29.____ 30th November 2025

Road to _______________________________

Road to

START Hack

29–30 November 2025
Munich (TUM) Main Campus
200+ hackers
Challenge partners from 5 top DACH startups at the AI frontier
24-hour build sprint, team formation on site, mentor support throughout
Pitch on stage to a jury of investors and experts
Win prizes including cash, Gadgets and mentorship from VCs

From Hello World,
___ to Hello Users

in 24 hours
Apply here

Turn a simple idea into something people can click. Road to Start Hack brings 200 Innovators from all fields and backgrounds together to solve real-world challenges in just 24 hours. We help you keep the scope tight, mentors jump in when you’re stuck, and the room stays friendly and focused. You prototype, test with people nearby, and polish just enough to show it. No experience required. Bring your laptop and curiosity. By the end you can say hello users for real, with a demo you’re proud to share and a path to keep going.

How the 24 hours run.

From Saturday 09:00 check-in to Sunday 17:30 awards, you’ll form teams, meet partners, dive into challenges, build in four focused blocks with mentor support, submit at noon, demo by challenge, then see the winners on stage.

24H

Of Hacking

+

200

Hackers

scroll to see the full timeline
  • Arrival and Registration
    09:00 AM – 10:00 AM
  • Welcome and Opening Remarks
    10:00 AM – 10:10 AM
  • Rules and Timings
    10:10 AM - 10:30 AM
  • Partner Introduction
    10:30 AM - 11:00 AM
  • Team Formation and Coffee
    11:00 AM – 11:45 AM
  • Presentation of the Challenges
    11:45 AM – 12:40 PM
  • Challenge Form Opens & Matchmaking
    12:30 PM
  • Hacking Starts
    1:00 PM
  • Challenge Deep Dives
    1:00PM - 1:45 PM
  • Lunch
    2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
  • Hacking Session 1
    1:00 PM – 6:00 PM
  • Dinner
    6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
  • Hacking Session 2
    7:30 PM – 12:00 PM
  • Midnight Snack
    12:00 AM – 1:00 AM
  • Hacking Session 3 (Overnight)
    1:00 AM – 7:30 AM
  • Breakfast
    7:30 AM – 9:00 AM
  • Hacking Session 4 (Final Stretch)
    9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
  • Project Submission
    12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
  • Break
    1:00 PM - 1:15 PM
  • Project Demos and Presentations
    1:15 PM – 2:30 PM
  • Lunch
    2:30 PM – 3:30 PM
  • Winner Project Demos and Presentations
    3:30 PM – 4:45 PM
  • Keynote Speaker (Judge Deliberation)
    2:30 PM – 3:30 PM
  • Awards Ceremony and Closing Remarks
    5:15 PM – 5:30 PM

Partners

More incoming!
Apply here

frequently asked questions

When will the Hackathon take place?

It’s happening on November 29–30, 2025 (Saturday–Sunday) — not much sleep for you ;)

What is the topic of the hackathon?

From “Hello World” to “Hello Users”!
This is an entrepreneurial hackathon, meaning it’s not just about solving a random coding task. You’ll tackle real challenges from industry partners, solving actual problems that exist in the market.
The ultimate goal? Build something so good that you could turn it into your own startup afterwards. 💡

Who can attend?

Any student with curiosity and a spark of creativity!
Whether you’re studying engineering, computer science, physics, math, business, or management — if you love solving real-world problems, this hackathon is for you.

How can I apply for the event?

Applications will open via Luma.
Just fill out a short form telling us who you are, what you do, and why you want to join the hackathon. We promise it’s quick — and fun!

Do I need to have a team in advance?

Nope! You can apply solo. We’ll have a matchmaking session at the start of the event, so there’s plenty of time to find your dream team.

What should I bring to the event?

Bring your laptop, charger, creativity, and a good mood.
Sleeping bag or blanket recommended (depending on your commitment to all-nighters). We’ll take care of the rest — snacks, drinks, and vibes included.

Do you provide accommodation?

Not officially — but don’t worry, you won’t have much time to sleep anyway. 😉

What size can the team be?

Teams can have 3–5 people.
Each participant applies individually, but if you’re already a team, make sure to mention your teammates in the application form — we’ll review and accept you as a team whenever possible.

How do We register as a team?

You’ll each fill out the Luma application, and there’s a special question asking if you’re applying as a team. Once you’re accepted, we’ll make sure your group sticks together.

When will the challenges be announced?

Right at the beginning of the event — on Saturday morning!
Our five challenge partners will present their cases in two parallel sessions, so you can choose which one to attend based on your interests.

When will I know if my application has been accepted?

You’ll be informed well before the event — enough time to pack your stuff and mentally prepare you for the grind

Will there be food?

Absolutely. You won’t code on an empty stomach.We’ll provide meals and snacks throughout the event — details are a surprise 🍕

How long does the hackathon last?

Exactly 24 hours of hacking, plus some time for demos, judging, and celebration afterward.

Where will the hackathon take place?

At the Technical University of Munich (TUM) Main Campus —
📍 Arcisstraße 21, 80333 Munich, in the Audimax Foyer.
Yes, there’s plenty of space. And yes, there’s Wi-Fi.

Can I participate alone?

You can apply alone, but you’ll need a team to compete. Don’t worry — we’ll help you find one!

How do I find teammates if I don’t have any?

We’ve got you covered!
We’re planning a pre-event at MTZ the day before the hackathon, where you can meet other participants and form teams.
And on Saturday morning, there’s an extra matchmaking timeslot to make sure everyone finds their crew.

Any other questions? Contact us!
Apply here

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