NOVAe FORGe AI Hackathon 2025
Portugal’s Biggest Student AI Hackathon
November 7-8, 2025
AI Hub, Lisbon, Portugal
About the Event
NOVAe FORGe is a student-led hackathon organized by NOVAe, the entrepreneurship club at NOVA IMS – Lisbon’s premier AI and Data Science school. This 24-hour innovation marathon brings together Portugal’s brightest AI, Machine Learning, and Software Engineering minds during Portugal Tech Week.
This year’s edition also features the panel on the Future of AI in Portugal, with Ivo Bernardo (CEO & Founder, DareData) and Clara Matos (Head of AI, Sword Health), alongside special guests from leading AI-driven industries.
Key Details
Everything you need to know about the hackathon
Teams & Participants
100-150 participants forming teams of 3-5 members. Top 5 finalist teams will pitch their solutions.
Food & Accommodation
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Sleeping area available—bring your sleeping bags!
Prizes & Recognition
Exciting prizes for winning teams, recognition from industry leaders, and potential startup opportunities.
24-Hour Challenge
Non-stop innovation from November 7-8, with mentorship, workshops, and networking throughout.
Our Partners
Incredible organizations powering innovation together
Main Partners
NOVA IMS
Portugal’s leading institution in AI and Data Science education, fostering innovation and academic excellence.
DareData
Empowering businesses with cutting-edge AI solutions and mentorship for the next generation of innovators.
Tech Partners
n8n
An open-source workflow automation tool enabling seamless integration of apps and services.
ElevenLabs
Pioneering AI-driven voice synthesis technology for natural and expressive communication.
Beyond Presence
Delivering innovative solutions to enhance digital presence and user engagement.
Community Partners
Lisbon AI Week
Connecting people, ideas, and experiences across Lisbon through a city‑wide celebration of artificial intelligence and innovation.
Data Makers Fest
Organizing community-driven events to inspire collaboration and innovation in data science.
Program Overview
Your 24-hour innovation journey
Day 1: Launch & Build
- Opening ceremony with partner challenge presentations
- Team formation and intensive development begins
- Mentorship sessions and technical workshops
Featured Panel: “Future of AI in Portugal”
- Ivo Bernardo – CEO & Founder, DareData
- Clara Matos – Head of AI, Sword Health
- Special Guests – Industry Leaders (TBD)
Day 2: Finalize & Present
- Final development sprint and solution refinement
- Team pitches to expert judging panel
- Awards ceremony and networking celebration
Why Attend
What you’ll gain from this experience
Real-World Experience
Solve actual industry challenges with cutting-edge AI technology
Networking
Connect with Portugal’s top tech professionals and industry leaders
Skill Development
Learn through workshops, mentorship, and hands-on practice
Career Opportunities
Get noticed by hiring companies and explore job possibilities
Prize Recognition
Win prizes and gain recognition for outstanding solutions
Startup Potential
Turn your hackathon project into a real startup venture
Our Vision & Impact
Building the future of AI in Portugal
For Participants
Create the next generation of AI innovators and entrepreneurs in Portugal, providing real-world experience, industry connections, and startup opportunities.
For Portuguese Tech Ecosystem
Strengthen Portugal’s position as a European AI hub by showcasing emerging talent during the country’s premier tech week.
For Innovation
Bridge the gap between academic learning and industry needs, fostering solutions to real challenges while building tomorrow’s tech companies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about joining NOVAe FORGe
The hackathon is free to attend. Your registration includes Friday dinner, Saturday breakfast, a lunch during the event, and snacks to keep you going, plus on‑site rest space and full access to all workshops, talks, and mentorship.
The program starts at 9:00 AM on Friday and concludes on Saturday evening. Specific time details will be announced soon.
Participants can look forward to exciting rewards such as startup software tools, tech gadgets, startup opportunities, and more. These prizes are designed to inspire and support your innovation journey.
We’re looking for passionate innovators with backgrounds in AI, ML, Data Science, or Software Engineering. Team players ready for an intensive 24-hour experience and anyone wanting to make an impact in Portugal’s tech scene. Show up with presence, determination, and engage in all sessions!
Great question! While we welcome participants with AI, ML, Data Science, or Software Engineering backgrounds, we also value diverse perspectives. If you’re passionate about innovation, problem-solving, and ready for an intensive learning experience, you’re welcome to apply!
No problem! We’ll have a team formation session at the beginning of the hackathon. Many participants come solo and form amazing teams during the event. We’ll help match you with others based on skills and interests.
Registration will be conducted through Luma, where you can choose to apply as a team or as an individual. Applications close on October 31st, a week before the event. Apply now!
Ready to Join?
Register now and follow us on Instagram for updates