SafeHorizon invites you to apply for the GroundUp Hackathon! On behalf of the LEA Projects Cluster, we are proudly cross-disseminating and promoting this exciting opportunity.
GroundUp brings together students, researchers, and young innovators from across Southern and Central-Eastern Europe to develop practical, impactful solutions for real-world challenges in the Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosive (CBRNE) domains. Collaborate across borders and disciplines, and turn your ideas into actionable innovations, whether in detection systems, digital safety tools, or sustainable decontamination methods.
Who should apply?
We’re looking for participants who:
- Want to tackle real-world CBRNE challenges
- Are eager to collaborate across disciplines and countries
- Have innovative ideas—or are motivated to co-create solutions
Awards & Prizes
Winning teams will receive:
- Research visit to Ireland & Aquila Exposure Programme: a 3–5 day professional visit to Aquila Bioscience, a Galway University spin-out specialising in bio-decontamination technologies
- Access to HUN-REN Energy Research Centre facilities to test and further develop prototypes or sensor-based solutions
- Specialised “General Awareness CBRN Training” delivered by certified experts from the Vinča Institute of Nuclear Sciences (VINS)
- Visit to the Nuclear Plant of Hungary: The winning teams will be granted access to the Nuclear Plant of Hungary, where they will participate in insightful sessions on emergency response and nuclear safety.
Travel costs will be reimbursed for all participants attending the on-site hackathons.
Hackathon dates & eligibility
Hungarian Hackathon
- March 21st, 2026
- Open to participants from Hungary, Slovakia, Romania, and Slovenia
Serbian Hackathon
- March 28th, 2026
- Open to participants from Serbia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Bulgaria
