From 8-10 April 2026, the University of Twente hosted the fifth edition of the AI in Education Hackathon, organized in collaboration with AIC4NL, NPuls and NOLAI, and co-funded by 4TU.CEE. Over the course of three days, 12 multidisciplinary teams worked intensively on innovative ways to apply AI in education.
Read about the Hackathon here; https://www.utwente.nl/onderwijs/pre-university/pro-u/activiteiten/hackathon/
Participants represented a broad range of institutions, ranging from secondary and vocational education to universities. A diverse jury of AI experts from education institutions, policy organisations, and industry evaluated the projects. Students from multiple sectors contributed both as team members and as part of the jury, ensuring that learner perspectives were embedded throughout the event.
The teams presented a wide range of concepts, ranging from e.g., an application to help prevent ‘brain fry’ with AI use, tools to support working on citizenship learning goals, solutions for designing coherent learning pathways, and an assistant to support education professionals in determining which scientific studies to use in their teaching.
Higher (Engineering) Education teams focused on tools that strengthen teaching, learning and academic workflows. Projects ranged from AI-driven admin support to research-amplification tools, clearer question formulation aids and platforms for practicing real-world communication in professional and social environments. Several concepts also supported richer teacher-student dialogue and oral assessment.
This year’s winning projects were:
· The Power of Yet - Etty Hillesum Lyceum
· LexiClear - University of Leiden.
Both teams impressed the jury with the educational relevance, thoughtful use of AI and strong potential for impact.
We thank all participants, organisers, and the jury for their enthusiasm and contributions, and we already look forward to the sixth edition!