hacklab kuopio

HalkoHack: Build the Ultimate Makerspace App for a €1,000 Prize Pool

by CompetitionsEvents

What happens when Kuopio’s student startup ecosystem joins forces with the local maker movement? You get a high-energy weekend of hands-on prototyping, collaboration, and practical problem-solving.

NSES (North Savo Entrepreneurship Society) and Hacklab Kuopio (Halko) are co-hosting HalkoHack, an intensive weekend hackathon hosted inside Halko’s workshop and makerspace in Särkiniemi.

The Challenge: Building the All-in-One “HalkoApp”

Active makerspaces require smooth community workflows—from tool bookings and access management to community notices and membership tracking.

Your mission for the weekend is simple yet impactful: design and build HalkoApp, a centralized web or mobile application that consolidates everything Hacklab Kuopio members need into a seamless, user-friendly platform.

Instead of building speculative solutions, participants will address immediate, real-world utility for a thriving local maker community.

Key Event Details

DetailInformation
DatesFriday, November 27 – Sunday, November 29
LocationHacklab Kuopio, Kaivotie 38, 2nd floor (Kulkutie side—ring the Hacklab doorbell)
EligibilityOpen to students, developers, makers, and enthusiasts across all backgrounds
Experience LevelBeginner-friendly (no prior hackathon experience required)
Prize Pool€1,000 total cash prizes

Who Should Participate?

HalkoHack is structured for diverse, interdisciplinary teams:

  • Developers & Coders: Front-end, back-end, and full-stack builders ready to bring an operational architecture to life.
  • UI/UX Designers: Creatives who understand how to translate complex community needs into clean, intuitive digital interfaces.
  • Makers & Problem Solvers: Thinkers who understand community spaces, equipment workflows, and operational efficiency.
  • First-Time Hackers: Anyone curious about product sprints, collaborative teamwork, and rapid building.

Mentors and space hosts will be on site throughout the weekend to provide technical support, hardware access, and feedback.

Limited Spots Available

Due to makerspace capacity at Hacklab Kuopio, participant spots are strictly limited to ensure an optimal workspace for all competing teams.

Keep an eye out—the official team and individual registration link will be published shortly. Bookmark this page or follow NSES channels to secure your spot as soon as registration goes live.

Register Here

Arctic Next NSES

NSES Team Secures 1st Place at the ArcticNext 2026 Hackathon

by CompetitionsNews

Innovation in the North just reached a new benchmark. Over the weekend, the NSES team claimed the 1st place prize at the prestigious ArcticNext 2026 hackathon, outperforming an impressive roster of international competitors to bring home the top honor.

The victory marks a significant milestone for NSES, highlighting the team’s ability to build practical, forward-thinking solutions under high-pressure, collaborative conditions.

Meet the Winning NSES Team

The winning project was conceptualized, built, and pitched across an intensive weekend of development. The five-member NSES roster included:

  • Osama Zulfiqar
  • Xyeanne Million
  • Hilla Lumipuu
  • Fabio Mahamud
  • Zara Marium

Drawing on a diverse set of technical and strategic strengths, the team tackled critical problem statements with a prototype that impressed the judging panel across technical execution, scalability, and regional impact.

What Is ArcticNext 2026?

ArcticNext is an international innovation challenge created to address pressing technological, environmental, and business challenges facing northern and global communities.

The 2026 edition brought together top entrepreneurial and academic talent through a tripartite cross-border collaboration between:

  • Memorial University (Canada)
  • Nord University (Norway)
  • Joensuu Entrepreneurship Society (Joensuu ES) (Finland)

By connecting innovators across North America and the Nordic regions, ArcticNext bridges academia, startup ecosystems, and real-world industry demands.

Driving Innovation Forward

Winning first place at an event backed by three leading global institutions underscores NSES’s commitment to high-impact problem-solving. As the team celebrates this milestone, discussions are already underway on the next phases of development for the award-winning solution.

Congratulations to Osama, Xyeanne, Hilla, Fabio, and Zara on a well-earned victory.

Would you like to incorporate specific details about your team’s project name, problem statement, or a direct quote from one of the members?