The international port technology hackathon returns to Klaipėda on 25–27 September, bringing together innovators, researchers and young professionals to tackle challenges from the maritime sector.
For the eighth consecutive year, the international port technology hackathon Portathon will dock in Klaipėda, this time on 25–27 September 2026. The event invites innovators, researchers and young professionals to tackle real-world challenges facing the maritime sector, forming over 20 multidisciplinary teams guided by experienced mentors from industry and academia. Each year Portathon attracts more than 100 participants; this year, organizers aim to bring together the event’s most active and diverse innovation community yet.
Not just a weekend challenge, but a launchpad for new ventures
Portathon is more than an intensive three-day sprint. For many participants, it becomes a turning point in their professional journey.
“We joined Portathon simply to test our abilities and see whether our knowledge could be useful. In just a few days we received incredibly inspiring feedback from highly experienced mentors. That’s when we realized our solution had actual potential and it eventually led to the creation of our startup,” says team leader Gytis Raudonius, who participated in the hackathon a couple of years ago and who today, together with the same team, develops technological solutions for the port industry through their company, PortMI.
Participants work on actual business challenges submitted by companies operating within the port ecosystem. This year’s edition will place particular emphasis on safety, artificial intelligence and sustainability – themes that are increasingly defining the future of modern ports against the backdrop of today’s geopolitical and defense challenges.
Eight editions strong: connecting science, business and the next generation of innovators
Over eight years, Portathon has grown into one of the most significant platforms connecting the maritime innovation ecosystem, bringing together science, business and technology developers from across Lithuania and beyond. Young technology creators, startup founders and professionals from a wide range of disciplines all find their place here.
This year, the organizing team is joined by the Klaipeda University and the European University Alliance EU-CONEXUS, further deepening ties with the emerging talent community and expanding the event’s international academic reach.
Industry challenges become tomorrow’s technology
“Companies gain something that is often hard to achieve within daily operations: a fresh perspective on long-standing challenges. Multidisciplinary teams bring forward modern, innovative solutions that can be directly integrated into existing projects,” the organizers note.
Portathon also provides participants with an opportunity to build valuable professional connections, meet experts from the maritime sector and become part of a growing international network shaping the future of ports. The in-person format fosters intensive teamwork, mentored problem-solving and the real-time development and testing of new ideas.
Eight editions in, one thing is clear: the maritime sector is rich in challenges and equally rich in people willing to rise to meet them. Portathon remains committed to strengthening the synergy between innovators, industry and science, turning today’s port challenges into tomorrow’s technologies.
More information and registration: https://kmtp.lt/portathon/portathon-2026/
