Explore life beyond Earth in an international, hands-on hackathon powered by ENHANCE
How did life begin – and could it exist elsewhere in the universe?
HACK-4-SAGES: Digital Twins in Astrobiology is an international four-day hackathon inviting bachelor’s students to explore one of science’s most fascinating questions – how life originates and where it might exist beyond Earth. Taking place from 9 to 13 March 2026, the hybrid event is part of the ENHANCE Innovative Learning Campus (ILC) and connects students and academic mentors across Europe to tackle real-world astrobiology challenges using digital twin technologies.
The four-day event brings together students and academic mentors from across Europe to develop innovative digital twin models addressing real scientific challenges in astrobiology. Teams will work in one of three focus areas: Origins of Life, Life Detection and Biosignatures, or Exoplanet Habitability.
Participation is free of charge and possible online or in person at one of 12 ENHANCE partner institutions, including Warsaw University of Technology (limited on-site places available; lunch and refreshments provided).
Students apply in teams of two to four with a concise project proposal. A total of 60 teams will be selected. In addition to international collaboration and expert mentoring, participants gain hands-on experience at the intersection of science, technology, and research-driven innovation. The winning team will receive a trip to ETH Zürich, including the opportunity to present their project to leading astrobiology researchers.
PhD candidates and academic staff are also invited to join as mentors in a short, high-impact role supporting interdisciplinary student teams and strengthening international academic networks within ENHANCE.
Application deadline: 23 February 2026
Hackathon dates: 9–13 March 2026
HACK-4-SAGES is led by ETH Zürich in collaboration with Warsaw University of Technology and Gdańsk University of Technology. The initiative is supported by the ENHANCE Alliance, co-funded by the European Union, and delivered through the ENHANCE Innovative Learning Campus, which promotes flexible, interdisciplinary, and student-centered learning opportunities across Europe.
