ZERO ONE HACK
AI HACKATHON
From Zero to One. From Idea to Product.
MAY 29 - 31
2026
VIENNA,
AUSTRIA
ABOUT THE HACK
Zero One Hack is a 36-hour AI hackathon where 60 selected builders tackle real challenges from industry partners, powered by NVIDIA A100 GPUs at the AI Factory AI:AT in Vienna. Partners set the challenges. You build the solutions. Our mission: create a space for innovation, connect students with companies, and push the Austrian and European AI ecosystem forward.
-
Prize Pool
Cash prizes across multiple challenge tracks
-
Builders
A curated cohort of students and developers
-
Hours of Hacking
From Friday evening to Sunday afternoon
HOW IT WORKS
-
Apply
Submit your application and tell us what you want to build.
-
Get Accepted
We review applications and send confirmations with all event details.
-
Build
Form a team, pick a challenge from our partners, and build your product. Mentors and A100 compute on hand.
-
Pitch
Present your solution to judges in a live demo session.
-
Win & Connect
Top teams win prizes, recognition, and direct connections to industry partners.
OUR PARTNERS
- Technology & Infrastructure AI:ATVisit website →
AI Austria, Austria's AI hub providing coworking, compute, and community for AI builders.
Provides: Venue (AI Factory) + NVIDIA A100 GPU access
- Talent & Community 42 ViennaVisit website →
Peer-to-peer coding school in Vienna, part of the global 42 network. No teachers, no tuition, pure project-based learning.
Provides: Talent sourcing & community reach
- Technology & Infrastructure HPEVisit website →
Hewlett Packard Enterprise, global technology company providing compute, storage, and AI infrastructure.
Provides: Compute infrastructure & demo resources
- Branding Wiener StadtwerkeVisit website →
Vienna's largest infrastructure group, powering the city's energy, mobility, and urban services.
Provides: Branding & visibility partner
PARTNER WITH US
We're looking for partners who want to invest in the next generation of AI talent in Europe. Here's how you can get involved:
- Challenge Partner Set one of the hackathon challenges for teams to solve
- Compute & API Credits Provide cloud credits, API access, or dev tools for hackers
- Prizes & Awards Sponsor a prize for a track or the overall winner
- Food & Drinks Keep 60 hackers fueled for 36 hours
- Community & Media Help us spread the word and amplify the event
- Venue & Logistics Support with space, equipment, or on-site operations
TIMELINE
-
Early April 2026
Official Launch & Announcement
-
Mid April 2026
Registrations Open
-
Mid May 2026
Registrations Close & Selection
-
May 29-31, 2026
Zero One Hack Weekend
AGENDA
DAY 1 - FRIDAY (May 29)
- 18:00
- Registration & Check-in
- 19:30
- Opening Ceremony & Kickoff
- 20:30
- Case Reveal & Partner Presentations
- 22:00
- Hacking Begins!
DAY 2 - SATURDAY (May 30)
- 11:00
- Speaker Event & Panel Discussion
- 13:00
- Mentoring Sessions
- 19:00
- Social Activity
- 20:00
- Hacking Continues
DAY 3 - SUNDAY (May 31)
- 10:00
- Submissions Due
- 10:30
- Final Presentations & Pitches
- 13:30
- Awards & Closing Ceremony
- 14:00
- Networking & Wrap-up
WHO'S INVOLVED
Speakers
Industry leaders and AI practitioners sharing insights during the opening, panel discussions, and ceremony.
TBA
Mentors
Experienced founders and engineers helping teams with technical and strategic challenges throughout the event.
TBA
Jury
Experts from industry, academia, and startups evaluating pitches on complexity, innovation, impact, and execution.
TBA
ABOUT LUMOS
Zero One Hack is organized by Lumos, Vienna's leading student organization in Data Science & AI. Since 2019, we've brought together students from TU Wien, WU, Uni Wien, and beyond to learn, build, and collaborate with industry.
Previous partners
GET IN TOUCH
Interested in partnering, sponsoring, or just have a question? Drop us a message.
FAQ
General
-
A 36-hour AI hackathon where 60 selected builders tackle real challenges from industry partners, powered by NVIDIA A100 GPUs at the AI Factory AI:AT in Vienna. Organized by Lumos.
-
May 29-31, 2026 (Friday evening to Sunday afternoon) at the AI Factory AI:AT, 3rd district, Vienna.
-
We're planning 2-3 tracks focused on different areas of AI and product innovation. Tracks and challenge partners will be announced closer to the event.
-
A prize pool of over 10,000 EUR split across track winners and one overall winner. Details on prizes and evaluation criteria will be announced soon.
-
Yes. We expect all participants to follow our code of conduct to ensure an inclusive and respectful environment for everyone.
Registration
-
Students, developers, and anyone passionate about building with AI. We welcome technical and non-technical profiles - diverse teams build better products. No prior hackathon experience required.
-
Register through our website when applications open in mid-April. We review applications based on your background, motivation, and fit for the challenges, then send confirmations with all event details.
-
You can apply individually or mention preferred teammates in your application. Teams of 3-4 are formed at the event, so coming solo is totally fine.
-
Registrations open in mid-April 2026 and close approximately one week before the event. Exact dates will be announced on the website and our socials.
-
Yes. There is no participation fee. Food, drinks, WiFi, power, and compute access are all provided.
At the Venue
-
Your laptop, charger, and a valid ID. We provide WiFi, power, food, and NVIDIA A100 GPU access. Optional: sleeping bag if you want to rest on-site overnight.
-
Yes. Meals, snacks, and drinks will be provided throughout the entire 36 hours.
-
The venue is open for the full duration of the event. You can hack through the night. Specific overnight arrangements will be shared with accepted participants.
-
Yes. Experienced founders and engineers will be available throughout the hackathon to help with technical and strategic questions. We'll also have speaker sessions and a panel discussion on Saturday.
-
The AI Factory AI:AT is located in Vienna's 3rd district, easily reachable by public transport. Directions will be shared with accepted participants.