The Smart Cruise Visitor Challenge: Call for Applications
December 10–11, 2026
The Smart Cruise Visitor Challenge:
Call for Applications
Apply by September 30, to turn your ideas into impact through a transformative educational experience in Greece!
Terms & Conditions | Application Form
The University of Piraeus (UniPi), in collaboration with the Piraeus Chamber of Commerce and Industry, announces the EUonAIR HAckathon “The Smart Cruise Visitor Challenge”, which will be held in person on 10-11 December 2026 at the University of Piraeus Campus, Piraeus, Greece.
The Smart Cruise Visitor Challenge is an EUonAIR Ηackathon that brings together students from all EUonAIR member institutions, public authorities, and local stakeholders to co-create innovative solutions addressing a real-world challenge with tangible societal and local impact.
This Hackathon welcomes all EUonAIR students to participate and invites the wider EUonAIR community, including researchers, academic staff, and administrative staff from partner institutions, to join as mentors and jury members, sharing their expertise and supporting the next generation of innovators.
Now the journey begins: from idea to prototype to real-world impact!
Selected student participants will develop their ideas during the hackathon with the support of mentors, experts in relevant fields, and regional stakeholders. The winning team will receive recognition and special awards during the closing ceremony on 11 December 2026.
Objectives
The Smart Cruise Visitor Challenge aims to:
- Encourage interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation among EUonAIR students;
- Promote responsible and human-centred applications of Artificial Intelligence;
- Strengthen cooperation between academia, public authorities, businesses, and society;
- Foster entrepreneurship and problem-solving through real-world challenges;
- Contribute to the sustainable development of one of the EUonAIR regions.
Who Can Participate?
As participant:
- Students (undergraduate, master's, and PhD) from all EUonAIR partner institutions, including the University of Piraeus, are eligible to participate in the Hackathon;
- Student teams will be finalised on the first day of the Hackathon to ensure interdisciplinary collaboration and representation from different EUonAIR universities. Participants will receive support in forming their teams after registration;
- Once accepted, participants should contact their local EUonAIR Office regarding available travel reimbursement options. See Terms & Conditions for contact details.
As mentor, workshop coordinator or jury members:
- Administrative staff, researchers, and academic staff from all EUonAIR partner institutions are welcome to join the Hackathon as mentors or jury members.
- If you are interested in sharing your expertise, and supporting our students during the Hackathon, please send an email to Konstantinos Konstantakis at konstantinos.konstantakis@gmail.com, by 30 September 2026, with the subject line: "UniPi EUonAIR Hackathon_Staff Application", including your institution, relevant experience, and the role (Mentor/ Workshop coordinator/ Jury member) you would like to have during the event.
The Challenge
Participants will work on a real-world challenge related to the cruise visitor experience in Piraeus, developing innovative ideas that combine interdisciplinary collaboration, the responsible use of Artificial Intelligence, and meaningful societal impact.
The active involvement of the Piraeus Chamber of Commerce and Industry from the early stages of the design of this EUonAIR hackathon, ensures that students work on a challenge grounded in real societal and economic needs rather than a hypothetical case study.
This collaboration reflects the shared commitment of the University of Piraeus and the EUonAIR Alliance to connect education, research, innovation, and society by transforming academic knowledge into practical solutions with measurable local impact. At the same time, it offers students an authentic hands-on learning experience, equipping them with the skills, networks, and experience needed to address complex challenges through responsible Artificial Intelligence and multidisciplinary collaboration.
The detailed challenge brief will be provided to participants on the first day of the Hackathon. Preliminary supporting information is available in the Terms & Conditions.
Timeline
Phase 1 – Applications
- After carefully reading the Terms & Conditions, students may fill in the Application form by 30 September 2026
- Acceptance notification: By 15 October 2026
Phase 2 – Preparation
- 9 November 2026 (Online): Preparatory meeting and Q&A session with the organising team. Meet participants, receive practical information before travelling to Greece, and ask any questions regarding the hackathon & related logistics.
Phase 3 – Hackathon
- 10–11 December 2026, University of Piraeus Campus, Piraeus, Greece
Don't miss your chance to help shape the future through responsible AI and innovation, together with your fellow EUonAIR students. Join The Smart Cruise Visitor Challenge and turn your ideas into impact!
For any additional information, please contact Konstantinos Konstantakis from the organising team, at konstantinos.konstantakis@gmail.com .
