Romania’s first deep-tech hackathon held in an airport terminal

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Romania’s first deep-tech hackathon held in an airport terminal

Make IT in Oradea announces the launch of HackTech Airport Chapter, an unprecedented technology event that will take place between March 6 and 8, 2026. For the first time in Romania, the new terminal of Oradea International Airport will be transformed into a “live” innovation lab, where specialists in Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, and Aerospace will develop solutions for critical infrastructures.

Throughout the entire weekend, participants will solve real industry challenges, working on concrete scenarios focused on safety, efficiency, and user experience.

Apply by March 1

Challenges

Airport security

Automated systems that detect risks without slowing down airport operations.

Airport operations

Optimizing infrastructure by removing barriers between the airport’s complex systems.

Passenger experience

Eliminating bottlenecks through automation for a smooth passenger journey.

“HackTech Airport Chapter is an unconventional hackathon, created to address real critical needs with cutting-edge solutions developed by professionals with extensive expertise. Through HackTech Airport Chapter, we are beginning to build the foundation for Oradea to become a central point of deep-tech innovation in the region, demonstrating that the future is built through direct collaboration between startups, industry, and authorities.” - David Achim, Executive Director of Make IT in Oradea.

Partners & Validation

innovation partner
support partners
strategic partners

Prizes & opportunities

Teams will compete for three prizes, each worth €3,000, as well as a special prize from Bright Labs worth €1,000. There will also be fast-track selection into the Bright Labs program, along with other prizes offered by partners (gadgets and exclusive benefits).

Furthermore, the most viable prototypes will have the opportunity to discuss testing and deployment in the airport’s real environment with its leadership, turning developed ideas into practical solutions for a functioning critical infrastructure.

Organization

The concept and vision of this event are part of the Make IT in Oradea strategy, as the main organizer, to transform Oradea into a hub of innovation and deep-tech research in the field of critical industries. Transilvania IT Cluster and The Students' Union of Oradea (USO Oradea) joined the initiative as co-organizers, and Oradea International Airport is the official host of the event.

HackTech is not at its first edition; in 2024 it successfully organized an AI-focused hackathon at Arena Oradea, which attracted nearly 100 participants, organized into 27 teams.