48 Hours of Innovation – A Review of Our Hackathon at GEMINI Salzburg

As part of the EDIH-CiMo (Crowd in Motion) initiative, this year's 48-hour hackathon at GEMINI Salzburg was an inspiring experience for around 60 participants. Among them were schoolchildren, apprentices, students of the Information Technologies & Digitalization program at Salzburg University of Applied Sciences, professors, sponsors, and entrepreneurs. In just three days, they worked together on three highly exciting technical challenges. The goal: creative solutions, innovative prototypes, and interdisciplinary exchange.

Challenge 1: Cigarette Collecting Robot

A self-driving robot with a 6-axis gripper arm that detects cigarette butts, picks them up, and disposes of them in a box – that was the task of this challenge.

The team – consisting of pupils, students and experts – developed:

• a stable platform with a robotic arm,
• a trainable camera for object recognition,
• as well as the complete control and power supply.

The challenge: the mechanical stability of the structure and the image processing required to correctly identify cigarettes. The project impressively demonstrated how technology can contribute to promoting environmental protection.

Challenge 2: The smart wine blending system

The goal of this task was to develop a system that automatically combines different wine varieties into a customized cuvée. The project team consisted of young talents who together developed a system consisting of:

• Reservoirs, pumps and hoses,
• Sensors and controls

A great example of automation in the hospitality industry – practical, creative, and customer-focused.

Challenge 3: Digitization of sporting weapons & targeting systems

Together with Scoremax, this team addressed the question of how classic firearms can be modernized for the sporting sector with laser technology and cloud connectivity.

The solution:

• Integration of laser and sensor technology into existing devices,
• Development of a new targeting system with camera recognition,
• Development of a cloud platform that transmits and evaluates shot data in real time.

This innovation is particularly aimed at use in the pentathlon and brings digitalization directly into elite sport.

Conclusion: Technology meets team spirit

The hackathon wasn't just a technological playground, but a space for learning, exchange, and the joy of innovation. The atmosphere was fantastic, and the engagement was tremendous. With the support of EDIH-CiMo, young people were able to demonstrate their expertise, creativity, and sense of responsibility.

A heartfelt thank you to all contributors, partners, and supporters! We look forward to many more projects of this kind.

You can find photos and impressions in our gallery!