Co-organized
QOPHI lab
Navantia’s R&D and venture arm
Real-world challenge to shape the technology of tomorrow.
Whether you’re passionate about photonics, lasers, or optical communications dive into cutting edge ideas alongside other tech-enthusiasts!
Hackathon Details
Dates
July 8–10 (final day ends at noon)
Location
Escuela de Telecomunicaciones de Vigo. Edificio Miralles
Capacity
40 participants
Eligibility
Bachelor’s, Master’s or PhD students
No participation costs
Food and corner coffee included
Bringing Light Into the Ocean
The marine environment is one of the most demanding communication settings. Light experiences absorption, scattering, and turbidity, which severely limit transmission distance. Yet, despite these challenges, underwater optical links offer unique advantages:
- High data rates far beyond traditional acoustic systems
- Low detectability and enhanced cybersecurity
- Operation in specific optical windows where seawater absorption is minimized
Timeline
Challenge announcement and registration
March 2026
April 20th
Introduction to Photonics
May 20th
Lasers & Sensors
June 20th
UWOC
Registration closes
May 31, 2026
Selected participants announced
June 1, 2026
Hackathon
July 8–10, 2026
Online Classes
Awards
1st Award*
500€
2nd Award*
200€
Most Creative Idea*
100€
Best individual Pitch
100€
*prizes awarded to each group member.
Schedule
Day 1
| 09:00 - 09:30 | Registration |
| 09:30 - 10:00 | Opening Ceremony |
| 10:00 - 10:30 | Welcome |
| 10:30 - 11:00 | Technical Presentation |
| 11:00 - 14:00 | Competition Start |
| 14:00 - 15:00 | Lunch |
| 15:00 - 18:00 | Teamwork |
| 18:30 - 19:00 | Team-building activity |
| 19:00 - 20:00 | End of day. Checkpoint 1 |
Day 2
| 09:00 - 09:15 | Kick-off |
| 09:15 - 14:00 | Teamwork |
| 14:00 - 15:00 | Lunch and networking |
| 15:00 - 18:00 | Mid-point checkpoint |
| 18:00 - 18:30 | Team activity |
| 18:30 - 20:00 | Final pitch design |
Day 3
| 08:00 - 10:30 | Pitch rehearsal |
| 10:30 - 12:00 | Pitch Sessions |
| 12:00 - 12:30 | Jury and Awards |
| 12:30 - 14:00 | Closing and networking |
Accommodation
The following residence is available Resa O Castro Hall of Residence with a 15% discount code.
