Estonian Dual Use & Circular Future
What can we build underground that solves real problems above ground?
Underground Innovation Hackathon brings together international teams to develop technically feasible, scalable and economically viable solutions for the future use of underground space.
Teams will work with real underground infrastructure opportunities in Estonia and explore how underground environments can support energy resilience, circular economy & resource use, critical infrastructure and new industrial applications.
Only 12 teams will be selected.
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Strong teams and ideas can be selected before the final deadline.
This is not just an idea competition. You will work on a real underground infrastructure case in Estonia and develop a solution that can move beyond the hackathon.
Participants will get:
For the strongest teams, the hackathon is also a fast track into Estonia:
The goal is not just to win the hackathon, but to move towards a real partnership, pilot, investment or market entry in Estonia.
Apply with a team
Teams must have 2 - 6 members and an initial idea when applying.
The hackathon runs from applications to final pitches in just a few focused stages.
Apply early. Places are limited and strong teams can be selected before the final deadline.
Applications open
Applications open on 30 October. Teams are selected in two priority rounds, and applications may close early once all places are filled.
Priority selections
The first teams are selected after 8 November, followed by a second selection round after 15 November. Strong teams can secure their place before the final deadline.
Final teams and mentors
Final applications close on 23 November, if places are still available. Teams and mentors are confirmed on 24 November.
Kick-off and development sprint
The online kick-off takes place on 1 December. Teams then develop and validate their solutions with support from mentors and experts.
Checkpoints
Teams present their problem and solution concept on 3 December, followed by business model and feasibility validation on 7 December.
Final pitches
Final pitches take place on 10 December, followed by jury evaluation and the announcement of winners.
From winners to pilots
From 11 December, selected teams continue towards partnerships, pilots, funding and market entry in Estonia.
How can underground space strengthen the resilience and autonomy of society and industry?
How can we expand our knowledge and capabilities to build underground infrastructure faster, safer, and smarter?
How can we remove the barriers that prevent underground projects from becoming investable and scalable?
We are looking for ambitious multidisciplinary teams from Estonia, the Baltics, the Nordics and across Europe.
The strongest teams combine technical expertise with business, design or market knowledge.
Relevant backgrounds include:
Universities, research teams, start-ups, companies and independent expert teams are welcome.
Participation requirements:
Places are limited.
Our target is up to 12 strong teams. Teams are selected in priority rounds, and applications may close early once all places are filled.
Apply early.
Help teams turn ambitious underground concepts into feasible solutions.
We are looking for mentors with expertise connected to the hackathon challenges.
Initial mentor areas include:
As team applications arrive, additional specialist mentors will be recruited according to the ideas selected.
Mentors should be able to participate in selected online mentoring sessions during the December sprint.
Help turn underground innovation into real projects.
We welcome companies, universities, public organisations, investors and industry networks that want to contribute to the hackathon.
Partners can contribute through:
In return, partners gain:
Become a partner. Contact us at [email protected]