What if global challenges became opportunities for meaningful action?
Climate risks, inequality, digital inclusion and sustainable communities are all deeply connected challenges shaping our world. Meaningful change happens when people come together to create practical solutions.
The Global Challenges Hackathon is a 24-hour co-creation experience where participants will work in teams to develop early-stage startup and social innovation ideas responding to real-world global challenges together with mentors, innovators, and international partners.
Through collaboration with experts and Global South partner organizations, participants will explore real-life challenges, build solution concepts and simple prototypes, and discover how ideas can create positive impact both locally and globally. Challenge themes and problem statements will be announced soon.
What will teams create?
Teams will develop early-stage startup and innovation concepts addressing global challenges, including digital products, platform ideas, service solutions, and prototype tools.
What to expect:
- Inspiring teamwork and collaboration
- Mentoring from innovators, entrepreneurs, and social impact experts
- Hands-on problem solving
- Early-stage startup and solution development
- New connections and global perspectives
- Exciting prizes and opportunities for further idea development
Explore ideas, test solutions, and turn early-stage concepts into meaningful starting points for future impact.
We welcome participants from all backgrounds and no previous hackathon or technical experience is needed
For participants aged 15–30; you can apply individually or with a team (2–4 people), and we will support participants through matchmaking and community-building activities.
Location: Startup House Riga, Lastādijas iela 12 k-3, Riga
Date: September 18 (evening)–19, 2026
Apply here!
This project is co-funded by Europan Union. Startin.LV is responsible for the content, and it does not necessarily represent views of European Union.