Europe’s Most Immersive Hackathon

Step beyond VR and MR. Build the next generation of shared-reality multiplayer experiences.

🗓️ 2026, January 23–25

📍 TiME LAB at Fraunhofer HHI. Einsteinufer 37, 10587 Berlin.

Apply now!

About the Hackathon

Join us at Fraunhofer HHI and step beyond VR and MR to explore the future of immersive play. Prototype the next generation of multiplayer environments that merge physical interaction with digital space.

Fraunhofer HHI is one of Europe’s leading institutes for communication systems and media technology, driving innovations for the digital society. Our TiME Lab is a state-of-the-art immersive arena designed for prototyping and testing high-fidelity, real-time, interactive experiences. For one weekend, it’s all yours:

🎥 14×4K panoramic projection. Create stunning, high-resolution visuals in a 180° panoramic view.

🔊 Spatial audio system. Design and tweak real-world, immersive audio environments.

🎮 Interactive tools for embodied play. Use sensors, haptics, and motion capture to bring truly shared, interactive experiences to life.

🧩 Simulation Space in Unreal Engine 5. Prototype multiplayer experiences with physics-driven interactions and collaborative gameplay.

Theme: Reimagining Play in Shared Realities

We’re calling on teams and individuals ready to push the frontier of immersive gameplay; inventing what comes after VR and MR.

TiME HACK is your chance to shape the future of shared immersion by designing embodied, interactive experiences that blend physical and digital realities. In the TiME Lab, you'll prototype bold new ways to collaborate, laying the groundwork for the next generation of immersive games.

🏆 Projects that demonstrate educational or social value, like serious games or learning tools, will also be eligible for a special bonus award.

The full challenge will be revealed in the coming weeks: suffice it to say, expect to redefine what immersive play can be.

Why You Should Join

At TiME HACK, you’ll have the opportunity to:

🧠 Learn from experts. Receive mentorship from leading industry professionals, researchers from Fraunhofer HHI, developers, and designers

🤝 Connect with peers. Collaborate with fellow innovators who are just as passionate about immersive play as you

🚀 Turn ideas into reality. Gain access to partners, resources, and support to bring your prototype to market after the hackathon.

Whether you’re a game developer, 3D artist, or aspiring startup founder, this is your chance to shape the next generation of immersive experiences.

What to Expect

🎯 Pre-Event: Get to know the challenge details and form your team.

🛠️ Hackathon: A weekend of intense hacking, mentoring, and pitching.

🎤 Final Pitch: Present your project to the jury and compete to win best project.

Who It’s For

TiME HACK is built for creators who want to push boundaries and prototype the future of immersive play. Whether you have a game development, design or entrepreneurial background, if you’re excited to invent what comes next, you belong here.

• Unreal Engine developers with experience building playable projects 

• Game designers & creative coders exploring new forms of spatial interaction 

• 3D artists & technical designers bringing immersive environments to life 

• Students, researchers & practitioners in simulation, training, or edtech 

• Indie developers & teams looking for a new challenge or to test ideas in a groundbreaking environment 

Come solo or with a team; what matters is curiosity and the drive to innovate. Each team should include at least one member with experience in developing with Unreal Engine 5.

Applying solo or without Unreal Engine experience? Don’t worry, you’ll have ample opportunity to meet the right team to complement your skillset.

---

Timeline