LuxDev-backed Energy Saving Hackathon ignites new ideas

In early November, the first edition of the Energy Saving Hackathon brought together more than 60 vocational education and training students, young innovators and aspiring entrepreneurs at the Innovation Centre Kosovo (ICK) for an intensive three-day challenge supported by LuxDev, the Luxembourg Development Cooperation Agency. Designed to spark innovation and encourage practical problem-solving, the hackathon invited participants to create impactful, scalable and energy-saving solutions across key areas such as renewable energy, energy efficiency, ICT, design, circular innovation and behavioural change. Guided by 15 mentors and energy experts, the teams spent the weekend brainstorming, testing ideas and building prototypes that respond to real energy challenges faced in Kosovo.

The competition kicked off with a Meet & Greet session, where participants formed teams and explored the challenge focus. Day two was dedicated to concept development and troubleshooting, while the final day brought an intense round of prototyping, refining and pitching to the evaluation commission.

The atmosphere at ICK was one of continuous creativity and teamwork, with mentors helping participants transform initial sketches into solutions with real market potential. By the end of day two, teams had built concepts ranging from smart-energy management tools to behaviour-change apps, all with a measurable energy-saving impact.

During the event, LuxDev’s Resident Representative in Kosovo, Giovanni TORDINI, highlighted Luxembourg’s long-standing commitment to Kosovo’s development, with a particular focus on education, skills and green innovation.

This hackathon is part of the broader TechEco Pathway initiative implemented by ICK, which strengthens skills in renewable energy, ICT and digital innovation, while firmly promoting gender equality through targeted programs such as DevelopHer, dedicated to advancing women in technology.

The Ministry of Education, Science, Technology and Innovation emphasised how initiatives like this hackathon embody the country’s strategic priorities in education and employment — preparing young people for a digital economy and a fast-changing labour market.

A total prize fund of EUR 9,000 was awarded to the top three teams:

• Tech Tonics (made up of two women and one man) – EUR 4,000;
• GreenDuo (made up of two women) – EUR 3,000;
• Fixort – EUR 2,000.

In addition to cash prizes, standout teams will benefit from follow-up support within ICK programs, including access to GreenTech Pathways, DevelopHer training, job-placement opportunities and the Erasmus for young entrepreneurs programme — ensuring that high-potential solutions continue to grow beyond the competition.

This first edition of the Energy Saving Hackathon demonstrated the strength of Kosovo’s young talent — 21 teams, 60 students and 15 mentors working intensely to address one of the country’s most pressing challenges. Their ideas reflect a growing awareness of how technology, innovation and skilled youth can contribute to a more energy-efficient and sustainable future.

This hackathon activity was carried out with the support of the Skills for sustainable jobs in Kosovo project, funded by the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and implemented by the Ministry of Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, and LuxDev, the Luxembourg Development Cooperation Agency. The project aims to contribute to sustainable economic growth by supporting innovation, inclusiveness and social development in a greener Kosovo. Its specific objective is to enhance job prospects for young people and women by strengthening vocational education and training to meet market demands.