Hackathon for Good organises EUtechfest edition on digital sovereignty in The Hague

On Tuesday 27 October 2026, the EUtechfest edition of Hackathon for Good will take place at The Hague Tech in The Hague. The event focuses on digital autonomy and sovereignty, and on how Europe can reduce its dependence on large American and Chinese technology platforms. Running from 9:30 to 16:30, it combines interactive workshops with practical sessions and talks.

Hackathon for Good has existed since 2018 and is rooted in The Hague, driven from The Hague Tech. Over the course of eight previous editions, more than a thousand participants have taken part in over fifty challenges submitted by organisations such as the Red Cross, the Ministry of Defence and the International Criminal Court. The community now counts more than a hundred partner organisations, including governments, NGOs, universities and technology companies.

Programme centred on sovereign technology

The EUtechfest edition covers a broad range of themes related to digital independence. Topics on the agenda include local data storage and cloud alternatives, open-source tools, ethical AI and the legal frameworks within which sovereign technology can operate in Europe. Sessions will be led by speakers active in the field of sovereign technology; at the time of writing, the specific names have not yet been announced.

The format is practical in nature. Alongside conventional presentations, there are hands-on sessions in which participants work directly on the subject matter. This aligns with the broader Hackathon for Good formula, where knowledge is not only shared but real solutions are actively developed. The event is aimed at professionals, policymakers and developers who are involved in, or interested in, the digital future of Europe and the Netherlands.

Background on Hackathon for Good

Hackathon for Good positions itself as a platform that connects data and AI innovators with organisations seeking to address societal challenges. Since its first edition in 2018, the initiative has organised annual events from The Hague, with a community that participates both physically and online from various countries. Participants come from diverse backgrounds, ranging from students and software developers to researchers and policymakers.

The themes vary by edition. Previous challenges were brought in by humanitarian organisations, international legal institutions and government agencies. With the EUtechfest edition, the organisation places emphasis on a topic that has been firmly on the European agenda in recent years: the extent to which public and private organisations are dependent on a small number of large technology platforms, and what is required to reduce that dependence.

Practical information

The event will be held at The Hague Tech, located at Waldorpstraat 5 in The Hague. Further details on registration, speakers and any associated costs can be found through the organisation. Specific partners for this edition have not yet been announced.

The EUtechfest edition fits within a broader European movement in which governments, knowledge institutions and tech communities are jointly exploring how digital infrastructure and AI applications can be more closely aligned with European values and legislation. The Hague, with its concentration of international organisations and government bodies, provides a logical base for this effort. For founders and investors active in open-source software, cloud infrastructure or AI compliance, the event offers an opportunity to connect with policymakers and other stakeholders directly involved in this transition.