A Sibiu IT initiative
Open Your Mind
An educational initiative that supports the development of the Sibiu community with IT training programmes and easy access to technology education resources and tools.
Two formats
We learn by listening. And by building.
Open Your Mind conferences
We bring together IT experts and technology enthusiasts to discuss relevant, innovative topics in the industry - to encourage knowledge exchange and help the technology community of Sibiu and beyond grow.
Open Your Mind Hackathon
Participants collaborate and build innovative technology solutions against the clock. The goal: stronger technical skills, encouraged creativity and more innovation in the local community.
Open Your Mind Hackathon
24 hours. One idea. One prototype.
The hackathon brings together mixed teams, with diverse skills, working on a new idea or continuing a project already under way. At the end of the 24 hours, teams have a working prototype or a proof of concept.
We want it to be fun and worthwhile: participants sharpen their skills and meet people just as passionate as they are. The winning teams receive cash prizes.
For high-school students, university students and company juniors. Participants under 18 need a consent form signed by a parent or legal guardian.
2026 edition · 6 – 7 November
The hackathon moves into Innovation Week.
The “Astra Hack” edition takes place during Innovation Week 2026 in Sibiu: 24 hours on artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and sustainability.
Themes
Three themes, one test: it has to matter.
Sustainability includes solutions built to last, to reduce resource use, or to help other initiatives become more sustainable. Bring a project you are already working on, or a brand-new idea.
Artificial Intelligence
- An AI study assistant that helps students organise their schedule
- Recognising recyclable objects with AI
- Predicting energy use on a school or university campus
Cybersecurity
- An app that teaches pupils about online risks
- An educational game about spotting and preventing cyber attacks
- Protecting your digital identity on social media
Sustainability
- A gamified recycling platform for schools
- Sustainable gardens for school campuses
- A collaborative platform for sustainability education
Judging criteria
How projects are judged.
The idea and how it fits the chosen theme. Usefulness, business case
Architecture, scalability, complexity
Functionality
Implementation quality: clean code, patterns, unit tests
The idea’s impact on the community
Originality
Resource optimisation and sustainability
A clear account of the team’s own work in the presentation
The mentors are experienced professionals, passionate about technology, who work at Sibiu IT Cluster member companies.
Hackathon editions
Every November since 2023.
“Astra Hack” edition, part of Innovation Week 2026
Third edition, at EduHub (6 Banatului St)
Second edition
First edition
Photos: Ovidiu Matiu
Open Your Mind conferences
The conference series in the Aula Magna.
Aula Magna, Lucian Blaga University of Sibiu · 2 Lucian Blaga St
Spread Your Technical Wings
Open Your Mind conference
How Bitdefender is building the future of cybersecurity
A Sibiu IT Cluster project co-financed by Sibiu City Hall.
