The ISE Hackathon returned for its second edition in 2026, bringing together students, startups and professionals from the AV industry.

Working against the clock in a high-energy environment, participants collaborated in teams to tackle real-world industry challenges across three categories: Sustainability, Innovation and Cybersecurity. In less than 48 hours, the students developed innovative solutions with the support of expert mentors and direct access to the technologies and expertise showcased across ISE.

The ISE environment itself once again played a central role in the experience. Through direct engagement with exhibitors and industry professionals, the teams were able to validate their ideas in real time and transform concepts into practical, scalable solutions.

From concept to impact

Across all three categories, participants highlighted how direct engagement with the ISE ecosystem broadened their perspective beyond the classroom.

One member of the winning Cybersecurity team described the experience as "designing for the industry standing right in front of you", noting that immediate feedback allowed the team to refine its ideas and ensure practical relevance from the outset.

The winners of the Sustainability category said that interaction with exhibitors played a decisive role in shaping their project by providing valuable insights into emerging technologies and real-world applications that helped them develop a viable solution.

Meanwhile, the winning Innovation team highlighted the exhibition floor as a constant source of inspiration, encouraging them to rethink conventional processes and create more engaging user experiences.

A showcase for tomorrow's talent

Following the intensive development phase, the teams presented their final projects on the Innovation Park Pitching Stage, where the winners were announced on the final day of the exhibition.

Designed for the brave and forward-thinking, the ISE Hackathon is where young talent tests its limits and turns its skills into real AV solutions, said Pablo Vega, Co-Coordinator of the ISE Hackathon.

The projects addressed some of the AV industry's key challenges, including sustainable and inclusive AV solutions, AI-driven innovation and securing increasingly connected systems.

Presenting their projects to industry professionals proved challenging for many participants, while also providing a valuable opportunity to receive direct feedback from experts, build confidence and gain insight into real-world industry expectations.

The success of the ISE Hackathon in its second year reflects the growing demand for initiatives that connect emerging talent with real industry challenges. By providing a platform for collaboration, creativity and hands-on learning, we are helping to develop the skills the AV industry will need in the future, said Mike Blackman, Managing Director of Integrated Systems Events.

Winning teams

• Sustainability Category (sponsored by Philips Professional Displays): Daniil Larkovskiy, Volodymyr Baranov, Alisa Turan, Mishti Ramnani (EU Business School).
• Innovation Category (sponsored by Sociedad Española para la Transformación Tecnológica – SETT): Librada Morales Parrilla, Mariona Sillaurren Piera, Serena Wilson, Xavier Súñer Rubió (CETT_UB Tourism & Hospitality – Universitat de Barcelona).
• Cybersecurity Category (sponsored by Hikvision): Veronika Borysiuk, Anora Azimova, Josep Aguilera, Marc Joaquin Serra (EU Business School and Esade).

 Commenting on the importance of industry collaboration, Xavi Marlasca, Co-Coordinator of the ISE Hackathon, said:

For partners and sponsors, the Hackathon provides direct insight into the next generation of professionals, their priorities and the way they approach real-world challenges. It also creates connections between students, startups and the AV industry, reinforcing ISE's role in supporting talent development across the sector.

Shaping future careers

Beyond the competition, the Hackathon continues to influence participants' career paths. Many said the experience gave them a broader understanding of the opportunities available within the AV industry, particularly in areas such as artificial intelligence, sustainability and cybersecurity.

For some students, the experience has already influenced their academic and professional ambitions, inspiring them to pursue further studies or a career in the AV sector. Others highlighted the importance of combining technical expertise with creativity, empathy and user-centred design to drive meaningful innovation.

Looking ahead to 2027

Following the success of its second edition, the ISE Hackathon has established itself as an initiative aimed at addressing the AV industry's skills gap and fostering the development of emerging talent.

Aligned with the mission of the ISE Foundation to support the long-term growth of the industry through talent development, the Hackathon provides practical, industry-connected experiences that bridge academia and business, giving students hands-on experience, confidence and direct access to leading companies.

The ISE Hackathon will return in 2027 to continue fostering innovation and preparing the next generation of AV professionals to tackle the challenges of the future.