About the competition
Science has always been our way of understanding the world—from studying the laws of nature, through analysing social processes, to discovering the mechanisms of the human mind. It is thanks to science that we are able not only to explain reality, but also to predict and shape the future. In times of rapid social change, climate and demographic challenges, the role of science as a “tool for looking into the future” is becoming crucial—that is why it is time to give a voice to university students. As Alan Kay said:
„The best way to predict the future is to invent it.”
With the younger generation in mind, we created the ‘Invent the Future. Katowice – City of Science of the Future’ competition. Today, cities are like lenses that focus the challenges of entire societies. That is why we invite university students to develop social innovations that respond to the real needs of Katowice—in the spirit of modern technology, science and co-creation of the city by its residents and the younger generation. Each proposal should not only be innovative, but above all, it should realistically improve the quality of life through accessible, practical and socially acceptable solutions.
Formula and course of the competition
The competition is based on the hackathon formula.
Participants, divided into interdisciplinary teams, will face challenges that they define themselves within a 24-hour timeframe. They will be accompanied by mentors – experts who inspire and provide support, as well as supervisors who take care of the organisational aspects of the endeavour.
Finally, each team will present their project during a 10-minute presentation to the jury. The competition will award the following prizes: Grand Prize, Mentors’ Award and Audience Award.
The competition is organised by the Academic Consortium Katowice City of Science and the City of Katowice.