Hackathon “Workplace reinvented”

Powering the next-gen workplace!

Ventspils Univeristy of Applied Sciences

Inženieru iela 101, Ventspils, LV-3601, Latvija

APRIL 28 – APRIL 30, 2026


Prize fund of €2000!

REGISTRATION

Click on the button and

register until 02.04.2026.


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The Mental Health and Well-Being Hackathon 2026 is a three-day innovation event dedicated to improving employee well-being and strengthening mental health practices within companies that are possible future workplaces for students. Bringing together students, industry experts, and mentors, the hackathon provides a dynamic platform for generating practical, sustainable solutions to real-world business challenges.


Purpose

This hackathon is designed to support companies in the Ventspils region by addressing challenges related to workplace well-being and employee mental health. Multidisciplinary teams of students will collaborate to create innovative, actionable ideas that can evolve into real-life solutions.


Participants will work in teams of up to 5 members in a hybrid format to develop creative concepts, digital tools, strategies, or service models that directly address the challenges posed by the organizers and regional companies.

Who Can Participate?

  • Bachelor’s and Master’s students from Ventspils University of Applied Sciences
  • International Bachelor's and Master’s students from COLOURS alliance partner universities

The interdisciplinary nature of the topic ensures that students from various educational backgrounds can meaningfully contribute.

Why Participate?

The hackathon offers participants the opportunity to:

Win your share of the €2000 prize fund for the most innovative workplace well-being solution

Develop collaboration and teamwork skills

Strengthen public speaking and presentation abilities

Gain practical experience in solution development

Build professional networks with industry representatives

Engage in international knowledge exchange

Contribute to meaningful improvements in workplace well-being

Real Challenges from Real Businesses

Representatives from regional organizations, including the Ventspils department of the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia and the Ventspils Municipality, will provide insights into the everyday well-being and mental health challenges faced by local companies and their employees.


These contributions ensure that teams work on relevant, high-impact issues grounded in real business environments.

Programme Overview

Day 1

Inspiration & Challenge Definition


  • Opening session and introduction
  • Expert presentations and experience stories
  • Challenge presentations by business representatives
  • Team formation and initial solution development
  • Mentor consultations


Day 2 

Solution Development

  • Intensive teamwork on solution development
  • Ongoing mentor consultations
  • Concept validation and preparation for presentation


Day 3 

Pitch & Evaluation

  • Final solution presentations
  • Jury evaluation
  • Award ceremony
  • Closing event and networking

Mentorship & Support

Participants will receive guidance from mentors representing technology, business, and communication fields in Latvia.

Mentors will support teams in:

Structuring and validating ideas

Strengthening business models

Improving communication and presentation

Refining practical implementation strategies

FAQs

Do I register as a team or individually?

The registration is individual, and we’ll help you find a team on the 1st day of the hackathon. If you form a team before the hackathon and members register individually, acceptance for all members is not guaranteed.


Do I need prior hackathon experience?
Not at all. Whether this is your first hackathon or your tenth, you are welcome to join. We provide mentor support, structured guidance, and a collaborative environment to help every team succeed.


Is participation free?

Yes, participation is completely free of charge!



Will there be food?

Of course! We’ll provide refreshments and meals during the event to keep your energy up while you focus on developing your ideas.

USEFUL INFORMATION

Click on the button to see HOW TO GET FROM RIGA AIRPORT TO VENTSPILS -->

While you are here, don't forget to explore Ventspils City!

Coordinators and contact information

Elviss Brauns

elviss.brauns@venta.lv


Lāsma Ašme

Coordinator of Study Mobility Projects

erasmus@venta.lv