03 September 2026
From NOVA to Venice: Apply for the EUTOPIA Innovation Challenges
NOVA Bachelor’s and Master’s students have the opportunity to join an international hackathon in Venice and work alongside students from across the EUTOPIA Alliance to tackle real-world challenges.
From 9 to 12 November 2026, up to 80 students from EUTOPIA universities will come together at Ca’ Foscari University of Venice for the EUTOPIA Innovation Challenges for Students. This year’s edition will focus on Cultural Heritage, bringing students from different academic backgrounds and countries together to explore innovative responses to challenges identified in collaboration with local partners.
Over four days, participants will work in multidisciplinary teams, exchange ideas across borders and develop creative solutions to real challenges — gaining hands-on experience in international collaboration, innovation and problem-solving along the way.
A challenge built around real-world impact
The EUTOPIA Innovation Challenges for Students builds on the Open Innovation Challenge launched as part of the EUTOPIA 2050 pilot project (2019–2022). The initiative connects students and universities with local and regional communities, bringing together academic knowledge and the experience of public and private-sector stakeholders to address concrete challenges.
This year, the spotlight is on cultural heritage, giving participants the chance to explore how innovation and collaboration can help preserve, rethink and bring new value to cultural heritage and local communities.
Who can apply?
The call is open to NOVA students who:
- Are currently enrolled in a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree programme at NOVA;
- Can attend the hackathon in person in Venice from 9 to 12 November 2026;
- Have a sufficient level of English to actively participate in the programme.
Erasmus exchange students are not eligible to apply.
Ready to take the challenge?
Applications are open until 20 September 2026 at 12:00 noon. To apply, students must:
- Complete the application form, uploading a 1.30 video presentation;
- Submit a CV (maximum two pages);
- Send proof of English language proficiency to novaimpact@unl.pt
The full call guidelines are available for consultation here: EUTOPIA Innovation Challenges for students_UNIVE 2026