Cork council partners with UCC to host Ocean 'hackathon' event 

Cork County Council, in conjunction with University College Cork (UCC), has announced that Cork will host the 2026 Ocean Hackathon this autumn, with applications to partake now open.

The event, which will take place across 48-hours in 11 locations worldwide, aims to tackle critical challenges facing the Atlantic’s blue economy, such as the skills gap, limited access to marine infrastructure, and fragmented stakeholder collaboration.

The Hackathon will be held in Cork from October 16-18 as part of the Upwelling Interreg Atlantic Area project.

The Upwelling project addresses these issues by offering specialised training in emerging marine technologies and supporting prototyping activities.

The project aims to empower SMEs and start-ups while fostering a new generation of skilled professionals.

The county mayor, councillor Mary Linehan Foley, said the Ocean Hackathon is a “non‑stop, 48‑hour brainstorming event during which teams develop a prototype to tackle specific, sea‑related challenges”.

“This must be based on marine data made available by local, national, and international providers.

“We are honoured that Cork has been chosen as one of the locations that is hosting this event and I encourage all interested parties to apply.” 

 Individuals and organisations across Cork are invited to participate in the Ocean Hackathon, and to submit their challenges to the council by May 30.

Challenges may range from simple ideas and community initiatives to mature projects requiring expert support.

Eligible challenges must relate to oceans and seas, their sustainable development and/or preservation, inspire new ideas or innovative solutions, be based on data, and require prototype development during the event.

Application details and further information are available via Cork County Council’s website at: www.corkcoco.ie.