Hackathon Immersive Tech 2026: Exploring the Citiverse

16–18 November 2026 | Katoenhuis, Rotterdam

From 16 to 18 November, Katoenhuis will host the Hackathon Immersive Tech 2026, bringing together students from different educational backgrounds to explore the possibilities of immersive technologies and imagine new ways of experiencing urban life.

Organised by Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences in collaboration with a network of partners, the three-day hackathon challenges students from secondary, vocational and higher education to develop innovative prototypes responding to real-world urban challenges.

Exploring the Citiverse

This year's theme, Exploring the Citiverse, invites participants to rethink how we interact with our cities and each other. What if young people could virtually design and experience the future of their neighbourhoods? What if biodiversity data could be transformed into sensory experiences? Or what if digital environments could create new opportunities for social interaction and collaboration?

Working in interdisciplinary teams, students will experiment with immersive technologies, including XR, AI and interactive storytelling, to develop prototypes that explore new possibilities for urban life and human interaction.

Discover the results on 18 November

On Wednesday, 18 November, the hackathon will conclude with public presentations of the students' prototypes. Educators, professionals, partners and other interested visitors are invited to discover the results, meet the participants and experience their ideas first-hand.

Alongside the hackathon presentations, Katoenhuis will host XR Play Day: The Virtual Body, an interactive programme inviting educators, professionals and partners to explore immersive technologies and storytelling through hands-on experimentation. Participants will work in groups with people from different backgrounds, exploring everything from interaction design and storytelling to 3D modelling, with the aim of developing a functional prototype.

The afternoon also coincides with the CIIIC IX Labs Launch, celebrating the launch of five national Immersive Experience Labs. One of these is SHINE, based at Katoenhuis, which brings together creative professionals, researchers, educators and industry partners to explore the possibilities of immersive technologies. The launch offers an opportunity to connect with the wider immersive technology community, exchange ideas and discover future collaborations.

Practical information

Dates: 16–18 November 2026

Location: Katoenhuis, Rotterdam

Programme on Wednesday, 18 November:

• 09:00–16:30 — XR Play Day: The Virtual Body

• 13:00–17:00 — CIIIC IX Labs Launch

• 14:30–17:00 — Hackathon demonstrations and presentations

Interested in discovering the results or participating in XR Play Day? Registration is available through the event invitation.

For more information about the hackathon, visit the Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences website.