After a standout debut earlier this year, the ISE Hackathon is set to return in 2026 – and organisers are calling on students, startups, and young professionals to apply now. Building on the momentum of its 2025 launch, this initiative by Integrated Systems Europe (ISE) aims to nurture the next generation of AV talent while tackling some of the sector’s most pressing challenges. Entries are now open for the 2026 edition, with the deadline set for October 15, 2025.
Launched at ISE 2025, the Hackathon brought together 60 talented university students from across Europe to compete in teams across three challenge tracks: Sustainability, sponsored by Philips Professional Displays; Innovation, sponsored by EIT Culture and Creativity; and Cybersecurity, sponsored by Hikvision.
Working under the guidance of expert mentors, participants tackled real-world industry problems while honing their problem-solving, collaboration, and presentation skills. Each team pitched their solutions at ISE’s Innovation Park Pitching Stage, with winners crowned on the final day of the show.
Mike Blackman, managing director of ISE, said: “The inaugural ISE Hackathon was a resounding success and encompassed ISE’s ethos in nurturing the next generation of AV pioneers. Thank you to our three sponsors, Philips Professional Displays, EIT Culture & Creativity and Hikvision. We invite more companies to join us in this drive to address the skills gap in the AV industry.
“By getting involved, companies can not only support the development of the next generation of AV professionals, but also gain access to fresh perspectives and innovative solutions. Together, we can build a stronger, more vibrant AV community.”
Mentors and industry experts worked hands-on with students to guide them through the challenges. Shaun Reardon, principal cybersecurity consultant at DNV AS and a tribunal member for the cybersecurity track, said: “The ISE Hackathon gave students an incredible opportunity to showcase their creativity, develop problem-solving skills, and collaborate with like-minded peers. Seeing young teams grow and achieve was truly inspiring. As well as shining a spotlight on industry stars of the future, I’m in no doubt that participating in the ISE Hackathon will open employment doors for these students.”
Winning teams were awarded trophies, medals, networking opportunities, and unique experiences with sponsoring partners. The Sustainability Track winners – a team representing Esade University in Barcelona – were invited to PPDS’ Amsterdam headquarters for a behind-the-scenes experience with Philips Professional Displays.
Vicky Fox, head of global communications at PPDS, said: “As well as sessions with our teams, we also discussed how careers can take shape – sometimes from surprising beginnings – and how the focus on sustainability and energy saving is shaping not just how we do business and how we build our products – it is challenging technical minds to dig deeper to break new ground.”
Beyond the competition, many students described the Hackathon as transformative. Danilo Milicevic, part of the winning Sustainability team, said: “Participation in the ISE Hackathon was great and gave us the perfect opportunity to find out about career paths, transitioning into the corporate world, and how to navigate life after university. I would encourage others to take part in the ISE Hackathon – it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to push yourself, meet new people, and discover career possibilities.
“Even if you don’t win, you’ll walk away with valuable experience and a broader network. This experience has made me much more confident and open to new opportunities. Before the Hackathon, I had a rough idea of what I wanted to do, but now I realise that there are so many paths I hadn’t even considered. Sometimes, what you end up doing isn’t what you originally planned, and that’s okay. This experience opened my eyes to possibilities I wouldn’t have discovered otherwise.”
Companies interested in sponsoring, and students wishing to take part, are encouraged to register their interest before the October 15 deadline. Click here to enter.
