kood/Garage48 Empowering Women Ukraine Hackathon
11-13 December 2026 Zhytomyr Polytechnic State University, Zhytomyr
Apply now: coming soon!
Explore technology and build something that matters!
What would make everyday life a little easier for people in your community?
Join kood/Garage48 Empowering Women, a 48-hour hackathon where young people turn problems they care about into practical digital solutions.
This programme puts girls and young women at the centre, creating space to explore technology, contribute ideas and take the lead in building something useful. Your idea could help families find support, connect people and local organisations, or make it easier to keep learning and working through changing circumstances. Start with a need you understand the best and explore how technology could help.
You don’t need any technical experience, a business plan or a ready-made team. Bring your curiosity, your own perspective and the willingness to try something new.
What happens during the hackathon
You’ll share problems and ideas, find teammates and get building. With support from mentors in technology, design and entrepreneurship, you’ll explore who needs your solution, test your assumptions and create a first prototype.
That could be a clickable app, a simple website, a working demo or a digital service concept. You’ll learn by doing, share skills with your teammates and get support when you get stuck. At the end, you’ll present your prototype to a jury and receive feedback on its potential and next steps.
Before the hackathon, join the online pre-event that will introduce you to problem-solving, teamwork, prototyping and pitching. Afterwards, teams interested in continuing can join an online follow-up session to explore their next steps.
Prizes
A €1,500 prize fund for the top 3 teams!
Who is invited
The hackathon is open to everyone aged 16-26, with girls and young women especially encouraged to apply. We welcome students, aspiring developers, designers, future entrepreneurs, community-minded problem-solvers and complete beginners.
Apply individually or with a team, with or without an idea. Understanding a problem, asking questions, designing an experience and explaining an idea are all valuable contributions.
PS! If you are joining the hackathon as a team, then all team members must register separately and indicate the SAME team name.
Participation is free for selected participants. The event will take place in Ukrainian.
For the selected participants that are coming from outside Zhytomyr, travel and accommodation will be provided.
Apply Now:coming soon!
Deadline for the applications is 27/11/2026
All the applicants will be notified of the selection latest by 2/12/26
kood/Garage48 Empowering Women in Ukraine is organised by //kood , Garage48 with support from ESTDEV, the Estonian Centre for International Development.
Small solutions that make everyday life easier
How could technology help people support each other and navigate challenging times? Your idea could save someone time, make support easier to access or help people stay connected. A small, useful solution can make a real difference.
The areas below are inspiration, not fixed tracks. The best problems often come from your own experience. Bring a need you have noticed in your family, studies, work or community, and shape your challenge together with your team and mentors.
1. Supporting everyday life
How might we make everyday tasks and access to support easier for people and families?
Think about the moments when people need clear information, practical help or a simpler way to get something done. Your solution could support:
Finding and understanding local services and available support.
Helping people settle into a new community and find what they need.
Coordinating everyday tasks, transport or practical assistance.
Making information and services easier to use for people with different needs.
2. Connected and supportive communities
How might we help people and organisations support each other more effectively?
Communities bring together people with different needs, skills and resources. How could a digital tool help those connections work better?
Matching requests for help with volunteers, skills or available resources.
Helping neighbours share tools, materials and practical support.
Making local initiatives easier to organise and join.
Connecting residents, community organisations and local services.
3. Learning and opportunities
How might we help people continue learning, working and building their future through changing circumstances?
Your idea could help someone take their next step, whether they are studying, looking for work or running a small business.
Finding flexible learning opportunities and peer support.
Connecting people with mentors, work opportunities or useful skills.
Helping small businesses reach customers and keep operating.
Making learning and work more accessible when routines or locations change.
4. Trusted information and digital support
How might we help people find trustworthy information and protect themselves from online fraud?
When people are looking for assistance, services or opportunities, knowing what to trust matters. Your idea could help families check information and access support more confidently.
Think about solutions for:
Finding verified information about services and assistance.
Recognising fake fundraisers, suspicious offers and fraudulent messages.
Checking requests before sharing personal information or sending money.
Finding clear guidance and support after suspected fraud.
5. Bring your own idea
Bring it. If you see another way technology could support people or improve life in your community, we want to hear it. You don’t need to solve everything in 48 hours. Start with one real need and build something you can show.
Join us in Zhytomyr and discover what you can build together.
