// challenge briefs · 2026 edition

Pick a problem. Ship it in 48 hours.

Every brief is a real problem from a sponsor, judged on a live demo on Sunday. Sponsor challenges come with their own perks. Pick one, build an agent, and the team that ships best can become the sponsor's first client.

June 5–7, 2026 · ThePlace, Mamaia · 15 challenges

Track 1 · Monsson

€1,000 prize

The Monsson computer-vision challenges run on their own track, judged by their own jury for a dedicated €1,000 prize.

Track 2 · Everything else

€1,000 · €500 · €200

Every other challenge, sponsor or open, competes together on the same rubric. 1st place takes €1,000, 2nd place €500, and 3rd place €200.

★ Plus, from THOT Nutrition

  • 1st · 3× Thot Aminos 150 cps + 3 gift vouchers (€200) — ~€956
  • 2nd · 3× Thot Aminos 90 cps + 3 gift vouchers (€100) — ~€516
  • 3rd · 3× Thot Aminos 30 cps + 3 gift vouchers (€60) — ~€256

★ Plus, from Xojo

Each podium team gets a Xojo Pro lifetime license(~€925) — build desktop, mobile & web apps, usable on 3 devices at once.

★ Plus, from RareCloud

Infrastructure credits on top of the cash: €250 / €150 / €100 for 1st / 2nd / 3rd.

★ Plus, from Servicii SEO București

The winning team gets an Organic Growth Blueprint (€1,000)— research & strategy, delivered as a report plus a 1-on-1 session.

Track 2 · Everything else · €1,000 / €500 / €200
OKAPI

OKAPI

1 challengeStandout builds can earn a fast-tracked interview with OKAPI.
ThePlace

ThePlace

1 challengeThePlace is open to running the winning build on-site.
Start Global

Start Global

1 challengeUp to €500 toward implementation if Start Global adopts your solution.
Cult of Coders

Cult of Coders

1 challenge
Flavours of Dobrogea

Flavours of Dobrogea

1 challenge
Savoy Hotel Mamaia

Savoy Hotel Mamaia

1 challengeCash prize plus a paid collaboration to build the full V1 after the hackathon.
Open challenges

Open challenges

6 challenges
Judging criteria · Track 2 · Everything else

How the Track 2 jury scores every demo.

These six criteria apply to the general track. Monsson runs on its own track with its own jury.

20%

Problem & Impact

How big is the problem? Who wins when it's solved?

20%

Solution & Innovation

How elegant and new is the approach?

25%

Working demo

Does it work live? End-to-end? With real data?

15%

Technology & architecture

Choices, robustness, AI agent design.

10%

Pitch & communication

Clarity, energy, story.

10%

Post-event feasibility

Can it become a product, or continue with a sponsor?