Online disinformation is one of the biggest threats to democracy today. It erodes trust, fuels polarisation, and distorts elections. The Council of Europe is calling on creative minds to design bold, scalable solutions that:

1. Defend Democratic Values 
2. Balance Privacy and Utility 
3. Foster Collaboration 

Who can participate

Anyone residing in a Council of Europe member state.

How to apply

Participants should apply as teams of a maximum of 3-4 people. Teams should be multidisciplinary and reflect gender diversity. They should submit a concept summary (2 pages maximum of pages) of their solution, along with registering their teammates. The summary should include:

• A brief description of their solution and how it addresses the challenge.
• Preliminary strategy for testing, scaling or transitioning the solution into a real-world startup;
• How the solution translates the principles of the New Democratic Pact into a tool that helps real people and protects democratic debate.

The hackathon includes five online warm-up sessions in the weeks leading up to the event, followed by a full-day final in-person event in Strasbourg on 17-19 June 2026. Only selected teams will be invited to the final event, with all transport and accommodation costs fully covered by the Council of Europe.

Submissions need to be in English.

Prizes

A total prize of €50,000 Microsoft grants will be distributed amongst winning teams, and post-event implementation support will be provided.

Application deadline: 5 June 2026.

Read more here.

Opportunity offered by: Council of Europe