Vibe Hackathon Cologne
Build a real product with AI in just 48 hours.
Stop planning. Start shipping.
In partnership with STARTPLATZ — the organizers of Vibe Coding Cologne
Join the Vibe
100 builders. 48 hours. Working prototypes. Here's what it looks like.
From the Vibe Hackathon November 2025 — our first edition at STARTPLATZ Cologne
Who Is This For?
The hackathon is for anyone who wants to stop planning and start building.
Founders
"I have an idea but can't build it myself"
Build your MVP yourself without waiting months for a technical co-founder.
Marketers
"I'm dependent on dev for everything"
Create AI-powered automations without writing code from scratch.
Product Managers
"I can see it but can't show it"
Build working prototypes to validate ideas — no dev sprint required.
Developers
"I want to ship faster with AI"
Deep dive into agentic patterns, guardrails, and n8n integration.
What You Need
No programming experience required — the hackathon welcomes non-developers.
Bring your own idea or join a team — both work great. Team formation happens Friday evening.
48 Hours, One Goal
Friday 5pm to Sunday 3pm — a focused weekend of building, learning, and shipping.
Friday
March 20
Kick-off & North Star
Welcome, team building, MVP scope canvas, 48-hour playbook
Team Building & Project Pitches
Present ideas, form teams, or define your solo project
Start Hacking
Pizza available, optional Vibe Coding 101 deep dive with Ben
Saturday
March 21
Breakfast & Check-in
Fuel up, group start, project status updates
Hacking & Optional Deep Dives
Build with mentor support, optional deep dive sessions
Office Hours & Deep Dives
Get individual mentor support or join a deep dive
Pizza & Evening Hacking
Dinner break, then continue building until midnight
Demo Rehearsal
Quick interim presentations, feedback round
Sunday
March 22
Breakfast
Fuel up. Start your final day with breakfast and coffee
Final Sprint
Last optimizations, testing, demo preparation
Demos & Pitches
Every team/solo presents their prototype (3-5 min each)
Wrap-up & Networking
Feedback, lessons learned, community building
Kick-off & North Star
Welcome, team building, MVP scope canvas, 48-hour playbook
Team Building & Project Pitches
Present ideas, form teams, or define your solo project
Start Hacking
Pizza available, optional Vibe Coding 101 deep dive with Ben
The Venue
STARTPLATZ — Cologne's leading innovation hub.
STARTPLATZ Cologne
Address
Im Mediapark 5
3rd Floor
50670 Cologne, Germany
Where to Stay
Recommended: Hotel Motel One Köln-Mediapark
Distance: 2 minute walk
Tip: Book early — fills up fast on weekends
Getting There
Parking: Synodome Parking house
Pro tip: No sleeping facilities on-site. Book a nearby hotel if you prefer a proper rest, or power through with strategic naps — it's a hackathon, after all.
Join the Hackathon
48 hours of focused building at STARTPLATZ Cologne.
Vibe Hackathon Cologne
March 20-22, 2026 • STARTPLATZ Cologne
24/7 access all weekend
Breakfast, dinner, pizza
Expert guidance on demand
Reliable internet
Stay caffeinated
Full weekend access
This event is also available through STARTPLATZ. Same event, same experience.
Questions? Answered.
Everything you need to know about the hackathon.
Still have questions? Email us at ben@pirateskills.com