Registration is open – sign up for the hackathon!
From coastline to launchpad
Pärnu CoastHack is an international AI, digital and technology hackathon set on the Baltic coast in the seaside city of Pärnu, Estonia. Bringing together creators, developers, designers, entrepreneurs, students and innovators from Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Finland, CoastHack is where new connections become bold ideas.
Over three days, participants form multidisciplinary teams, solve real-world challenges and transform ideas into working prototypes with the support of experienced mentors. Whether you already have an idea or are looking for teammates, CoastHack is the place to meet like-minded people and build something meaningful together.
The event is open to everyone aged 16 and above. You don’t need to be a programmer or have a startup idea before you arrive. Great teams need different perspectives, and successful products are built by people with diverse skills and backgrounds.
With today’s AI tools, turning an idea into a prototype has never been more accessible. What matters most isn’t knowing everything from day one – it’s finding the right people to build with. That’s exactly what CoastHack is all about.
CoastHack takes place on 2-4 October 2026 at the University of Tartu Pärnu College. During the same weekend, Pärnu comes alive with the ÖÖvalgel Light Festival, giving participants the chance to unwind after a day of building by exploring stunning light installations, musical performances and the unique charm of Estonia’s best-known seaside town.
Preliminary schedule
The hackathon will take place at the University of Tartu Pärnu College and the Pärnumaa Business Incubator (Ringi 35, Pärnu).
Friday, 02.10.
- 16:30 – Arrival, registration, welcome coffee & snacks
- 17.00 – Hackathon opening
- 17:15 – Founder Stories: on-stage conversation with an Estonian startup founder
- 18:30 – Idea pitches: 90-second elevator pitches & introduction to the next steps
- 20:00 – Team formation, networking & snacks
- 21:30 – ÖÖvalgel light festival
- 22:30 – CoastHack Community Mixer (18+). An informal continuation of the hackathon opening night in central Pärnu. Location to be announced soon.
🕒 Workspaces will remain open until late for teams who wish to continue working.
Saturday, 03.10.
- 08:30 – Arrival
- 09:00 – AI & vibe coding workshop
- 10:00 – Teamwork, idea validation & mentor consultations
- 12:00 – Lunch break
- 13:00 – Teamwork continues
- 15:00 – Mini-workshop: cybersecurity & safe vibe coding principles
- 15:30 – Teamwork continues
- 18:00 – Dinner break
- 19:00 – Checkpoint: prototype review with mentors
- 20:00 – Teamwork continues
🕒 Workspaces open until late.
Sunday, 04.10.
- 08:30 – Arrival
- 09:00 – Checkpoint
- 09:30 – Mini-workshop: Elevator Pitch 101
- 10:00 – Final pitch & demo preparation, last mentor consultations
- 12:00 – Lunch break
- 13:00 – Final pitch practice & finishing touches
- 15:00 – Final pitches & solution demos
- 17:00 – Jury deliberation & networking
- 18:00 – Winner announcement & awards ceremony
Friday, 02.10.
- 16:30 – Arrival, registration, welcome coffee & snacks
- 17.00 – Hackathon opening
- 17:15 – Founder Stories: on-stage conversation with an Estonian startup founder
- 18:30 – Idea pitches: 90-second elevator pitches & introduction to the next steps
- 20:00 – Team formation, networking & snacks
- 21:30 – ÖÖvalgel light festival
- 22:30 – CoastHack Community Mixer (18+). An informal continuation of the hackathon opening night in central Pärnu. Location to be announced soon.
🕒 Workspaces will remain open until late for teams who wish to continue working.
Saturday, 03.10.
- 08:30 – Arrival
- 09:00 – AI & vibe coding workshop
- 10:00 – Teamwork, idea validation & mentor consultations
- 12:00 – Lunch break
- 13:00 – Teamwork continues
- 15:00 – Mini-workshop: cybersecurity & safe vibe coding principles
- 15:30 – Teamwork continues
- 18:00 – Dinner break
- 19:00 – Checkpoint: prototype review with mentors
- 20:00 – Teamwork continues
🕒 Workspaces open until late.
Sunday, 04.10.
- 08:30 – Arrival
- 09:00 – Checkpoint
- 09:30 – Mini-workshop: Elevator Pitch 101
- 10:00 – Final pitch & demo preparation, last mentor consultations
- 12:00 – Lunch break
- 13:00 – Final pitch practice & finishing touches
- 15:00 – Final pitches & solution demos
- 17:00 – Jury deliberation & networking
- 18:00 – Winner announcement & awards ceremony
Free snacks, lunch and dinner will be provided throughout the hackathon.
CoastHack participants can get a special rate for a double room at Tervis Medical Spa, just a 5-minute walk from the event venue. Book directly with the hotel by phone +372 447 9220 or email sales@tervis.ee and use the code COASTHACK to receive the discount.
Mentors
Oliver Sild
Founder & CEO
Patchstack
Liisi Kirch
Startup Sector Manager
Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications
Timmu Tõke
CEO, Co-Founder
Stealth, Ready Player Me
Kärt Siilats
VC Investor, Co-Founder
EstVCA, SmartCap,
Mojo.Capital
Kevin Akkermann
CTO, Co-Founder
Bilt.me
Kairi Loomet
Community Manager, Service Designer
Palo Alto Club,
Loome Disain
Martin Veeris
CTO
AI Tehas
Maarja Pajusalu
Doctoral researcher in health informatics, data visualization and AI trainer
University of Tartu Institute of Computer Science
Rauno Kutti
Consultant
Kuttid
Gerrit Kaseleht
CEO
Pärnu Keskus
Svea Uusen
Business Development
Consultant
Pärnu County Innovation Hub KOBAR
Get to know more about the mentors here:
Who is the hack for?
Got any other questions?
What ideas are welcome?
CoastHack is looking for innovative technology and digital ideas that solve real-world problems or create new opportunities. For example:
- AI & Automation
- Digital Products & Software
- Cybersecurity & Data
- Web & Mobile Applications
- GreenTech & Sustainability
- Health & Wellbeing Solutions
- EdTech
- FinTech & Digital Services
- Smart Cities & Public Innovation
- Any other technology-driven ideas
If your idea uses technology to create value or solve a real problem, you’re in the right place.
Who is CoastHack for?
CoastHack is open to everyone aged 16 and above. It isn’t just for developers – we welcome anyone who wants to help build technology-driven solutions and turn ideas into reality.
- Developers & Engineers
- Designers & UX/UI Professionals
- Marketers, Strategists & Business Developers
- Industry Experts & Entrepreneurs
- Students & Professionals
- Creative Thinkers & Problem Solvers
- Anyone who wants to build something meaningful
You don’t need to have an idea or a team before the event. At the start of the hackathon, participants pitch their ideas and teams are formed on-site around the most exciting concepts.
How does the hackathon work?
- Register for the hackathon here.
- Pitch your idea or join a team at the event.
- Build a working prototype with support from experienced mentors.
- Present your solution to the jury and audience.
- Win prizes and get the opportunity to continue developing your idea after the hackathon.
Organizers
Sponsors and partners
Stay tuned for more partner announcements.
Pärnu CoastHack is organized in cooperation with the Estonian Business and Innovation Agency (EIS). The event is funded by the European Union through the European Regional Development Fund under the Startup Estonia programme.
