Water is now one of the major environmental, economic and societal challenges of our time. As drought increasingly affects both Catalonia and the Pyrénées-Orientales, the Across European University Alliance is bringing together students, researchers, entrepreneurs, professionals and citizens to imagine and develop tomorrow’s solutions.
From 20 to 22 November 2026, participants will gather at UPVD IN CUBE in Perpignan for three intensive days of innovation, collaboration and entrepreneurship focused on one common challenge: water.
One idea. One team. One concrete impact.
Why take part?
The hackathon offers participants the opportunity to:
- Develop a project: turn an idea into a concrete solution with support from experts and coaches.
- Experience European and cross-border collaboration: work alongside participants from both sides of the border.
- Expand your network: meet researchers, companies, public authorities, associations and other innovation stakeholders.
- Take action for the environment: contribute to solutions addressing water management and climate change.
- Give your project a boost: the best teams will benefit from visibility, opportunities and potential pre-incubation support.
53 hours to innovate
The event will bring together:
50 participants
10 teams
53 hours of innovation, collaboration and entrepreneurship
1 shared challenge: water
A unique experience with the ambition to create a lasting impact.
2026 Challenges
Participants will work on real-life challenges related to the sustainable management of water resources, including:
- sustainable water management;
- agricultural and urban water uses;
- protection of marine and coastal ecosystems;
- climate resilience;
- technological innovation;
- water quality.
The objective is to encourage multidisciplinary teams to develop practical and innovative responses to challenges directly affecting cross-border territories.
Programme
Friday, 20 November – Launch
- Welcome of participants
- Opening remarks
- Introduction of coaches and jury members
- General workshop on water-related challenges
- Team formation
- Start of the hackathon
Saturday, 21 November – Creation & Development
- Collaborative project work
- Individual and team coaching
- Thematic workshop
- Project development
Sunday, 22 November – Final
- Finalisation of projects
- Pitch preparation
- Presentations before the jury
- Jury deliberation
- Award ceremony
- Closing buffet
Who can participate?
The hackathon is open to everyone.
Students, researchers, entrepreneurs, professionals, representatives of associations and public authorities, as well as engaged citizens, are all welcome to participate.
No previous experience is required.
Already have an idea? Come and develop it.
Do not have an idea yet? Join a team and contribute your skills, experience and perspective.
The greatest innovations often emerge when people from different backgrounds come together around a shared objective.
Awards
The winning teams will receive:
1st Prize
- Across 2026 Trophy
- Across trip
2nd Prize
- Across 2026 Trophy
- Weekend offered by a partner
3rd Prize
- Across 2026 Trophy
- Partner prizes
Practical information
Dates: 20–22 November 2026
Venue: UPVD IN CUBE, Avenue d’Espagne, 66100 Perpignan, France
Format: Three days of continuous collaboration
Participants: Open to everyone
Event contact: irini.palla@univ-perp.fr
Press contact: benjamin.heraut@univ-perp.fr
Register now
Innovation starts with an idea. The next one could be yours.
