What is The Challenge?
The hackathon that brings out the best in tech talent. In our fifth edition, over 70 carefully selected participants came together to tackle real-world challenges, explore the latest hiring trends, receive specialized training, and connect with companies looking for fresh talent.
Join the real talent movement!
Requirements
The competition is open to professionals or students pursuing undergraduate, postgraduate, or doctoral degrees at any public or private university, with no age limit or prior experience required.
Challenges: We will have four challenges from major corporations such as HP, Elewit, Naturgy, and Mapfre, which we will present on the day of the event. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to attend a workshop led by LinkedIn on the most valued top skills.
Dates: You can register until September 27th, and teams will be formed between September 30th and October 4th, with the team assignments communicated thereafter. The Challenge will take place on October 15th, and the final pitches will be held on October 24th at VDS.
Prizes: Selected participants will have the opportunity to present their project with a pitch at the City of Arts and Sciences on October 24th on one of the stages at VDS2024. Additionally, the winning team will receive €5,000, thanks to the collaboration of HP.
Challenges
If selected, you’ll join a team with the mission to prototype and pitch an innovative solution to real-world challenges proposed by leading companies such as HP, Naturgy and Flywire.
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Cybersecurity
Real cybersecurity challenges designed to put any tech genius to the test. -
Innovation
Business- and innovation-focused challenges aimed at creating impactful solutions for companies of all kinds. -
Climate Tech
Sustainability-driven challenges focused on developing innovative solutions to address climate change and promote a greener future.
Prizes and Perks
- The three winning teams will each receive a €2,500 prize to support the development of their projects.
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They’ll get one month of free access to coworking spaces at La Harinera in Valencia, with the chance to join its vibrant community.
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Every participant will receive free tickets to VDS 2026
Built with partners
Previous edition
Enjoy this video recap of the latest edition of The Challenge, VDS Hackathon! Witness the energy and innovation as tech enthusiasts collaborate in multidisciplinary teams to tackle real-world problems. Guided by expert mentors and equipped with top-tier resources, participants create groundbreaking solutions. Dive into the dynamic atmosphere and see how we’re shaping the future of tech!
Organization Entities
Organization Entities
The Challenge: Cybersecurity and Innovation
The Challenge is part of the INCIBE Emprende Program of the National Cybersecurity Institute (INCIBE) and is organized by Startup Valencia in collaboration with The City of Arts and Sciences. Its goal is to promote cybersecurity knowledge among universities and emerging talent, allowing participants to develop skills through one-day hackathon challenges. Teams present innovative products or services that provide solutions to real-world problems.
The Challenge: Climate Tech
The Challenge is part of the CLIMATE TECH VDS 2025 initiative, under the motto “Technological Drive Against Climate Risk.” It is sponsored by the Directorate General for Industry and SMEs of the Ministry of Industry and Tourism of the Government of Spain and organized by Startup Valencia in collaboration with The City of Arts and Sciences. Its goal is to promote knowledge and innovation in climate technologies among universities and emerging talent.
Become a sponsor or exhibitor
Connect with the international tech ecosystem, increase your visibility and grow your business by meeting new partners, clients and hundreds of potential prospects.
Become a sponsor or exhibitor
Connect with the international tech ecosystem, increase your visibility and grow your business by meeting new partners, clients and hundreds of potential prospects.
