Got an idea you’d love to turn into something real?

AI Creativity Catalyst is a free online hackathon for creative, curious and ambitious people across the Arctic region — and we’d love to see students from Lapland University of Applied Sciences involved.

Taking place 5–11 October 2026, the hackathon brings together participants from across Finland, Sweden and Norway to form small teams, develop ideas with AI tools, build working prototypes, and pitch their projects.

You don’t need to be an experienced programmer, and you don’t need to arrive with a team. This is a great opportunity for:

  • Business and computer engineering students
  • Anyone curious about AI, entrepreneurship or creative technology
  • Students with an idea they’d like to turn into a prototype
  • Creative people who want to meet and collaborate with others across the Arctic

During the hackathon week, you’ll work with mentors and other creatives, experiment with new AI tools, and take an idea from concept to something tangible.

And there’s an extra reason to bring your best ideas: the winning team will receive a free trip to Kirkenes, with travel and accommodation covered, to present their project at the Arctic AI Summit in October.

  • AI Creativity Catalyst: 5–11 October 2026 — Online
  • Apply by 27 September
  • Free to attend

Info and applications: Garagestories.org/ai-creativity-catalyst

If you’ve been curious about what AI can help you build — or you have an idea waiting to become something real — this is your chance to jump in, experiment, and connect with other creative minds across the Arctic.