INBIOWAL Scientific Hackathon
WROCŁAW, MAY 26, 2026
Overview
The Company Challenge Hackathon, organized within the INBIOWAL project, will take place on 26 May 2026 in Wrocław, Poland. This one-day event is designed to bring together students and doctoral researchers interested in biotechnology, life sciences, and innovative solutions for modern agriculture.
The hackathon will provide participants with the opportunity to work on a real industry challenge proposed by JHJ Sp. z o.o., a Polish biotechnology company specializing in feed additives and veterinary-related solutions. Working in interdisciplinary teams, participants will analyse the problem, develop innovative concepts, and propose practical solutions that could potentially contribute to improvements in sustainable animal production and feed technologies.
The event aims to foster collaboration between academia and industry, encourage innovative thinking, and create a space where young researchers can apply their knowledge to real-world problems. Throughout the day, participants will work intensively with the support of mentors and experts, culminating in a final pitch session where teams present their solutions to a jury.
The hackathon will conclude with the announcement of the winning team and the award ceremony
Event OBJECTIVES
The Company Challenge Hackathon has several key objectives aligned with the goals of the INBIOWAL project.
First, the event aims to strengthen collaboration between academia and industry by providing students and doctoral researchers with direct exposure to real business challenges faced by companies operating in the biotechnology and agri-food sectors.
Another important objective is to stimulate innovative and creative thinking. Participants will be encouraged to explore unconventional ideas, combine knowledge from different disciplines, and propose solutions that address practical problems related to animal farming, feed additives, and sustainable production systems.
The hackathon also aims to support knowledge transfer and interdisciplinary cooperation. By bringing together participants from different academic backgrounds, the event promotes the exchange of perspectives and encourages collaborative problem-solving.
Finally, the event seeks to identify promising ideas and solutions that could potentially be further developed in cooperation with the company and research institutions involved in the project.
Who Can Participate
The hackathon is open to students and doctoral researchers interested in biotechnology, life sciences, agriculture, veterinary sciences, environmental sciences, and related fields.
Participants from different academic backgrounds are encouraged to join, as the event promotes interdisciplinary teamwork. Students with skills in areas such as data analysis, biotechnology, environmental solutions, innovation management, or business development may all contribute valuable perspectives.
No prior experience with hackathons is required. The event is designed as a learning experience where participants can develop new skills, collaborate with peers, and gain insight into real industry challenges.
The number of participants is limited to 30. Participation will be granted on a first-come, first-served basis.
After submitting the registration form, participants will receive an email confirming whether they have secured a place in the hackathon. Early registration is therefore strongly recommended.
Interested in Joining?
Register using the form to secure your place. Participation is free, but registration is required by 30 April 2026.
Hackathon Structure
The Company Challenge Hackathon is designed as an intensive one-day collaborative event focused on developing innovative solutions within a limited time frame.
The day will begin with a welcome session where organizers will introduce the event, the participating company, and the general framework of the hackathon. The specific challenge will be revealed to participants only during the event, when representatives of JHJ Sp. z o.o. present the problem and provide the necessary background information.
After the challenge presentation, participants will have the opportunity to ask questions and clarify the problem statement before forming teams and starting their work.
Participants will then form teams and begin developing their ideas. During this phase, teams will analyse the challenge, brainstorm possible approaches, and work on innovative solutions with the support of mentors and company experts.
Skills and Benefits
Participating in the hackathon offers a valuable opportunity for students and doctoral researchers to gain practical experience and develop a range of professional skills.
First and foremost, participants will gain hands-on experience in solving real industry challenges. Working on a problem proposed by a biotechnology company allows participants to better understand how academic knowledge can be applied in practical contexts.
The hackathon also provides an excellent opportunity to develop teamwork and collaboration skills. Participants will work in interdisciplinary teams, combining different areas of expertise to develop innovative solutions.
Another important benefit is the opportunity to strengthen creative and analytical thinking. The limited timeframe encourages participants to think quickly, test ideas, and refine concepts in a dynamic environment.
Participants will also gain experience in communication and presentation, as each team will present its solution to a panel of experts and company representatives.
The best teams will receive special prizes and recognition, awarded during the final ceremony.
Hackathon Agenda
The hackathon will follow a structured one-day program designed to guide participants through the different stages of the challenge.
08:30 – Registration and welcome coffee
Participants arrive at the venue, register for the event, and have the opportunity to meet other participants.
09:00 – Opening session
Introduction to the INBIOWAL project, presentation of the event objectives, and overview of the hackathon format.
09:30 – Company challenge presentation
Representatives from JHJ Sp. z o.o. present the challenge and provide background information about the problem.
10:00 – Team formation and start of the hackathon
Participants form teams and begin working on their ideas.
10:30 – 16:00 – Teamwork and mentoring sessions
Teams develop their concepts with support from mentors and company experts.
16:30 – Final presentations (pitch session)
Teams present their proposed solutions to the jury.
17:00 – Jury deliberation and announcement of winners
17:30 – Closing of the event
About JHJ Sp. z o.o.
JHJ Sp. z o.o. is a Polish biotechnology company with over 25 years of experience in the development and production of feed additives and veterinary-related products.
The company specializes in the production of feed additives, probiotic preparations, and other biotechnology-based solutions that utilize biomass and metabolites of fermenting bacteria. JHJ has extensive expertise, infrastructure, and know-how in biotechnology process techniques as well as in the stabilization and preservation of biosynthesis products.
The company’s portfolio includes a wide range of innovative products designed to support animal health, productivity, and sustainable farming practices. These include probiotic feed additives, silage inoculants, products for mycotoxin neutralization and feed detoxification, slurry activators, water additives, water and feed acidifiers, and preparations for dry disinfection.
JHJ operates a modern research and development department that conducts research in areas such as probiotic strain selection, reduction and biotransformation of mycotoxins, and environmentally friendly technologies aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving food safety.
The company develops its innovative technologies in cooperation with numerous research institutions in Poland and abroad, often within joint research and development projects co-financed by the National Centre for Research and Development.
