The digital age has brought with it transformative benefits, but also unprecedented challenges—chief among them, the spread of disinformation. The Council of Europe Hackathon 2025 offers a vital platform for innovators, youth leaders, and multidisciplinary teams to confront this challenge head-on. This international competition is more than just a contest—it’s a call to action to defend democratic values, public trust, and human rights through innovation.
Taking place in Strasbourg, France, and supported by online preparatory sessions, this hackathon brings together thinkers and creators from across Council of Europe member states. It encourages collaboration across sectors—technology, policy, law, education, and civil society—to develop real-time solutions that combat disinformation and uphold democratic principles.
Participants will work on groundbreaking projects that use artificial intelligence, media literacy, and participatory tools to improve digital transparency. If you’re passionate about defending truth, amplifying trust, and promoting digital rights, this is your opportunity to join a Europe-wide movement to protect democracy in the digital sphere.
Program Details
Host Country: France
Host Organization: Council of Europe
Event Location: Strasbourg, France
Warm-up Online Sessions: 5 – 16 June 2025
Main Event Date: 20 June 2025
Program Themes or Focus Areas:
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Technical Tools and AI Solutions
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Policy and Legal Innovations
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Media Literacy and Educational Tools
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Social and Participatory Solutions
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Infrastructure and Visibility Tools
This hackathon is not limited to coders or software developers—it embraces a multidisciplinary approach. Participants from legal, policy, education, communication, or design backgrounds are equally encouraged to apply. Together, teams will prototype tools that protect the public from digital misinformation while reinforcing human rights values.
Benefits
The Council of Europe Hackathon 2025 offers both tangible and intangible rewards for the selected teams. Beyond the thrill of solving pressing social issues, participants gain valuable exposure, connections, and hands-on experience in a globally significant context.
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€3,000 cash prize for the winning team
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Free travel to Strasbourg, France for all selected participants
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Free accommodation and meals during the main event
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No registration or participation fees
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Warm-up virtual sessions to build capacity before the event
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High-level networking with European policymakers and civic leaders
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Opportunity to present ideas to decision-makers at a pan-European platform
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Gain visibility in media, civic, and innovation ecosystems
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Be part of a prestigious Council of Europe initiative promoting democratic governance and digital resilience
Eligibility Criteria
This international hackathon encourages collaboration across backgrounds, disciplines, and identities. The competition is open to young professionals, students, and civic technologists residing in any of the Council of Europe’s 46 member states.
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Teams must consist of up to 5 individuals
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Team members must be residents of Council of Europe member states
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Teams should be multidisciplinary, bringing together skills from tech, policy, education, design, etc.
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Gender diversity in teams is strongly encouraged
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Proposals must align with democratic values and the European Convention on Human Rights
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All documentation and presentations must be in English
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Each team must submit a concept summary outlining their solution to combat disinformation
This opportunity is designed for individuals with an interest in public affairs, tech for good, digital literacy, or human rights advocacy. Prior experience in coding or data science is welcome but not mandatory—what matters most is the strength of your idea and your team’s ability to collaborate creatively.
How to Apply
Participation in the Council of Europe Hackathon 2025 requires careful planning and coordination as a team. The application process involves both team formation and the submission of a solution-oriented concept.
Step-by-Step Application Process:
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Form a Team: Gather up to five people with different but complementary skill sets. Ensure that the team reflects gender balance and includes members from different disciplines.
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Develop a Concept Summary: Clearly outline your proposed solution, how it addresses digital disinformation, and which tools or methods you plan to use (e.g., AI, media literacy training, legal tools, etc.).
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Register Your Team: Visit the official hackathon website and complete the registration form with details of all team members.
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Upload Required Documents: Attach your concept summary, copies of team members’ passports, and any supporting documentation (e.g., diagrams, mockups, technical frameworks).
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Agree to the Terms: Ensure your team reviews and accepts the terms and conditions of participation.
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Submit Before the Deadline: All submissions must be made via the official platform before the deadline.
Required Documents:
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Concept Summary
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Passport Copy for Each Team Member
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Team Member Profiles
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Optional: Any relevant visuals, mockups, or supporting documents
Only selected teams will be invited to participate in the warm-up sessions and final event in Strasbourg. Be sure to clearly explain how your concept enhances public resilience against disinformation and strengthens democratic safeguards.
Application Deadline
Final Date to Apply: 28 May 2025
Applications submitted after the deadline will not be considered, so teams are encouraged to begin preparing early and submit well before the final date to ensure eligibility.
Why This Hackathon Matters
Disinformation campaigns pose a growing threat to democratic societies. From undermining electoral processes to inflaming public tensions, malicious information flows are reshaping our digital spaces in dangerous ways. The Council of Europe Hackathon 2025 responds to this urgent crisis by equipping citizens with the tools, knowledge, and networks to fight back.
This event is not just about building apps or writing code—it’s about defending freedom of information, restoring public confidence, and reimagining civic engagement for the 21st century. The hackathon’s themes span policy, law, AI, education, and civic infrastructure, offering every participant a meaningful space to contribute.
With backing from one of Europe’s most influential institutions, the hackathon offers visibility, legitimacy, and the chance to make real policy impact. Winning projects may shape future frameworks for addressing digital challenges across the Council of Europe region.
Who Should Apply?
This opportunity is ideal for:
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Students and graduates in political science, computer science, law, education, or journalism
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Civil society members and activists focused on digital rights or disinformation
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Early-career professionals and youth leaders in Leadership Programs or Innovation Fellowships
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Developers, designers, and researchers working in Artificial Intelligence, UX, or policy innovation
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Teams formed within NGOs, academic institutions, or civic tech hubs
What matters most is your commitment to democracy, your creativity in solving digital-age problems, and your collaborative mindset.
A Launchpad for Future Change-Makers
The Council of Europe Hackathon 2025 is more than a weekend competition—it’s a catalyst for the next generation of policy innovators, tech-savvy human rights defenders, and civic educators. The winning projects will not only receive funding and visibility but also the chance to inspire future policy directions at the European level.
This event reflects the Council of Europe’s commitment to:
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Reinforcing democratic participation in the digital age
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Building public resilience against misinformation and manipulation
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Empowering youth and underrepresented groups in shaping the digital future
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Fostering international collaboration rooted in human rights values
Whether you’re a university student, a grassroots activist, or a tech entrepreneur, this is your chance to connect your skills with a mission that matters.
