The Integrated Systems Europe (ISE) Hackathon returned in 2026 for its second edition, building on the success of its inaugural year and further establishing itself as a key initiative connecting students, startups, and industry leaders. 

Working against the clock in an intense, high-energy environment, participants collaborated in teams to address industry-relevant challenges across three tracks: Sustainability, Innovation, and Cybersecurity. In under 48 hours the students developed forward-thinking solutions with the guidance of expert mentors and direct access to the technologies and insights across the ISE show floor. 

The unique setting of ISE once again proved central to the experience. By engaging directly with exhibitors and industry professionals, teams were able to validate ideas in real time and translate concepts into practical, scalable solutions.

From Concept to Impact

Across all three tracks, participants highlighted how direct exposure to the ISE ecosystem expanded their thinking beyond the classroom.

One Cybersecurity Track winner described the experience as “designing for the industry standing right in front of you,” with immediate feedback enabling teams to refine ideas and ensure practical relevance from the outset.

Sustainability Track winners credited direct interaction with exhibitors was key to shaping their solution, providing valuable insights into emerging technologies and practical applications, helping them develop a solution grounded in real-world feasibility.

Similarly, Innovation Track winners pointed to the show floor as a key source of inspiration, encouraging them to rethink conventional processes and develop more engaging user experiences.

Showcasing Future Talent

Following the intensive development phase, teams presented their final solutions at the Innovation Park Pitching Stage, with winners announced on the final day of the show. 

“Designed for the brave and forward-thinking, the ISE Hackathon is where young talent tests its limits and turns skills into real AV solutions,” said Pablo Vega, Co‑Coordinator of the ISE Hackathon.

Projects addressed key industry challenges, including sustainable and inclusive AV solutions, AI-driven innovation, and securing increasingly connected systems.

Presenting to industry professionals proved both challenging and rewarding. What began as a nerve-wracking experience quickly translated into valuable direct engagement with experts, building confidence, validation, and insights into real-world industry expectations.

“The success of the ISE Hackathon in its second year reflects the growing demand for initiatives that connect emerging talent with real industry challenges,” said Mike Blackman, Managing Director of Integrated Systems Events. “By providing a platform for collaboration, creativity, and hands-on learning, we are helping to develop the future skills of the AV industry.”

Winning Teams

• Sustainability Track (sponsored by Philips Professional Displays):

Daniil Larkovskiy, Volodymyr Baranov, Alisa Turan, Mishti Ramnani (EU Business School) 

• Innovation Track (sponsored by Sociedad Española para la Transformación Tecnológica - SETT):

Librada Morales Parrilla, Mariona Sillaurren Piera, Serena Wilson, Xavier Súñer Rubió (CETT_UB Tourism & Hospitality, Universitat de Barcelona) 

• Cybersecurity Track (sponsored by Hikvision):

Veronika Borysiuk, Anora Azimova, Josep Aguilera, Marc Joaquin Serra (EU Business School & Esade)

Commenting on the role of industry engagement, Xavi Marlasca, Co-Coordinator of the ISE Hackathon said:

“For partners and sponsors, the Hackathon provides direct insight into the next generation of professionals, their priorities, and their approach to real-world challenges. It also creates connections between students, startups, and the AV industry, reinforcing ISE’s role in supporting talent development across the sector.”

Shaping Careers and Perspectives

Beyond the competition, the Hackathon continues to influence career paths and perspectives. Participants reported gaining a deeper understanding of the breadth of opportunities within the AV industry, particularly in areas such as AI, sustainability, and cybersecurity.

For some, the experience has already shaped academic and career ambitions, inspiring further study or sparking interest in AV careers. Others highlighted how the Hackathon demonstrated the importance of combining technical expertise with creativity, empathy, and user-focused design to drive meaningful innovation.

Looking Ahead

With its second edition delivering strong results, the ISE Hackathon has firmly established itself as a key initiative in addressing the AV industry’s skills gap and fostering future talent.

Aligned with the wider mission of the ISE Foundation’s commitment to allow long-term industry growth through talent development, the Hackathon creates practical, industry-connected opportunities that bring together education and innovation. It transforms ambition into action, giving students hands-on experiences, confidence and access to leading industry players. 

Returning in 2027, the ISE Hackathon will continue to serve as a launchpad of innovation, equipping the next generation of AV professionals with the skills to collaborate and tackle tomorrow’s challenges head-on.

ISE returns to Fira de Barcelona, Gran Via, from 2–5 February 2027. For the latest news, announcements and exclusive offers, sign up for updates: https://www.iseurope.org/news-insights/newsletter-signup