About

What the hack?

At a hackathon, prototypes for given challenges are developed within a short period of time.

This is exactly what happens at our HACK|BAY: on two days, interdisciplinary teams create solutions that they pitch to a jury. For participation, no technical background is needed. Anyone interested in bringing innovative ideas to life and enjoying two great days with the digital community is invited to join. It's also a perfect chance to connect with top-notch companies from the region and who knows – maybe you even meet your next employer!

If you're a hackathon newbie, our workshop "Get ready for HACK|BAY" on May 8 might be perfect for you! You will learn everything from what to expect to essential methods for tackling a HACK|BAY and any other hackathon challenge. For more information and to register, follow this link.

HACK|BAY is organized with love by the team of ZOLLHOF – Tech Incubator.

get your ticket

Challenges

2025 challenges

Provided by DATEV

AI agents for smarter, faster and more efficient coding!

Software development at DATEV involves complex internal guidelines and compliance requirements – necessary, but time-consuming and inhibiting innovation. What if AI could take over these tasks so that developers could focus on the essentials? No clarification of organizational framework conditions and legal requirements. Developers are often not even aware of which requirements can be found and where they can be found.

Your challenge: Develop a multimodal AI agent that streamlines programming workflows while ensuring strict compliance and promoting sustainability. Think tools like GitHub Copilot, but go beyond simple code generation – your AI should help with internal guidelines, open-source policies and even automated documentation to reduce technical debt, while prioritizing energy-efficient, sustainable coding practices.

Create a working prototype that increases productivity, optimizes code quality and minimizes computational effort, contributing to a more efficient development process. Choose your stack – Java, JavaScript or Python – and let AI do the work.

DATEV provides the computing resources (AI accounts) – you bring the innovation. Shape the future of AI-driven development and sustainable code with us!

Provided by Schaeffler

Revolutionize Packaging Automation with Robotics

As a global player, Schaeffler produces a comprehensive range of products in the mobility ecosystem at around 100 plants worldwide. The requirements for packaging these products are correspondingly diverse - from specific requirements in shipping to numerous packaging materials, types and processes. Today, this complexity is mainly met by manual packaging processes, which are also time-consuming, limit scalability and pose challenges in terms of compliance with quality standards.

This is where you come into play! Schaeffler challenges you to develop

A packaging solution which a) meets given requirements, b) is highly scalable and c) can be automated.
Your concepts can be verified and optimized directly by utilizing a robotic arm to allow your solutions to iterate to their best!

Schaeffler provides you a robotic arm DOBOT MG400, various boxes, packaging materials and products to kick-start your project.

Take on this challenge to drive production efficiency, innovate automated packaging and help Schaeffler expand its leading edge in industrial production! Are YOU ready to make an IMPACT?

Provided by Bavarian Ministry for Health,
Care and Prevention

Movement Matters – Code the Future of Personalized Fitness

In our fast-paced world, regular physical activity often becomes a burden or seems unattainable for those with health restrictions. The Bavarian Ministry for Health, Care and Prevention seeks innovative minds to develop digital solutions that make movement accessible to everyone – regardless of fitness level or health condition – while fostering lasting motivation.

Your challenge: Create a tech solution using AI, adaptive algorithms, or gamification to build individualized movement plans that continuously adjust to users' needs. Develop intuitive visualizations tracking progress and highlighting the positive impact of every activity. Design innovative incentive systems rewarding consistent engagement, implement social components for community motivation, and build interfaces with partners like health insurers or sports clubs for a comprehensive health ecosystem.

Get creative and join the Bavarian Ministry for Health, Care and Prevention in developing safe, privacy-protecting technologies that support people exactly where they are without overwhelming them. Transform exercise from obligation into enjoyment, showing that prevention isn't just healthy – it can turn into a highlight of everyday life.

Prizes

Did anyone say cash prizes?

OVERALL BEST

2.000€ in Cash

BEST TECHNICAL IMPLEMENTATION

1.500€ in Cash

BEST USE CASE

1.500€ in Cash

Schedule

What awaits you

Get ready for two exciting days packed with hacking and connecting with the digital community.

