Deadline: 13-Feb-2026
SiLab Ukraine is hosting a two-day regional hackathon for active residents of Boryslav, Novorozdil, and Drohobych to co-create solutions that improve employment access, economic independence, and livelihoods.
Selected teams can receive up to €20,000 in funding, along with mentoring and expert support, to implement inclusive, community-driven projects that benefit vulnerable groups and youth.
Programme Overview
SiLab Ukraine is inviting active residents of Boryslav, Novorozdil, and Drohobych to take part in a two-day regional hackathon focused on solving local socio-economic challenges.
The hackathon is designed to empower communities to develop sustainable, inclusive solutions that improve access to employment, foster economic independence, and strengthen livelihoods, particularly for vulnerable groups affected by conflict and displacement.
Core Objective
The main goal of the hackathon is to support long-term, community-driven initiatives that:
• Improve employability and access to the labour market
• Promote economic resilience and independence
• Create inclusive opportunities for vulnerable populations
• Deliver measurable and sustainable community impact
Priority Focus Areas
Projects developed during the hackathon should address one or more of the following priority areas.
Employment and Livelihoods
• Enhancing access to employment opportunities
• Supporting self-employment and small business development
• Improving access to business support services
• Strengthening economic independence and resilience
Support for Vulnerable Groups
• Restoring motivation, confidence, and work readiness among veterans
• Supporting internally displaced persons (IDPs) in labour market integration
• Reducing employer prejudice toward vulnerable populations
• Developing inclusive hiring practices
Youth and Gender Inclusion
• Creating professional opportunities for young people
• Overcoming gender stereotypes in career choices
• Supporting youth leadership and skills development
• Promoting equal access to economic opportunities
Social Entrepreneurship and Community Impact
• Developing social enterprises with positive local impact
• Addressing social challenges through sustainable business models
• Strengthening community cohesion through economic initiatives
What the Hackathon Offers
Funding Opportunities
• Teams can compete for up to €20,000 to implement their solutions
• Funding supports pilot implementation and early-stage scaling
Mentoring and Expert Support
Participants will receive:
• Mentorship from experienced professionals
• Expert guidance on refining ideas and project design
• Support with funding applications
• Assistance with implementation planning and results monitoring
Who Is Eligible?
Eligible Participants
The hackathon is open to initiative groups and individuals from:
• Boryslav
• Novorozdil
• Drohobych
Eligible Participant Profiles
Participants may include:
• Local government representatives
• Public, charitable, and veteran organisations
• Local businesses and entrepreneurs
• Employees of social, educational, cultural, and medical institutions
• Activists and volunteers
• Internally displaced persons (IDPs)
• Veterans
• Youth leaders
How the Hackathon Works
Step-by-Step Process
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Participants form teams around a community challenge or idea.
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Teams work intensively over two days to develop practical solutions.
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Mentors and experts provide guidance, feedback, and technical support.
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Teams refine project concepts and implementation plans.
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Projects are pitched for funding consideration.
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Selected teams receive funding and ongoing support to implement their ideas.
Why This Initiative Matters
The SiLab Ukraine Regional Hackathon is important because it:
• Empowers communities to design their own solutions
• Addresses real employment and livelihood challenges
• Prioritises veterans, IDPs, youth, and other vulnerable groups
• Encourages inclusive economic development
• Combines innovation with practical, funded implementation
• Strengthens local resilience in a changing economic environment
Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Proposing ideas without a clear community need
• Ignoring the needs of vulnerable or marginalised groups
• Overly complex solutions without realistic implementation plans
• Weak team composition or unclear roles
• Focusing on short-term impact without sustainability
Tips for a Strong Hackathon Project
• Ground your idea in real community challenges
• Involve representatives of vulnerable groups in solution design
• Focus on practical, scalable, and sustainable solutions
• Clearly define how your project improves access to employment or livelihoods
• Show how funding will be used effectively to achieve impact
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the main goal of the SiLab Ukraine hackathon?
The goal is to develop and fund community-led solutions that improve employment access, economic independence, and livelihoods.
How much funding can teams receive?
Teams can receive up to €20,000 to implement their proposed solutions.
Who can participate in the hackathon?
Active residents and initiative groups from Boryslav, Novorozdil, and Drohobych, including veterans, IDPs, youth leaders, NGOs, and local institutions.
Are only businesses eligible to apply?
No. Community groups, NGOs, public institutions, informal initiatives, and mixed teams are all eligible.
Is mentoring provided after the event?
Yes. Selected teams receive ongoing mentoring and expert support during implementation and monitoring.
What types of projects are prioritised?
Projects that support vulnerable groups, youth employment, inclusive hiring, social entrepreneurship, and sustainable livelihoods.
Does the hackathon focus on long-term impact?
Yes. SiLab Ukraine prioritises initiatives with sustainable, long-term community benefits.
Conclusion
The SiLab Ukraine Regional Hackathon offers a powerful opportunity for residents of Boryslav, Novorozdil, and Drohobych to turn local ideas into funded, impactful solutions.
By combining collaboration, innovation, mentoring, and financial support, the initiative enables communities to strengthen livelihoods, promote inclusion, and build a more resilient and equitable local economy.
For more information, visit Public Space.
