Apply now: Smart Green Island Makeathon – Gran Canaria 2026

Four days of hacking, building, and prototyping under the sun of Gran Canaria.

 

A “MAKEATHON” is an innovative educational event in which several teams (also from different field of studies) create and develop technological prototypes as well as innovative solutions during a short period of time. The challenges or problems could be provided whether by the sponsored companies or within the participating teams.

 

 

The 9th SMART GREEN ISLAND MAKEATHON 2026 will take place from 24.02.-28.02.2026 as usual on Gran Canaria. Young Talents from different universities and various countries will work on innovative Challenges in the field of  Circular Economy, Smart Green Technologies, Smart Green Energy, Robotics, IoT, and Artificial Intelligence.

 

Together with students from other universities, companies, and international teams, you will work on real technical challenges and turn ideas into functioning prototypes in a very short time.

We are offering a limited number of places (up to 6 students) for motivated students to participate in the Smart Green Island Makeathon.

The Makeathon is an international, interdisciplinary innovation event. Within around 3.5–4 days, teams work from initial ideas and concepts all the way to hands-on technical implementation. The focus is on real prototyping, not only slide decks.

Working language: English

 

 

Focus & Format

This year’s thematic focus is on circular economy and recycling, while other technical ideas and challenges are explicitly welcome as well.

A special feature of the Makeathon is that well-known companies are present on site, providing:

  • equipment and materials
  • technical infrastructure
  • expert mentoring

Students work on self-chosen challenges, supported directly by industry experts.

What to expect

  • International, interdisciplinary teamwork
  • Strong focus on hardware and software prototyping
  • Access to technologies such as:
    • robotics
    • microelectronics
    • AI and software systems
    • 3D printing and digital fabrication
  • Very hands-on work (using tools and building things is part of the experience)
  • A unique atmosphere, strong learning experience, and direct industry contact

Special preparation: Robotics & Hack Day

As part of the preparation, we will bring two quadruped robots (XGO Mini) to the Makeathon.
Before traveling, all selected students will take part in a mandatory one-day preparation hackathon at our FabLab (calendar week 6, Feb 2–6).

During this day, we will:

  • explore the robots’ capabilities (movement, camera, basic AI features)
  • build technical know-how together
  • prepare for possible use cases such as environmental sensing, waste detection, or recycling workflows

Conditions

  • Personal contribution: 200 EUR
  • Travel and accommodation: covered by the project
  • Catering during the Makeathon: provided
  • Only minimal additional local costs expected

Important:
Especially for international students, participation requires that you are legally allowed (visa-wise) to travel to Gran Canaria. This must already be the case at the time of application.

How to apply

Apply via the following form until 25th JANUARY 23:59:00 (THIS upcomming SUNDAY!)

Application form:
https://forms.gle/jniDpbD3tcbFEnGz5

Deadline: Sunday evening

More information about the Makeathon:
https://www.itq.de/smart-green-island-makeathon/

If you are interested in hands-on development, teamwork, and an intense international Makeathon experience, we are looking forward to your application.