Event

COLOURS CoLab e Hackathon | "From Thought to Action"

COLOURS CoLab and Hackathon event "From Thought to Action" organized by the COLOURS European University Alliance.

The Hackathon explores the potential applications of neuroscience and artificial intelligence as resources to interpret body signals and develop technologies supporting communication, movement, rehabilitation, and inclusion. Through an interdisciplinary and practical journey, participants will be challenged to interpret the speed of brain response to create real-time interfaces. The programme allows participants to acquire design and technical skills spanning physiology, AI, and signal processing, engage with stakeholders, and access funding and development opportunities (COLOURS Seed Funding and Hackathon Prize), with the issuance of a final certificate and a COLOURS Open Badge.

Activities will be conducted primarily in English.

Programme

  • CoLab | October 12 - 13

    • Scientific lectures and contributions from experts

    • Collaborative activities on user needs, accessibility, and inclusion

    • Definition and selection of design challenges

  • Hackathon | October 13 - 16

    • Formation of interdisciplinary working groups

    • Analysis of scientific datasets and development of AI/machine learning models

    • Working, prototyping, and testing sessions with the support of scientific and technical tutors

    • Final project presentations

(Participation in the CoLab is an integral part of the pathway and is mandatory for those registered for the Hackathon).

Opportunities

  • COLOURS Seed Funding: Funding call open to projects developed within the CoLab (requires the presence of at least one team member from the University of Ferrara).

  • COLOURS Hackathon Prize: Prize consisting of in-kind development services for the winning Hackathon project (confirmed with a minimum of 20 total participants and at least one Unife member on the team).

How to Participate

The initiative is free and open to students, PhD candidates, researchers, professionals, and stakeholders (no prior technical background is required to participate in the CoLab).

Registration is required by October 8, 2026, through the dedicated forms:

The event will take place in a hybrid format, with in-person attendance required for the CoLab lab activities and the Hackathon (on-site refreshments provided). Students and staff from COLOURS Alliance universities are invited to contact their local CoSpace Officer before registering.

Useful Materials

Contacts

For further information, please contact:

More information about the COLOURS Alliance and its initiatives: