Collabotics
Automating care for an ageing Europe
Hosted by Collabotics. Teams will work with real data to deliver evidence-based policy recommendations. The full case brief will be shared ahead of the event.
About the Hackathon
The Maastricht Policy Hackathon brings together students, researchers, and professionals from diverse backgrounds to tackle real-world policy challenges using data, technology, and creative thinking.
Over an intensive weekend, participants work in interdisciplinary teams to analyze complex societal problems, develop evidence-based solutions, and translate insights into actionable policy recommendations.
Guided by mentors from academia, industry, and public institutions, teams gain hands-on experience at the intersection of policy, data science, and innovation — while competing for prizes and recognition. The hackathon is delivered in collaboration with Data for Public Impact Network, The Social Hub Maastricht, Studio Europa Maastricht, MAIN Maastricht, and Collabotics.
Challenge cases 2026
Two policy challenges by leading public and private organisations you can choose from and tackle over the weekend.
Studio Europa Maastricht
The future of the EU budget
Hosted by Studio Europa Maastricht. Teams will work with real data to deliver evidence-based policy recommendations. The full case brief will be shared ahead of the event.
From the network
Previous Editions
Maastricht Policy Hackathon builds on strong editions in Amsterdam and Cambridge, where multidisciplinary teams turned evidence into practical policy proposals in focused 2.5-day formats.
Amsterdam Policy Hackathon
The Amsterdam edition brought together 170+ sign-ups, selected 80+ participants, and featured 4 policy challenges over 2.5 days.
Visit Amsterdam editionCambridge Policy Hackathon
The Cambridge edition ran from 14-16 May in Cambridge with 5 cases, centered on turning evidence into real policy impact.
Visit Cambridge editionWatch Our Success Story
Hear directly from participants, partners, and organizers about their experience and the impact of the Policy Hackathon.
Team
The Maastricht Policy Hackathon is organized by a team of researchers and practitioners passionate about data-driven policy.
Nikita Kirillov
Nikita Kirillov is a Data Science student at Maastricht University focused on economics and data-driven reasoning. With experience from 15+ hackathons, he brings a rigorous, collaborative mindset to MPH and helps push for high-quality ideas and sharp debate.
Almos Bakonyi
Almos Bakonyi studies Data Science and Artificial Intelligence at Maastricht University, with interests in programming, machine learning, and predictive modeling. He contributes strong teamwork and project management skills to help make MPH an innovative, engaging experience for participants.
Diego van der Mast
Diego van der Mast is an MSc AI student at the University of Amsterdam and co-founder of the Amsterdam Policy Hackathon and the Data for Public Impact Network (DPIN). At MPH, he focuses on community-building and interdisciplinary collaboration to connect changemakers around real policy challenges.
FAQ
Students and young professionals from any discipline. We welcome backgrounds in policy, data science, law, economics, health, and more.
No. You can sign up individually and we will help form multidisciplinary teams at the start of the event.
The hackathon takes place over 2.5 days in Maastricht. Exact dates and venue will be shared after you sign up.
A laptop is essential. We’ll provide wifi, meals, and refreshments. Just bring your curiosity and readiness to collaborate.
Participation is free. The event is made possible by our partners and sponsors. We may ask for a small deposit to secure your spot, which is refunded after attendance.
Join the Hackathon
Ready to tackle real policy challenges with data and creativity? Join the Maastricht Policy Hackathon and work alongside a multidisciplinary team.
Sign up