Climate change and the growing pressure on water resources are transforming Mediterranean agrifood systems. Ensuring efficient water management is one of the greatest challenges of the coming decades, and tackling it will require new ideas, innovative approaches and collaboration between a wide range of disciplines.
To help meet this challenge, IRTA is organising the Mediterranean Water-Smart AgriFood Hackathon, an intensive innovation day that will take place on 18 November 2026 in Barcelona, as part of EIT Water and in collaboration with the X_Agritech Network.
Present your proposal to a jury and you could win a cash prize:
🥇 1st prize
€1,000
🥈 2nd prize
€500
🥉 3rd prize
€250
Over the course of a day, participants will work in multidisciplinary teams to develop innovative proposals that respond to real challenges related to water and the agrifood sector. With the support of IRTA experts and facilitators specialising in innovation, they will have the chance to turn knowledge, creativity and talent into solutions with real impact.
🔬 Real challenges
Work on problems linked to water and the agrifood sector.
💡 Innovation
Create solutions with participants from different disciplines and backgrounds.
🤝 Networking
Connect with students, researchers, start-ups and professionals from the sector.
🧠 Mentoring
Receive guidance from IRTA experts and facilitators specialising in innovation.
The hackathon is open to university students, doctoral students, researchers, entrepreneurs and young professionals with an interest in innovation, sustainability and the transformation of the agrifood sector.
You don’t need to have an idea in mind or be part of a team.
We are looking for people with curiosity, initiative and a desire to learn, share knowledge and take on real challenges in a collaborative environment.
The future of water also depends on the ideas we have yet to have. Will you join us?
IRTA has been part of EIT Water since the end of 2025, as a core partner, alongside leading institutions such as Wageningen University and INRAE. EIT Water is the European Knowledge and Innovation Community (KIC) dedicated to tackling the major challenges related to water. You can find out more on its official website: eitwater.eu.
