EUonAIR Urban Innovation & Solidarity Hackathon at Universitat CEU Abat Oliba in Barcelona
On 16 January, Universitat CEU Abat Oliba CEU (UAO CEU)—member of the EUonAIR European University Alliance— organised the Urban Innovation & Solidarity Hackathon, an initiative aimed at addressing real urban challenges in the city of Barcelona through responsible and socially driven innovation.
Organised within the framework of the Transformative Competencies course for postgraduate and master’s programmes, the hackathon brought together students from different academic backgrounds to work in interdisciplinary teams. Participants were challenged to design concrete and feasible solutions that combined technology, solidarity, and ethical innovation, reflecting EUonAIR’s commitment to applied learning and societal impact.
The proposed challenges focused on key thematic areas aligned with both Barcelona’s strategic priorities and the UN 2030 Agenda, including Sustainability & Climate Action, Smart & Inclusive Cities, Urban Mobility, and Health & Well-being. Throughout the hackathon, students engaged with real-world urban contexts, strengthening the connection between higher education, public institutions, and local ecosystems.
Projects were assessed according to their social impact, level of innovation, feasibility, and clarity of presentation. The event exemplifies how EUonAIR partners actively contribute to the alliance’s mission by fostering hands-on learning experiences and reinforcing collaboration between universities, cities, and society to co-create more inclusive and sustainable urban futures.
