will you do?
You will explore how services, digital solutions and data products can better support people across different life situations, skills development and careers.
Teams will create learner value through concrete use cases – from learning navigation and AI-supported guidance to practical support and enw ecosystem-level services enabled by shared data.
Participants will have access to a realistic mock version of higher education data to build a POC or prototype. Over two intensive days, they will collaborate closely with mentors and utilize AI tools to turn ideas into tangible prototypes and pitch them to the jury at the end of the event.
What you’ll get?
The winning teams will receive targeted mentoring sessions with the event’s partners.
In addition, as a participant you will:
- expand your network, gain visibility and receive a certificate of participation
- work with realistic mock-data that represents higher education study offerings and learner data in a safe environment
- gain hands-on experience with modern AI tools and collaborative ways of working with AI
- receive support from top-level mentors, facilitators and peers throughout the process.
- gain valuable insights and feedback from established and multidisciplinary jury
- become a part of the Digivisio 2030 ecosystem and its future services
- get understanding of the available support and assets from Lumi AI Factory ecosystem
Mentors and jury
Throughout the hackathon, participants will be supported by experienced mentors from the organising companies. They will guide teams every step of the way, helping them turn ideas into their best proposals ready to impress the distinguished jury.
Our multidisciplinary jury will be evaluating the teams’ work. We’re thrilled to reveal three of our jury members already:
- Risto Siilasmaa, Chairman, Founder & Investor
- Susanna Niinistö-Sivuranta, President, Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences
- Mikael ”Miklu” Silvanto, Chief Design Officer, ŌURA & Professor of Practice, Aalto University, School of Arts, Design and Architecture
- Ville Voipio, Chair of the Board of Directors, Vaisala & Chair of the Board, Technology Industries of Finland
Stay tuned – the full lineup of mentors and jury will be announced closer to the event!
Schedule
March 9 – April 1, 2026
Application period open. Teams or individuals submit an envisioned press release that describes the future they aim to concretise during the hackathon.
April 7, 2026
Teams are selected and informed about the detailed schedule and instructions.
April 23, 2026
Pre-Hack webinar that helps to understand the possibilities of data better, inspires with case examples and frames the practical set-up of the upcoming hackathon days.
May 21-22, 2026
Two intensive days focused on building, learning and collaboration. Final pitches evaluated by an experienced and established jury.
