What exactly is a hackathon?

Imagine moving your studio or creative workshop for 48 hours into a shared space with other artists, engineers, and scientists. It's an intense creation marathon, where installations, apps, performances, research, or social actions are born. A hackathon is a bit like an art residency and a prototyping workshop in one — with mentors, equipment, and the atmosphere of an open studio. The most important things are not technical skills, but collaboration, ideas, and the will to experiment.

Do I have to be present for the entire 48 hours?

No. This is not a no-sleep competition 😊. You work at your own pace: you can take breaks, go home, or rest in the sleep room on-site. The key moments are the Friday kickoff (team formation) and the Sunday final presentations.

Is this event also for artists and people outside IT?

Yes! Re:renesans is interdisciplinary. A hackathon is not only about coding — ideas, artistic sensitivity, scientific knowledge, and creative skills matter. If you are an artist, designer, performer, or researcher, you will find your place here.

In short: if you want to create something and you have 48 hours for it — you're in the right place.

The video mentions Illuminathon — what is it?

Illuminathon is a marathon of creating light installations. The first edition took place in 2024 — an event where art and technology met in one space, producing unique projects. This year we are expanding the formula with a scientific module and inviting you to create works that use science, art, or technology.

I see information about Q-Hack and quantum — what's that about?

Last year there was a separate Q-Hack: Quantum Hackathon, a 24-hour creation marathon dedicated to quantum technologies. This year, instead of several separate events, we are joining forces — we've prepared a joint hackathon under the name Re:renesans, where alongside artistic and technical projects there will also be space for ideas inspired by quantum and deep tech.

The whole thing is part of a larger program of events around new technologies (quantum, deep tech, and AI). Details can be found in the section 👉 Re:renesans in a broader context

What exactly can be created?

The theme is open to maximally stimulate participants' creativity. Important: every project must somehow relate to the event's main theme — "United by Light". You can interpret this literally or symbolically.

What if I have an idea but don't know how to realize it?

That's exactly why we are creating this event! Visionaries, artists, makers, programmers, graphic designers, UX designers, scientists, and engineers will meet to work together on unique projects.

Mentors from Hackerspace Trójmiasto, the University of Gdańsk, and other partners — experts in electronics, programming, hardware, interactive art, and experience design — will help you plan and implement your ideas.

Mentor list coming soon!

What if I already started something like this, but it's sitting in a drawer/garage?

That means it's been waiting for better times — and they are here now! Feel free to bring it and continue working on it during the marathon.

I didn't attend the preparatory workshops — can I still participate?

Yes. The workshops were optional and covered one narrow topic (PCB design). Their purpose was to prepare a shared board ("motherboard") for faster prototyping during the hackathon. Not attending the workshops does not exclude you from the event. On-site we provide onboarding and mentor support.

Will the “board" be available to participants?

Yes. The board and other components obtained from partners will be made available free of charge for the duration of the hackathon to use in projects. The number of pieces is limited (depending on team needs and availability).

Free of charge? So — can I take the equipment home?

Yes, if the equipment was used in a project presented during the finale. Otherwise, we ask for it to be returned after the event so other teams can use it.

What will be available to use?

TBA

TBA

Teams - how does it work?

You have 48 hours, one shared space, and… many options:

• You can come alone and join a team on-site,
• You can register with a ready-made team,
• You can build a team during the team building on Friday evening.

How to get to Re:renesans?

The hackathon will take place at the Main Library of the University of Gdańsk on the UG campus, which is very well connected:

• SKM stop Gdańsk Przymorze Uniwersytet
• ZTM tram and bus lines
• Mevo city bike stations
• PKM stop nearby

A free parking lot will be available for participants on the campus.

Can I stay overnight?

Yes, we have arranged a sleep room — a room where you can take a nap during the hackathon. Bring a mattress or mat and a sleeping bag.

Will there be a shower?

Yes. In the Faculty of Mathematics, Physics and Informatics, near the sleep room, there is a shower available for hackathon participants. Please remember to bring your own towel and toiletries.

In what language will the event be held?

We will try to make the hackathon bilingual — in Polish and English. Announcements, presentations, and mentoring will be available in both languages so that everyone can participate comfortably.

Due to the nature of the event (48 hours of intensive work), there may be occasional delays in translation. In case of doubt, you can always approach the staff and ask for help — we'll be happy to explain everything on the spot.

Will there be vegetarian / vegan / gluten-free options during the hackathon?

We provide standard meals and vegetarian options.

However, we are not able to provide full vegan or gluten-free diets — in such cases, we ask participants to prepare their own meals.

What is the minimum participant age?

The event is intended for adults (18+).