Some future technology companies do not have a name yet. Some of their future founders are still students, early-career professionals or simply people looking for the right place to test what they can do.
On 25–27 September, more than 100 of them are expected to come together in Klaipeda for PORTATHON 2026, the international port technology hackathon organised by Klaipeda Science and Technology Park together with Klaipeda University.
For 48 hours, multidisciplinary teams will work on challenges across cybersecurity and safe navigation, AI and unmanned technologies, green and resilient ports, environment and circular economy.
This year, we are inviting companies to become part of that process.
The most valuable audience is not necessarily the largest one
PORTATHON is not a mass event attracting tens of thousands of visitors. For partners, that is precisely part of its value. For an entire weekend, one space is filled with students, programmers, engineers, researchers, young professionals and startup-minded creators. They are not walking past a sponsor’s banner for a few seconds. They are working, discussing ideas, having coffee, testing concepts, speaking to mentors and preparing their first pitches.
That creates something conventional advertising rarely does: time and proximity to a highly concentrated young talent audience.
These are people who will soon become technology specialists, project leaders, founders, customers and decision-makers. For companies looking to strengthen their employer brand, introduce a product to a younger audience or simply build an early relationship with the next generation of professionals, PORTATHON offers an unusually natural setting to do so.
The numbers show that this community is growing. PORTATHON 2025 attracted 120 participants from nine countries, forming 20 teams supported by 22 international mentors. Nineteen teams reached the final presentations, while registration had to be closed ahead of schedule because the venue had reached its physical capacity.
Sometimes 48 hours are only the beginning
The value of PORTATHON does not end when the awards are handed out on Sunday. PORTATHON partnership as more than sponsorship of a three-day event. It is a chance to encounter talent before their CV reaches a recruitment inbox. To hear an idea before it becomes a product. To meet a team before it becomes a company.
For challenge providers, there is another benefit: concentrated attention from a multidisciplinary group looking at a business problem without the assumptions that often accumulate around it in day-to-day operations. Companies and organisations can submit their own challenges and work alongside participants as they develop possible solutions.
The interesting part is being there early.
There is more than one way to be a PORTATHON partner
PORTATHON is a maritime technology hackathon, but its partners do not have to come exclusively from the maritime industry.
The ports of the future depend on software, engineering, AI, cybersecurity, energy, design, data and many other fields. They also depend on the people behind those technologies.
For this reason, partnership can take many forms.
A company may contribute financially, support the prize fund, provide technology, products or services, nominate an expert to mentor teams, or bring a challenge that deserves a fresh perspective. A consumer brand might become part of participants’ 48-hour experience through food, coffee or other products. A technology company may use PORTATHON to introduce itself to future employees or identify promising teams.
The size of the contribution is not the only thing that matters. A partnership works best when there is a clear connection between the company, the participants and the experience being created. Partners become visible throughout the event environment and PORTATHON communication. Depending on the format, their products, experts or technologies can also become a natural part of event photography, video and content created by participants themselves.
PORTATHON already has a track record of attracting strong business involvement. Last year’s supporters and partners included Klaipeda Port, Western Shipyard Group, Ignitis Renewables, Schneider Electric Lietuva, Omega 365 Lithuania, Phoenix Contact and other organisations.
Let’s build the future of ports together
PORTATHON has been bringing people willing to tackle difficult maritime challenges to Klaipeda since 2019. In 2026, the hackathon returns for its eighth edition. Some partners may help a young team keep going through a long night of work. Others may put technology into participants’ hands, share expertise or help fund the ideas that stand out.
One company may meet a future employee. Another may discover a team worth following. Somewhere in the room, an idea that does not yet have a company name may be taking its first serious step.
PORTATHON 2026 takes place on 25–27 September at Klaipeda Science and Technology Park.
Companies interested in becoming PORTATHON 2026 partners are invited to get in touch:
Erika Zavackienė
erika@kmtp.lt
+370 630 77161
More about PORTATHON 2026:
https://kmtp.lt/portathon/portathon-2026/
