The hackathon for the designers of Europe's energy future.

YFN x EU Hackathon

EU Energy and Climate Policy at Bits and Pretzels 2026. The hackathon for the architects of Europe’s energy future. 📅 September 27, 2026 | 📍 Munich | 🚀 1.5 days

Don't just watch the future happen

Spend a weekend with the people who are actually building it — and walk away with a network, a prototype, and momentum that's hard to come by elsewhere.

Apply now

We are building Europe’s energy future. Together

Leipzig - bottom right

Why are there so few startups in the German energy sector—even though energy companies are the backbone of the EU’s 2050 climate neutrality strategy? Too often, innovation happens in silos, without direct dialogue with the citizens and customers of tomorrow. We’re changing that.

Initiated by the Young Founders Network e.V. (YFN) — the most active community for young founders in Germany, with over 1,700 active members — in partnership with the European Commission (Representation in Munich), Europe Direct Munich, and the European Geosciences Union (EGU), the YFN x EU Hackathon brings together around 100 people, including 80 handpicked talents from CODE, HHL, WHU, and other top universities.

Our mission: To bring together science, politics, business, startups, and the next generation in a dialogue on innovation. So that the energy transition gives rise to real startups. So that Europe becomes an energy hub. And so that we become less dependent on autocratic regimes.

Whether you’ve already started a company, are refining your initial idea, or are joining us from the worlds of academia, politics, or the energy sector—this is where you’ll meet your co-founders, your mentors, and the jury that will take your solution to the next level.

What to expect

Keynotes

Honest perspectives from leading EU policymakers and renowned energy scientists on the future of European energy and climate policy.

Workshop Sessions

Deep dives at energy startups, EU regulations, climate neutrality, and technological innovation — practical and immediately applicable.

1-day hackathon

Small, interdisciplinary teams work under pressure to develop evidence-based solutions for Europe’s energy future — from concept to prototype.

Pitch Competition

The best ideas presented to a distinguished panel of judges — with direct feedback from founders, policymakers, and academics.

Finale on the main stage

The winning teams will pitch to thousands of founders, investors, and corporate representatives on the main stage at Bits and Pretzels.

Cross-sector networking

Entrepreneurs, politicians, scientists, small and medium-sized businesses, large corporations, and the next generation — all perspectives under one roof.

Speaker & Jury

Coming soon ...

Partners & Sponsors

Coming soon ...

Contact persons

Would you like to support us or do you have questions about the event? Get in touch with us!