BRUSSEL HACKATHON
16–18 February 2024
The Hybrid Hackathon in Brussels marked the official launch of the MolenGeek International (Erasmus+ KA220-VET)project — a bold European collaboration between Belgium, Italy, and the Netherlands.
Over three days, 127 young NEETs and aspiring digital creators gathered in a hybrid setting (in-person and online) to collaborate across borders, share ideas, and transform their creativity into real digital solutions.
This first hackathon had a clear mission: to connect the European MolenGeek community through technology. Participants formed diverse, multicultural teams, blending different perspectives and skills to address social challenges using digital tools.
With the guidance of experienced mentors and coaches, they co-designed more than 10 innovative projects, ranging from inclusive platforms to creative tech prototypes.
Beyond coding and presentations, the event fostered genuine human connection, confidence-building, and cross-cultural learning. For many participants, it was their first international experience — a moment to step out of comfort zones, collaborate in English, and see that innovation truly knows no borders.
This first chapter of the MolenGeek International story set the tone for what would follow: a vibrant, European movement for digital inclusion and collective creativity.
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.