robo.innovate hackathon 2026
5th Edition | 23–28 October | Munich Urban Colab & MIRMI Geriatronics Campus
Support the 5th edition of the robo.innovate hackathon and connect with robotics talent, startups, researchers and ecosystem partners. For sponsorship opportunities, please contact us at mayank.garg@tum.de.
Physical AI in Action
The robo.innovate Hackathon 2026 will mark Bavaria’s fifth Robotics, AI and IoT challenge.
Over six days, selected robotics builders will work on real-world physical AI challenges across four competition tracks. The hackathon will focus on rapid prototyping, creative problem-solving and the integration of advanced robotics hardware with AI frameworks.
Organised by robo.innovate in collaboration with TUM Venture Lab Robotics / AI and UnternehmerTUM MakerSpace, the event will bring together students, makers, hackers, mentors and industry partners at Munich Urban Colab and the MIRMI Geriatronics Campus.
Over six days, selected robotics builders will work on real-world physical AI challenges across four competition tracks. The hackathon will focus on rapid prototyping, creative problem-solving and the integration of advanced robotics hardware with AI frameworks.
Organised by robo.innovate in collaboration with TUM Venture Lab Robotics / AI and UnternehmerTUM MakerSpace, the event will bring together students, makers, hackers, mentors and industry partners at Munich Urban Colab and the MIRMI Geriatronics Campus.
FAQ
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We provide you the chance to get creative and solve a real-world problem with applied robotics solutions that may kickstart your own business ideas, increases your enthusiasm for robotics and presents you exciting companies. Participating companies provide material and equipment to get you started as quick as possible to conceptualize and physically build an program your own robotics solution. At the end of the event the ideas, and ideally the prototypes, are pitched to and judged by a jury.
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Everyone, who's interested in robotics, tech or/and innovative topics, is welcome!Rough Tech background is recommended as well as a dedication for robotics and a good amount of energy and willingness to learn and innovate.
Also no experience in hackathons is needed (beginners are welcome!)
We also strongly encourage Women in Robotics to apply. -
No, it is free for challenge participants.
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When registering, you can state your preferences among the presented challenges. After aggregating all applications, we will assign every team and individual applicants as close as possible to their highest preferences while also trying to balance applicants per challenge and to address every challenge. For that reason, we cannot guarantee everyone to get their highest preference.
Please note: in 2025, we had much more applications then open places for the hackathon, but managed to have a good and balanced selection of accepted teams, single participants, beginners and pros! We embrace diversity in the teams. -
Preferably, a team should consist of 5-8 people. Individual registrations are also highly welcome. Before the kick-off, we will match teams and individual registrations so that everyone knows their team constellation at the kick-off.
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You will be informed of your assigned team and challenge in September, allowing you time to prepare for the event.
Registration and application will happen during the summer time period. If you are interested to get informed when application goes only, please drop us a message (mayank.garg@tum.de, "Please include me in hackathon registration is open information") -
Yes, every participating company that defined a challenge will provide mentors and experts to support you. On top, every mentor will block dedicated time for individual teams to present their solutions, challenges and questions for discussion and input.
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Depending on the challenge, participants will have access to various materials and equipment for prototyping, including robotic arms, sensors, and other tools. If you need any additional materials, they can be requested in advance or sourced on-site.
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Prizes will be revealed when registration starts. In 2025, we managed to pool a 4-digit prize money distributed among the top 3 teams.
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Yes, full attendance is required. The event is a team-based competition, and regular participation is necessary for effective collaboration and project development.