TiME Hack 2026
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.
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.
Partners
TiME HACK is supported by a group of partners who contribute expertise, mentorship, and industry perspective throughout the hackathon:
- Google for Games will support teams with insights into immersive game development and industry best practices.
- Mediadesign University of Applied Sciences will contribute design and innovation expertise, supporting teams in shaping concepts and user experiences
- KLING KLANG KLONG will provide guidance on spatial audio and sound design for immersive experiences.
- Encircle Audio will support teams with spatial audio integration, based on their experience integrating immersive audio within the TiME Lab.
Prizes
The winning team will receive in kind support to help carry their projects beyond the hackathon. Prizes include Abendkurs vouchers from MDH worth up to €10,470, the opportunity to present at the XR Energy Summit, expert consultations, and follow up sessions with creative studios and the TiME Lab and Silicon Allee team.
Timeline
Schedule
15 Jan 2026
A relaxed pre-hackathon virtual meetup to spark ideas, meet fellow participants, and get a feel for what’s coming. Short intros, quick pitches, and easy networking to kick things off.
Purpose of the pre-event
- Introduce the TiME Lab, the technical environment, and the challenge framing
- Allow participants to introduce themselves and their interests or ideas
- Support early team formation and alignment ahead of the hackathon weekend
Session structure
- Welcome and practical information
- TiME Lab introduction
- Short participant introductions / idea sharing
- Breakout rooms arranged to meet others and explore potential collaborations
- Wrap-up and next steps
23 Jan 2026
Location: Silicon Allee at Fraunhofer Heinrich Hertz Institute Salzufer 15, 1st Floor 10587 Berlin, Germany
Settle in, grab some lunch, and get to know the people you’ll be creating with.
Location: Silicon Allee at Fraunhofer Heinrich Hertz Institute Salzufer 15, 1st Floor 10587 Berlin, Germany
Let's kick off TiME HACK 2026 together and learn what to expect this weekend!
Location: Silicon Allee at Fraunhofer Heinrich Hertz Institute Salzufer 15, 1st Floor 10587 Berlin, Germany
A walkthrough of the main challenge and how projects will be evaluated
Location: TiME Lab at Fraunhofer Heinrich Hertz Institute Einsteinufer 37 10587 Berlin, Germany
See the tools and tech you’ll have at your disposal so you can hit the ground running.
Due to limited capacities inside the TiME Lab you'll be split into three groups. Our staff will accompany you to the lab and back.
Location: Silicon Allee at Fraunhofer Heinrich Hertz Institute Salzufer 15, 1st Floor 10587 Berlin, Germany
If you’re still looking for the right teammates or want to add a few brilliant minds to your group, you’ll have time on site to complete your team formation.
Location: Silicon Allee at Fraunhofer Heinrich Hertz Institute Salzufer 15, 1st Floor 10587 Berlin, Germany
The official start! Register your team and dive into building, experimenting, and creating.
Location: Silicon Allee at Fraunhofer Heinrich Hertz Institute Salzufer 15, 1st Floor 10587 Berlin, Germany
Check in for important updates and practical details you’ll need for the evening and following day.
Location: Silicon Allee at Fraunhofer Heinrich Hertz Institute Salzufer 15, 1st Floor 10587 Berlin, Germany
Take a moment to eat, reset, and continue building your project however you like.
Location: Silicon Allee at Fraunhofer Heinrich Hertz Institute Salzufer 15, 1st Floor 10587 Berlin, Germany
The venue shuts for the night. Save your progress, head out, and recharge for day two.
24 Jan 2026
Location: Silicon Allee at Fraunhofer Heinrich Hertz Institute Salzufer 15, 1st Floor 10587 Berlin, Germany
The venue opens and breakfast is served. Settle in and get ready for the day ahead.
Location: Silicon Allee at Fraunhofer Heinrich Hertz Institute Salzufer 15, 1st Floor 10587 Berlin, Germany
Location: Silicon Allee at Fraunhofer Heinrich Hertz Institute Salzufer 15, 1st Floor 10587 Berlin, Germany
Location: Silicon Allee at Fraunhofer Heinrich Hertz Institute Salzufer 15, 1st Floor 10587 Berlin, Germany
Location: Silicon Allee at Fraunhofer Heinrich Hertz Institute Salzufer 15, 1st Floor 10587 Berlin, Germany
Take a break, enjoy lunch, and recharge for the afternoon.
Location: Silicon Allee at Fraunhofer Heinrich Hertz Institute Salzufer 15, 1st Floor 10587 Berlin, Germany
Location: Silicon Allee at Fraunhofer Heinrich Hertz Institute Salzufer 15, 1st Floor 10587 Berlin, Germany
Pause for dinner, connect with fellow participants, and reset before the evening push.
Location: Silicon Allee at Fraunhofer Heinrich Hertz Institute Salzufer 15, 1st Floor 10587 Berlin, Germany
Check in for important updates and practical details you’ll need for the evening and following day.
Location: Silicon Allee at Fraunhofer Heinrich Hertz Institute Salzufer 15, 1st Floor 10587 Berlin, Germany
The venue shuts for the night. Save your progress, head out, and recharge for the final day.
25 Jan 2026
Location: Silicon Allee at Fraunhofer Heinrich Hertz Institute Salzufer 15, 1st Floor 10587 Berlin, Germany
The venue opens for the final day. Grab breakfast and ease into the morning.
Location: Silicon Allee at Fraunhofer Heinrich Hertz Institute Salzufer 15, 1st Floor 10587 Berlin, Germany
Use this time to finalize your project, polish your pitch, and get everything ready to submit.
Location: Silicon Allee at Fraunhofer Heinrich Hertz Institute Salzufer 15, 1st Floor 10587 Berlin, Germany
Take a breather, grab lunch, and do a final check before submissions close.
All projects must be submitted by this time to be eligible for judging.
Location: Fraunhofer Heinrich Hertz Institute Salzufer 15, Ground Floor 10587 Berlin, Germany
Doors open for the final showcase.
Location: Fraunhofer Heinrich Hertz Institute Salzufer 15, Ground Floor 10587 Berlin, Germany
Hear perspectives from industry experts on games, tech, and innovation.
Location: Fraunhofer Heinrich Hertz Institute Salzufer 15, Ground Floor 10587 Berlin, Germany
Teams step into the spotlight to showcase their projects and take questions from the jury.
Location: Fraunhofer Heinrich Hertz Institute Salzufer 15, Ground Floor 10587 Berlin, Germany
The jury takes time to decide while the floor opens for conversations, connections, and the audience favorite vote.
Location: Fraunhofer Heinrich Hertz Institute Salzufer 15, Ground Floor 10587 Berlin, Germany
Winners are announced, prizes awarded, and the event officially wrapped up.
Location: Fraunhofer Heinrich Hertz Institute Salzufer 15, Ground Floor 10587 Berlin, Germany
Stay, connect, and celebrate the weekend’s work in a relaxed setting.