EUROCROWD is supporting the EU Sparks for Climate Citizen Hackathon Championship. The virtual competition aims to develop innovative solutions and supports two key EU missions: Climate Change Adaptation and Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities.

From May to June 2024, some 22 virtual local hackathons will be held with teams of citizens and researchers from all EU member states and six associated countries. The Championship includes three phases: local virtual hackathons, training modules and coaching activities for the winning teams, culminating in an EU final. EUROCROWD will support winning teams regarding fundraising through crowdfunding.

Each local hackathon will select two winning teams, totalling 44 teams. These teams will receive specialized training in management, entrepreneurship, sustainability, social impact, research valorization, and intellectual property. After the training, the teams will present their solutions at the EU final, where three winning teams will receive cash prizes of €5,000 each. Additionally, these teams will receive personalized mentoring, support for crowdfunding campaigns, access to an angel investor network, and assistance in scaling up their solutions.

EU Sparks for Climate is open to everyone, including committed citizens with a desire to participate in solving climate challenges and researchers who wish to contribute their research and background. No previous experience in hackathons or idea competitions is required.

To participate, citizens must present a climate challenge relevant to their community, city, or region. Researchers will join them to provide expertise and develop solutions together. The hackathons, co-organized by local hosts across Europe, will be held virtually over four days, utilizing a methodology designed to encourage networking, dynamization, and innovation processes.

The EU Sparks for Climate Citizen Hackathon Championship is a program supported by the European Commission and implemented by Barrabés.biz in collaboration with Energy Cities, the European Association of Development Agencies (EURADA), the European Citizen Science Association (ECSA), and the European Crowdfunding Network (EUROCROWD).