DAY 1 - June 03

8 - 9 AM

Arrival & Check-In

9 - 10:30 AM

Welcome including Presentation of Challenges

10:30 AM - 12 PM

Ideation & Team Up

12 - 1:30 PM

Lunch & Start Hacking

1:30 - 2:30 PM

Workshop (optional): From Idea to Business Model – What to build and who to build it for?

2:30 - 6 PM

Hacking Time

6 - 7:30 PM

Dinner

7:30 PM - open end

Hacking all Night long

DAY 2 - June 4

8 - 10 AM

Breakfast

11 AM - 12 PM

Pitch Feedback Sessions (optional)

12 - 1:30 PM

Lunch

1 - 2 PM

Pitch Feedback Sessions (optional)

3:30 - 5 PM

Semi Finals

5:30 PM

Announcement of Finalists

6 - 7:30 PM

Grand Finale

7:30 - 10 PM

Dinner & Closing of HACK|BAY 2025

Location

Z-Bau – the home of HACK|BAY

HOW TO GET THERE

LOCATION

Z-Bau, Frankenstraße 200, 90461 Nürnberg

BY PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION:

Stop Frankenstraße: U1, Tram 5, Bus 51 + 45 / 67, Nightliner 5
Stop Tristanstraße: Tram 7, Nightliner 15 (alternative Hiroshimaplatz)
Stop Tiroler Straße: Bus 65

BY CAR:

A few parking spaces are available at the location.

BARRIER-FREE HACKING

Z-Bau is a place where everyone is welcome - regardless of whether you have a handicap or not.
The location is barrier-free in many places. All rooms are wheelchair accessible and there is a disabled toilet.

OVERNIGHT STAY

There are two sleeping rooms with a couple of beds. So you can spend your night at Z-Bau if you like.

Supported By

Our supporters

HACK|BAY 2024

Check out the aftermovie

HACK|BAY 2024 went by too fast, but of course we captured the 2 days of hacking magic featuring:

- 330 participants in total and 140 hackers of whom 50% have an international background and 25% are female

- who worked on 4 challenges in no less than 26 hacker teams

Faqs

Answers to your questions

What is a hackathon?

A hackathon is a social event where creative, innovative solutions for given challenges are created within a short period of time. The participants of a hackathon are called “hackers”. At the end of the event the prototypes are pitched to and evaluated by a jury.

What is a challenge?

Challenges are existing business issues that the challenge providers (e.g. corporates, startups) deal with in real life.

Who can participate in the hackathon? Are there any prerequisites or required skills?

Anyone interested in thriving innovation is welcome! No tech or business background required - just a good amount of energy and willingness to learn and innovate. Also no experience in hackathons is needed (beginners are welcome!).

I've never done a hackathon before. What should I expect?

You will learn a lot in terms of methods and tools (did anyone say prototype?) but also on a personal level while working in fun teams. Mentors will be at your side to support you on your way to a great solution. Overall, you will have a great time mingling with the collaborative digital community.

Can I take part alone or do I need a team?

You don't need a team in advance. You will work in a team, but most of the teams are formed at the beginning of the hackathon.

How to apply?

You don’t have to apply for the event. The event is open to everyone. Just get your ticket and join the hackathon!

What do I need?

You should have a computer and other tools you need (e.g. charger, mouse, USB drive, adapters).

Can I stay overnight?

Yes, you’re welcome to spend the night on-site. There are two sleeping rooms with a couple of beds. Please reserve a sleeping spot in advance by sending us a message (events@zollhof.de).

What about food and drinks?

We cover you with food and drinks – all two days long. So you can fully focus on working on your idea.

Who gets the intellectual property rights to the work created by the teams?

The work (codes, data, documents, etc.) created by the teams during the hackathon will be of their own property. However, ideas presented to the public are freely accessible and usable.

In which language will the event be held?

The main language of the event is English, which means all pitches and talks will be held in English. Nevertheless, you are more than welcome to participate in the hackathon even if your English is not 100% fluent.

Why is the event not free of charge?

The event causes costs for e.g. space rental, catering and team. Therefore we can't make it completely free of charge.

Anything else?

You will get in contact with a lot of interesting people and organizations.
In the end, you will be tired, but very satisfied :)