HackTech 2025: Fire Safety Edition – Join the Action!
What if your code could help stop the next wildfire?
This year’s edition of HackTech hackathon isn’t just bigger – it carries a greater mission. The Cyprus tech community is coming together to tackle one of the island’s most urgent challenges: wildfires.
Under the auspices of the Deputy Minister of Research, Innovation, and Digital Policy, Dr. Nicodemos Damianou, and in collaboration with Techisland – our ecosystem partner and the largest tech association in Cyprus – AdTech Holding is hosting its most impactful hackathon yet.
Read on to find out more about this year’s mission, prizes, schedule, and everything you need to know to take part.
TLTR: Key information
HackTech is the largest annual open hackathon in Cyprus – open to everyone who loves to create and code for a cause. It brings together developers, data scientists, designers, product managers, researchers, and marketers – all driven to turn ideas into meaningful social impact.
When: November 15-16
Where: Limassol, The Warehouse by IT Quarter
Prize pool: €30.000 plus additional prizes
The mission
Since 2022, AdTech Holding has been hosting some of Cyprus’s leading hackathons – and this year is no exception. From the very beginning, we’ve placed strong emphasis on the social dimension of technology and its impact on communities, with each hackathon designed to boost projects that make a difference.
However, after the tragic events of this summer, which affected the entire community, we realized it was time to rethink the concept.
Alexander Vasekin, AdTech Holding CEO, comments:
“Recent events have affected many of us – both personally and as a community. It’s important not only to get through this period but to learn from it and move forward together. As a tech company, we can use our knowledge and experience to make a real contribution – helping Cyprus adapt, grow, and become more resilient.”
Picture our hackathons as power stations of intellect and imagination, surging with energy that flourishes when directed towards a worthy goal. And this year, a powerful mission meets the full potential of HackTech participants.
HackTech is no longer just about coding; it’s about building resilience and protecting the island’s future.
In short, there’s no better time to turn your energy, skills, and passion into real impact – and participate in the year’s most anticipated hackathon!
3 Tracks to help people
If you recall, last year’s hackathon had two challenges.
This year, HackTech is taking a different approach. No separate challenges, no scattered efforts – we’re focusing all our energy on one mission that truly matters: fighting wildfires.
So, instead of multiple tracks and winners, every project will compete within one shared challenge – and for the same prizes (more on that later).
But don’t worry, we’re not leaving you without direction. Together with the Ministry of Research, Innovation, and Digital Policy, we’ve outlined three tracks to help you shape your ideas and stay on target:
- Prediction – Build tools and models to forecast wildfire risks using weather, terrain, and environmental data.
- Prevention – Develop innovative ways to reduce risks and boost preparedness – from communities to institutions.
- Response & Recovery – Create solutions that support emergency teams, volunteers, and communities – from real-time coordination tools to post-fire recovery platforms.
Which track speaks to you?
Whichever you choose, your ideas can spark real change – and help protect lives, nature, and the future.
The prizes worth winning
As we’ve already mentioned, this year there’s just one challenge – which means the stakes are higher than ever!
The overall winner will take home a whopping €15,000.
Second place comes with a solid €10,000 prize.
And third place will claim €5,000.
And that’s not all!
You’ll also have a shot at the People’s Choice Award – where the audience votes for their favorite project. Roll up your sleeves and get ready to deliver a show-stopping presentation!
Plus, there’ll be extra prizes from our partners and sponsors, so plenty of chances to shine.
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How to participate?
As always, joining HackTech couldn’t be easier:
1. Apply before November 1, 2025 – solo or with your team
2. Wait for the confirmation email – you should get the answer by Nov 10, 2025
3. Once approved, join our Slack – read about preparing for a hackathon
- No team yet? Hop into our dedicated Slack channel and find your crew
4. Show up, create, and win!
All the further details you need are on the HackTech website.
4 Great reasons to join HackTech 2025
Each year, HackTech evolves – and this edition is promising to be the most exciting yet. We’ve carefully analyzed feedback from the past three hackathons and now bring you four rock-solid reasons to join:
- A strong social mission. Your project can save and change lives. You’ll pitch your ideas in front of top Cyprus IT experts and government officials – meaning your solution won’t just stay on paper. It could be scaled and implemented across the island.
- Powerful networking. Meet industry leaders, investors, government representatives, and sponsors. It’s your chance to sharpen your skills, exchange ideas, and build serious connections that can shape your future.
- Top-notch participant experience. Expect amazing food & drinks, cozy relaxation zones, and goody bags packed with surprises. 98% of last year’s participants praised the event’s organization – and we’re raising the bar even higher this year.
- Visibility & recognition. The entire industry will be watching. You’ll make headlines, gain interviews, and build valuable connections. Winners will enjoy their moment in the spotlight – and open doors to even bigger opportunities.
In short: HackTech 2025 isn’t just another hackathon – it’s a launchpad for real impact, new ideas, and powerful collaborations.
Don’t miss a thing
Feeling ready to take on the challenge? Register now and claim your spot at HackTech.
Still deciding or just want to stay in the loop? Follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn for the latest updates, behind-the-scenes moments, and stories from the hackathon.
See you at HackTech!
