September 4-6 · Cologne
The Contextual AI Challenge
>>> The XR Track <<<
Be part of the biggest AI Hackathon in NRW and connect with engineers and product leads actually building what could be the next interfaces, apps and business models.
📍 STARTPLATZ, Cologne
📅 3 Days
🏠 Part of AI Hackathon
Track curated by
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Hackathon organized by
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powered by
48
Hours of Hacking
130+
Participants
10∞
A Spectacles for every team
2-5
People per team
WHAT THIS IS ABOUT
Contextual AI meets Extended Reality.
What if your AI agent had eyes and ears, stayed with you at all times, and delivered intelligent, contextual responses without you ever needing to pull out your phone? Welcome to the era of Ambient and Contextual AI, driven by Spatial Computing. As Smart Glasses, AR Glasses, and AI Wearables rapidly emerge, they raise pivotal questions: Will they eventually replace the smartphone? What will the user interfaces of the future look like? And which new business models will these technologies unlock?
Accept the Contextual AI Challenge and shape the next generation of computing!
01
About the Challenge
The Contextual AI Challenge is part of the AI Hackathon at Startplatz. With specialized mentors and judges you can hack with novel devices like AI Glasses, AR Glasses and AI Wearables.
02
Who Can Participate
Open to everyone: students, developers, designers, and creative thinkers. No prior XR experience required. Beginners are absolutely welcome!
03
Why Attend
Learn from professionals in AI and XR, network with peers and be at the forefront of cutting-edge business models and technology.
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What you’ll build
In teams of 2 to 5 develop a project which uses external sensors and devices and free your AI.
GET INSPIRED: OUR 2025 AFTERMOVIE
Snap SPECS
Develop for World's best AR glasses!
Snap just announced Snap SPECS. SPECS brings computing into the world around you, so you can learn, work, and play while staying present in the moment.
Snap SPECS is not yet available, but we are getting provided 10+ Snap Spectacles (2024). All Lenses developed for Spectacles are compatible with SPECS.
Possible use cases
Partners who already trusted us:
PRIZES
🥈
2ND PLACE
RUNNER UP
TBA
🏆
1ST PLACE
GRAND PRIZE
Compete for the top spot!
🥉
3RD PLACE
THIRD PLACE
TBA
Friday Sept 4
Pre-Hackathon Workshops
Doors open + Registration
Official Kick-off
Idea Pitches
Team Matching
Workspace Setup
Dinner 🍽️
supplied by us
Start Hacking
Saturday Sept 5
Doors open
Breakfast + Start Hacking 🍽️
supplied by us
Deep Dives to several Topics
Check out the schedule for more
AI Development Workshop
Lunch 🍽️
supply yourselves
More Deep Dives
Dinner 🍽️
supplied by us
Hack into the night
Sunday Sept 6
Doors open
Deep Dive: Pitching
Final Sprint
Lunch 🍽️
supplied by us
Demos, Pitches & Prizes
Wrap-up & Networking
Official Close
Track Curator
Thomas Riedel
Tech-Journalist and Host Spatial Realities
Thomas has been an experienced organizer of hackathons, meetups, and workshops for the XR community since 2021. As the host and founder of Spatial Realities, he is a frequent guest on podcasts, television news programs, and radio shows. Currently, he is touring with his keynote on AI smart glasses, offering comprehensive insights into the rapidly evolving AI glasses ecosystem.
LOCATION
STARTPLATZ Cologne
Im Mediapark 5 · 50670 Cologne · startplatz.de
| Area | 4,500 m² |
| Coworking | 300+ workstations in 5 areas |
| Conference Rooms | 4 conference & 11 meeting rooms |
| Event Space | Up to 200 people |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Everything you need to know.
Do I need XR experience, or can I join as a mobile/web/AI builder or designer?
There is no need to be an expert in any of those fields. The AI Hackathon is designed to be easy to join and start. Bring your willingness to learn and our mentors and the community will help you out.
Do I need to join the XR Track to build for AI Glasses?
If you want to win a prize you need to join that track. This might also give you access to a device we provide.
Can I participate solo, or do I have to form a team?
We strongly recommend that you join a team. If you want to win the track prize you need to submit as a team of at least 2. You can participate in the Hackathon as a solo developer nevertheless.
Do I have to ship a working build/APK or how do I participate?
The Hackathon finishes with a presentation of 3 minutes. You have to prepare that presentation. Also the jury members will visit you on Sunday to see what you have developed so far. Best case they can already try something out. We do encourage the jury members to consider your Hackathon journey. So tell your story. 🙂
Can I still win a prize if I don't develop with Snap Spectacles, but with Smart/AI/AR Glasses from other companies?
Yes, you can. In that case, you submit your pitch in the regular AI track at the hackathon.
More Questions? Join our Discord!