Applications open for the Driving Innovation Hackathon 2026

Motor Valley Accelerator has officially opened the Call for Students for the fifth edition of the Driving Innovation Hackathon 2026, organized in collaboration with MUNER – Motor Valley University of Emilia-Romagna and AssetClassic.

The initiative offers university students and recent graduates the opportunity to work in multidisciplinary teams to address real-world challenges proposed by leading companies in the automotive and mobility sector.

Students can apply individually or in teams by 12 April 2026 through the online form. Teams may consist of 3 to 5 members, with at least one engineering student, and applications are open to students from all universities and academic backgrounds, with a preference for MSc and PhD students nearing the completion of their studies and interested in entrepreneurial opportunities.

Once the teams are formed, participants will work on innovation challenges proposed by partner companies including STMicroelectronics, Agrati Group, Dallara, Pirelli, OMR Automotive, Gruppo Hera and Unipol Group, as well as by AssetClassic.

After developing their proposed solutions, teams will be required to submit a 5-minute video pitch by 11 May 2026presenting their project.

“The Driving Innovation Hackathon represents a concrete opportunity to test technical skills and entrepreneurial vision in a highly challenging and international environment. As MUNER – Motor Valley University of Emilia-Romagna, we strongly believe in the integration between academic education and the industrial ecosystem of the Motor Valley. Initiatives like this allow students to engage directly with leading companies and transform innovative ideas into high-potential projects,”
said Leonardo Guglielmetti, General Manager of MUNER.

The finalist teams will present their projects on 29 May 2026 in Modena during the Motor Valley Fest, in front of a jury composed of industry experts.

Winning teams will receive a prize to support the next stage of project development, which may include building a prototype or launching a startup. In addition, they will benefit from mentorship by the Motor Valley Accelerator team in the development of their business plan and business model, as well as access to major networking opportunities such as the Expo Day, where startups, investors, corporates, and stakeholders from the automotive ecosystem meet.

Students interested in participating can submit their application here:
👉 https://plugandplay.typeform.com/to/o3tU1ZAd