EUTOPIA_HEALTH Launches Cross-Disciplinary Hackathons

The University of Ljubljana and Ljubljana University Incubator have announced an ambitious series of hackathons under the EUTOPIA_HEALTH initiative, designed to tackle pressing societal challenges through cross-disciplinary collaboration.

Researchers across nine countries are invited to participate in two company-sponsored innovation challenges: "Health Motivation," sponsored by Roche Slovenia, which focuses on making the long-term benefits of preventive healthcare more visible and actionable; and "Future Food Solutions," sponsored by Juicy Marbles, centred on developing food innovations that address health, transparency, and sustainability without compromising enjoyment.

Roche's challenge emphasises health as human capital and seeks solutions that demonstrate how prevention and early intervention can yield measurable returns. Meanwhile, Juicy Marbles, a plant-based food company, is looking for concepts that respond to consumers' growing demand for clean labels, minimally processed options, and sustainable production.
The initiative features both virtual and in-person components—an online hackathon scheduled for June 17, 2025, followed by an on-site event in Ljubljana from September 15-17, 2025. Applications are open until June 10, 2025.

Both companies will provide mentorship and industry insights throughout the process. Participants will develop concepts or prototypes (physical, digital, or theoretical) culminating in a 5-7 minute pitch.

The program offers international networking opportunities, expert feedback, and integration into the EUTOPIA_HEALTH research community. Travel and accommodation costs for the on-site hackathon will be covered by the project.

The initiative exemplifies collaborative innovation in European higher education, addressing complex challenges through interdisciplinary approaches.

Do you need more information about the programme? Feel free to contact us:

 

University	Contact
University of Ljubljana	Simona Rataj: simona.rataj@uni-lj.si Spela Rozman Dolenc: spela.rozman-dolenc@lui.uni-lj.si Katarina Sustarsic: katarina.sustarsic@lui.uni-lj.si
CY Cergy Paris University	Caroline Derhy: caroline.derhy@cyu.fr Auguste Olivier: auguste.olivier@cyu.fr
Babeș-Bolyai University	Lucrina Stefanescu: lucrina.stefanescu@ubbcluj.ro
University of Gothenburg	Henrik Lindskog: henrik.lindskog@gu.se Andreea Maris: andreea.maris@gu.se
Ca’Foscari University of Venice	Enrica Croda: enrica.croda@unive.it
NOVA University Lisbon	Marta Busetto: marta.busetto@unl.pt Rui Manuel Silva: rui.silva@unl.pt Francisca Fonseca: francisca.fonseca@unl.pt
Pompeu Fabra University-Barcelona	Laia Ramia: laia.ramia@upf.edu
The University of Warwick	Francesco Colacino: francesco.colacino@warwick.ac.uk
Vrije Universiteit Brussel	Tuur Roels: tuur.roels@vub.be