What is the Belgian Navy Hackathon 2?
The Belgian Navy Hackathon is an open innovation event that brings together Navy personnel and civilian professionals from across the maritime ecosystem to co-create inventive, practical solutions to real problems shared by the Navy and the civilian maritime ecosystem. Now back for its second edition, the event continues to build collaboration and innovation for the Navy’s future.
Over two action-packed days, participants will tackle real challenges, design creative solutions, and accelerate innovation for the Navy’s future readiness. Whether you’re a maritime expert, an experienced professional, or a passionate innovator, this event offers a unique opportunity to engage in hands-on development and shape the future of naval capabilities.
Shaping the challenges
The challenges for Navy Hackathon 2 will be defined over the next few months through a series of workshops. These workshops will ensure the challenges are grounded in real operational needs and align with the most pressing priorities for the Belgian Navy. They will be focused on three key subjects:
- Process Focus: Operational and Training Enhancement. How can we improve workflows and training programs, reduce the steep learning curve of new technologies, and ensure smooth transitions to modern systems?
- Technology Focus: AI and Emerging Technologies Integration
How might we use AI, predictive algorithms, and autonomous systems to strengthen operations while managing the shift from legacy systems - Ecosystem Focus: Collaborative Innovation
How can we foster stronger collaboration with startups, academia, and other partners to close gaps and accelerate innovation?
Winning criteria
The Jury will evaluate all projects on these five criteria:
- Desirability (Does the solution directly address the problem and align with the scope of the relevant challenge? Does it offer a tangible difference?)?
- Viability (is there sound business logic behind the solution?)
- Feasibility (from a technical perspective, is it easy to implement? Does it rely on existing technology, or does it require significant development?)
- Creativity (novelty of approach)
- Elegance of the solution (simple yet effective)
Who can take part in the Navy Hackathon 2?
The Navy Hackathon 2 is an Open Innovation event that relies on a diverse mix of expertise. We welcome participants from across the Belgian maritime, defence, and technology ecosystems to join us in tackling real-world challenges.
This includes Maritime Professionals and Ecosystem Stakeholders, from current strategic partners to new collaborators in shipbuilding, dredging, ports, logistics, and insurance, all looking to develop future cooperative projects. Navy Personnel and Defence Staff (officers, petty officers, and seamen) are invited to ensure solutions align perfectly with operational needs.
Furthermore, we actively encourage Students and Researchers from academia and research centres to bring cutting-edge knowledge and skills, as well as Startups and Technology Innovators with disruptive solutions, to contribute fresh perspectives and expertise to the maritime and defence challenges. If you have a passion for naval innovation, regardless of your background, we want you there.
The Navy Hackathon experience
The first edition of this event was an absolute blast! Here’s a short video to give you a feel of it:
Event programme
You and your team will have 2 days to design, prototype, and showcase innovative solutions. You’ll take part in ideation workshops, get unique insights from experts, and roll up your sleeves to push the boundaries of known and unknown.
Bring your best ideas, sharpest problem-solving skills, and most persuasive pitching abilities—and get ready to impress the Jury!
Ready to jump on board?
Event partners
