In an era where digital technologies and education are increasingly intertwined, fostering quality, inclusion and innovation in digital education is crucial for building a future-ready society.

The Digital Education Hackathon (DigiEduHack), part of the European Union’s Digital Education Action Plan 2021-2027, exemplifies this commitment. This initiative brings together global talent to push the boundaries of digital education. The 2023 edition, themed ‘Putting People at the Centre of Digital Education,’ has notably advanced the accessibility of education through technology. It echoes the EU’s ambition to create inclusive and innovative learning education environments, illustrating a unified effort to address the evolving opportunities and challenges in digital education.

A Push Forward in Educational Innovation

DigiEduHack 2023 Days, which took place from 6 – 13 November 2023, witnessed significant participation, with 39 local hackathons across 22 countries, engaging over 1685 participants in 24 hours of innovation, resulting in the creation of 225 solutions. From this vibrant ecosystem of ideas, 37 were crowned local winners, each embodying the spirit of community-driven innovation in digital education.

Advancing to the Global Stage

These local champions underwent evaluation by DigiEduHack’s Steering Group of experts, leading to the selection of 11 finalists contending for the Global Awards. These solutions, now in the running for the ultimate recognition, underscore the initiative’s commitment to putting people at the heart of digital education.

The Finalists and the Path to Victory

The finalists of DigiEduHack 2023 exemplify strong efforts in advancing digital education, with each solution poised to significantly influence how we learn, teach, and engage with digital content. Public voting is now open, inviting the global community to participate in selecting the four DigiEduHack 2023 Global Winners- one per category. These are the DigiEduHack 2023 Finalists:

Beginner Awards:

Social Impact Award – Awarded to solutions benefitting society and the community within the digital education landscape, promoting inclusion, diversity, and addressing diverse needs.

iTEENER
Proposed solution: IVAN, INTERNATIONAL VOLUNTEERING ORGANISATION to challenge SCHOOLS AS AGENT OF CHANGE TOWARDS SUSTAINABILITY.

Hackathon details: blended Hackathon on organisational capability, Fondazione per la Scuola.

Space4UA
Proposed solution: SPACE4UA: ONLINE TOOL THAT COMBINES SPACE AND CITIZEN-GENERATED DATA TO MONITOR THREATS TO UKRAINIAN CULTURAL HERITAGE to challenge UNIVERSITY STUDENTS USING SPACE DATA TO PROTECT UKRANIAN CULTURAL HERITAGE – DIGIEDUHACK 2023.

Hackathon details: online hackathon on data-driven education, Web2Learn.

EDUAI
Proposed solution: EDUAI: TO ENCOURAGE THE ETHICAL USE OF AI CRITICALLY AND WITH INTEGRITY IN AN EDUCATIONAL ENVIRONMENT to challenge GO WILD TO STAY WELL: HOW DO WE ENSURE LEARNER WELLBEING IN THE AGE OF THE AI

Hackathon details: onsite hackathon on well-being in education, Dublin City University.

Disruptive Technology Award – Recognizing innovative solutions introducing novel tools or technologies challenging existing norms in digital education, incorporating cutting-edge technologies such as AI, blockchain, virtual reality, IoT, and robotics.

Guacamole
Proposed solution: ADAPTATEC to challenge DIGIEDUHACK TEC CDMX

Hackathon details: onsite, emerging technologies for education, Instituto Tecnológico de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey

IAILE
Proposed solution: IAILE: INTERACTIVE AI LEARNING ECOSYSTEM to challenge EDUTECH UPSKILL: EMPOWERING EDUCATION & TRAINING WITH AI

Hackathon details: online, emerging technologies for education, Kimitisik B.V.

BIEDRUM
Proposed solution: BIEDRI to challenge EDTECH SOLUTION FOR BETTER STUDENT MOTIVATION AND ENGAGEMENT

Hackathon details: online, emerging technologies, Datorium.

Experienced Awards:

Social Impact Award

Presented to solutions promoting inclusion and diversity, demonstrating sustainability and scalability potential, and involving relevant stakeholders to foster empowerment and community engagement.

Claar Education
Proposed solution: EMMPOWERING SCHOOLS LEADERS THROUGH VISUAL FACILITATION to challenge FOSTERING SEAMLESS TEACHER SUCCESSION AND SCHOOL EXCELENCE.

Hackathon details: online hackathon on organizational capabilities, Tallin University.

Amp Empire
Proposed solution: ARTIFICIAL REALITY to challenge DGHack4STEM – DIGITAL GAMES HACKATHON FOR STEM CAREERS.

Hackathon details: onsite hackathon, learning spaces and pedagogies, Aravaca Innovation Lab

Disruptive Technology Award

Acknowledging solutions challenging existing norms in digital education through innovative tools or technologies, simplifying complex learning processes, or enhancing learners’ engagement.

HackSquad
Proposed solution: LEARNEON to challenge HACK4WORLD BAKU

Hackathon details: blended hackathon, emerging technologies for education, UNEC.

Platon Tech
Proposed solution: EDUSPHERA to challenge EDUART: WHERE CREATIVITY FUELS LEARNING

Hackathon details: blended hackathon, the learning experience, INNOLAND Incubation and Acceleration Center.

EDMAP
Proposed solution: EDMAP to challenge EDUEMPOWER: EMPOWERING ADULT LEARNERS THROUGH TECHNOLOGY

Hackathon details: onsite hackathon, individual competences, Tallin University.

Awards Reflecting Commitment to Inclusivity, Diversity, and Equity

The awards for DigiEduHack 2023 are categorised to honour the full spectrum of expertise, backgrounds, and solution maturity levels. From Beginner Awards celebrating emerging talents to Experienced Awards recognizing seasoned innovators, the categories reflect a deep commitment to inclusivity, diversity, and equity. Winners will choose from prizes designed to escalate their growth, including becoming DigiEduHack Global Ambassadors, further symbolising the EU’s commitment to nurturing innovation and excellence in digital education.

Vote and Shape the Future of Digital Education

By voting for the DigiEduHack 2023 winners, you play an integral role in propelling digital education forward. VOTE HERE and acknowledge, through your vote, the creativity, dedication, and vision of the finalists, contributing to a brighter, more inclusive future for digital education worldwide.

The future of digital education is in your hands. Cast your vote now for the DigiEduHack 2023 winners and join us in championing the pioneers of educational innovation. Your participation not only celebrates the achievements of these talented finalists but also paves the way for a more inclusive and innovative educational landscape.