Building the next generation of semiconductor innovation
November 10-12, 2026 | 10:00 am - 6:15 pm
ICM Munich, Germany
A three-day venture-building hackathon at SEMICON Europa 2026 that unites top individual talent from across Europe to form interdisciplinary teams and validate investable semiconductor product concepts directly on the show floor.
Applications are now closed.
Missed this year's Hackathon? Complete the form for a chance to join our next edition and be the first to hear about upcoming talent initiatives and opportunities.
How it works
- Multi-track, individual-first hackathon designed to enable co-founder matching, structured ideation, and proof-of-concept development across multiple semiconductor technology challenges
- Selected participants from leading European research institutions and the semiconductor industry
- Located directly on the show floor, mentor sessions and public visibility, with a separate, focused work zone for teams
- Algorithmic pre-matching ensures high-performance, cross-functional teams are formed before Day 1
- Final pitch on the NextSEMI ARENA in front of a senior jury of VCs, corporates, and deep-tech investors
Agenda
DAY 0 - PRE-EVENT (NOV 9)
Pre-dinner onboarding
The first physical gathering of pre-matched teams: designed to establish alignment, build trust, and eliminate social friction before the sprint begins
- Informal icebreaker session to accelerate team chemistry
- Introduction to challenge tracks and technical infrastructure
Day 0 is mandatory for all hackathon participants.
DAY 1 - KICK-OFF (NOV 10)
Challenge reveal & problem definition
Official introduction of challenge tracks and technical infrastructure kits
- Teams identify specific pain points and sketch initial solution architectures
- First mentor alignment session to validate technical assumptions
DAY 2 - VALIDATION & PROTOTYPING (NOV 11)
Industry validation & MVP development
Teams move from concept to a validated, investable venture
- Validation safari: field research on the trade fair floor with real exhibitors and potential customers
- Glassbox reviews: intensive 30-minute mentor slots to stress-test the value proposition
- High-velocity prototyping: core engineering phase to build the MVP or run system simulations
DAY 3 - GRAND FINALE (NOV 12)
Pitch training, final demo & awards
Teams transform their venture concept into a compelling narrative and present it live
- Pitch coaching: crafting the story and translating complex technology into clear value
- 3-minute pitch and live demo in front of a senior industry jury
- Pitch on the start-up stage for track winner and award ceremony
Proposed tracks
The following categories are illustrative; final tracks will be announced onsite.
Who should apply?
This hackathon brings together builders, problem‑solvers, and entrepreneurs ready to tackle real semiconductor industry challenges and turn ideas into viable businesses.
We welcome participants from diverse backgrounds, including:
🔬 Researchers & Academics
PhD candidates, Postdocs, Master's students, and R&D Professionals developing deep‑tech solutions with commercial potential
🚀 Early‑Career Talent
Junior Engineering Professionals, Computer Science, Data/AI, Materials Science, Physics, Business, or Entrepreneurship
🏭 Industry Professionals
Engineers, Product Managers, System Architects, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, and Sustainability Experts
💡 Startup Founders & Entrepreneurs
Early‑stage founders and venture‑builders looking to explore new ideas, technologies, and market opportunities
Why should you participate?
Selected Hackathon participants will receive a complimentary ticket to access the show floor (for both SEMICON Europa and electronica). All other students are welcome to attend SEMICON Europa by registering through the student registration option
Unlock your potential in the semiconductor industry
New to semiconductors or looking to build a strong industry foundation? Join SEMI University’s onsite “Introduction to Semiconductor” training at SEMICON Europa on November 12 and gain practical insights, expert guidance, and a recognized certification, all while attending Europe's premier semiconductor event.
