International Hackathon Competition for Secondary School Students on the Theme of Smart City Development

Patronage of the Czech participation in the Spanish-Czech Challenge HackaTEEN 2026:

Libor Sečka, Ambassador of the Czech Republic to Spain

Work tips

Most importantly, enjoy it!

• Think as a team: success in the competition is about collaboration, not individuals.

• Don't be afraid to be creative: there isn't just one single right solution.

• Don't be afraid: there is no such thing as a bad idea.

• Focus on real-world impact: stay curious and look around you—you are the experts on life in your city (or region) and know best what needs improving and where; ask yourselves how your project will improve people's lives in the city.

• Choose a clear, concrete goal: the brief includes guiding questions to help you.

• Respect the opinions of other team members.

• Help and advice whenever you need it: don't hesitate to ask for assistance or guidance—the expert mentors at HackaTEEN are there specifically for you!

• Sources of inspiration: use the internet, do some research, discuss ideas, and check out the Expo!

Creating a proposal

Try to view problems and opportunities through your own eyes and draw upon your own experiences.

To get a better idea of ​​what is involved, find inspiration, and understand the specific topics, you can check out the program at https://www.smartcityexpo.com/.

You can select specific technologies or solutions once you are at the Expo and its program! You will have the opportunity to speak with exhibitors and gather as much information as possible.

That is why every competing team receives a complimentary 3-day pass.

• Simplicity is beautiful:

• focus on solving one specific problem

• try to view problems and opportunities through your own eyes and draw on your own experience

• a good idea doesn't have to be complex, but it should be well thought out

• address the questions from the project brief—don't skip any—to ensure your idea is complete

• Keep it visible:

• record all your ideas, tips, and notes—you can move, rearrange, and sort them so nothing gets forgotten

• Test:

• • • share your ideas with mentors and ask for their feedback

Project presentation

• You can use any tool to present your idea:

  1. any online tool like MS PowerPoint, Canva, or Google Slides, or

  2. large sheets of paper and colored markers to draw your idea

  3. or ???

• Each team has 3 minutes to present their idea

• Presentation structure: review the brief and follow the instructions

• Be concise and clear – the presentation should be clear, easy to understand, and engaging

• Practice – try out your presentation in front of a mentor