In the vibrant tech city of Limassol, Cyprus, innovation, creativity, and technology converged at the HackTech24 Hackathon, an annual event organised by AdTech Holding. The event concluded its third and most impactful edition yet, cementing its place as a cornerstone in the island’s growing tech ecosystem. Over a weekend brimming with collaborative energy, 22 teams of developers, designers, and tech enthusiasts gathered to craft solutions to real-world challenges. Focused on the themes of “IT Solutions to Improve Life in Cyprus” and “Self-Improvement”, HackTech24 showcased the transformative power of technology.
A Weekend of Creativity
The HackTech24 experience was more than just code and competition. The organisers ensured participants were inspired intellectually and fueled by incredible food. The hackathon’s catering received widespread praise from the contestants, who described it as a weekend highlight. From healthy snacks to indulgent treats, the food kept the teams energized as they worked through intense brainstorming and coding sessions.
As participants settled into their workstations, the air buzzed with anticipation. Over 48 hours, the teams faced the challenge of turning ideas into functional prototypes. The spirit of collaboration was palpable, with seasoned developers mentoring newcomers and ideas bouncing across tables. The teams knew they were competing for more than just prizes; they were contributing to a better future for Cyprus.
The hackathon’s competitive atmosphere was balanced by its supportive community ethos. Each team had 48 hours to ideate, develop, and present their projects to an esteemed panel of judges comprising industry leaders and experts such as CEO at AdTech Holding Alex Vasekin, Founder & Partner at W11 Ventures Stavriana Kofteros, Co-founder of The Doers Company Stylianos Lambrou, CTO of Sequela Maria Stylianou, COO at Quadcode Michael Gitsis, CEO of Malloc Maria Terzi and Director of Capacitor Partners Michael Tyrimos.
The judging panel evaluated the projects on innovation, feasibility, societal impact, and scalability.
Transforming Cyprus Through Technology
Under the theme “IT Solutions to Improve Life in Cyprus”, teams tackled pressing issues with creativity and technological flair. The winning team, Middle-Aged Cyprus Ninja Turtles, captivated the judges with their platform designed to revolutionize event volunteer management. By streamlining recruitment, onboarding, and oversight processes, their solution promises to enhance civic engagement and simplify event logistics across the island.
Second place went to Byte Me, Please, a mobile app that empowers shoppers to make healthier choices. By scanning barcodes, users access detailed product information, including ingredients and nutritional value, in their native language. The app’s potential to promote health and well-being in Cyprus earned widespread acclaim.
Green Cyprus, which took third place, developed a platform to connect individuals and companies with reforestation initiatives, promoting environmental sustainability through tree sponsorship and growth tracking.
Other standout projects included Team4, which proposed an app to assist volunteers caring for stray cats by mapping cat colony locations. Ulysses focused on solving Cyprus’s GPS interference issues with a Bluetooth module tailored to the island’s unique conditions. Semafor addressed traffic inefficiencies by proposing improvements to traffic light systems.
BlendIT presented an innovative app to combat kitchen waste. By identifying organic leftovers, the app suggests eco-friendly uses, such as personal care products or fertilizers. Additionally, it fosters a community where users can share or donate leftovers, promoting sustainability. Purple Box aimed to simplify locating donation points by mapping collection boxes across Cyprus.
The LastBite team tackled food waste with an app that connects consumers to discounted surplus food from restaurants and supermarkets. By integrating AI to enhance the user experience, the app helps reduce waste while offering cost-effective meals. LRS (LanitioResearch Squad) took a social approach, creating an interactive map-based app for Limassol residents to discover and share events, fostering community ties. Meanwhile, Cyprifydesigned a platform to support immigrants with resources for smoother transitions, including legal aid, language learning, and cultural integration.
Other projects included Snapgoal, a gamified task manager aimed at boosting motivation, and Islanders, a liquid democracy platform leveraging blockchain and zero-knowledge cryptography to promote transparency and privacy in decision-making.
Fostering Personal Growth Through Tech
Under the theme “Self-Improvement”, teams tackled personal and professional challenges. The winning team, Databulls, created a micro-learning app featuring short, engaging videos to introduce users to various professions. The judges praised its accessibility and ability to inspire career exploration.
Second place went to WorkWize, which developed an AI-powered tool to improve workplace mental health and job satisfaction. The app collects anonymous employee feedback, identifies patterns of stress, and provides actionable insights for better work environments.
HelioWorld, which took third place, crafted an app for learning Greek through AI-generated exercises, making language acquisition approachable and enjoyable.
Other entries in this challenge included Aso.cy team, which designed a platform to automate the creation and management of support groups, enabling thousands to participate in self-help initiatives. Blocbrain introduced Ermis, a GPT-powered assistant that anticipates user needs by integrating across communication platforms. MoveOn encouraged active lifestyles by rewarding walking, cycling, and safe driving with redeemable points. Skill Issue mapped sports facilities across Cyprus to promote healthy living, while RADAR gamified financial literacy to make learning about money engaging for all age groups.
The People’s Voice and Community Support
In addition to the official prizes, the public had their say with the People’s Choice Award, which went to LRS (Lanitio Research Squad). Their interactive map for discovering and sharing local events in Limassol resonated with attendees, earning applause for its potential to strengthen community ties.
The event also drew attention from influencers and thought leaders. Notably, tech influencer Panis Pieri attended the hackathon, bringing more visibility to the event. He shared insights and updates with his network during the hackathon, encouraging his followers to stay tuned for content in the following weeks.
Capturing the Magic
The AdTech Holding team ensured the weekend’s creativity and energy were preserved for posterity. Armed with cameras and microphones, they captured countless photos, videos, and interviews. Attendees can look forward to reliving the hackathon’s most exciting moments through the company’s Instagram channel, where behind-the-scenes footage and inspiring stories will be shared in the coming weeks.
As the event concluded, Alex Vasekin, CEO of AdTech Holding, reflected on its significance:
HackTech has become a cornerstone event highlighting Cyprus’s potential as a centre for technological progress. Every year, we witness solutions that address real societal needs, strengthening communities and driving positive change. At AdTech Holding, we are committed to fostering these innovations and supporting initiatives that contribute to the growth of Cyprus’s tech ecosystem.
Building the Future
HackTech24 owes its success not only to its participants but also to its sponsors. This year’s Hackathon Platinum Sponsor was The Tribe, a leading recruitment company specialising in HR solutions for IT companies in Cyprus. The Tribe connects top talent with employers, offering comprehensive support throughout the hiring process. Their contribution underscores the vital role of collaboration in advancing Cyprus’s tech landscape. Also, Hacktech was supported by silver sponsors Quadcode and Leaseweb, and XM sponsored the “IT Solutions to Improve Life in Cyprus” challenge.
The Legacy of HackTech24
HackTech24 is more than a competition—it is a movement. By bringing together diverse talents, fostering innovation, and addressing societal challenges, the event is shaping the future of Cyprus. The ideas generated over the weekend hold the potential to transform lives, from improving daily experiences to tackling global issues like sustainability and mental health.
As the participants packed up their equipment and exchanged farewells, they carried with them not only the pride of their accomplishments but also the vision of a brighter, more connected Cyprus.
HackTech24, with its unique blend of creativity, camaraderie, and cutting-edge technology, continues to inspire tech-driven growth on the island. With every edition, it grows stronger, proving that the future of innovation belongs to those who dare to dream and build.
