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
| Detail | Information |
| Dates | Friday, November 27 – Sunday, November 29 |
| Location | Hacklab Kuopio, Kaivotie 38, 2nd floor (Kulkutie side—ring the Hacklab doorbell) |
| Eligibility | Open to students, developers, makers, and enthusiasts across all backgrounds |
| Experience Level | Beginner-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.