AI-EDITION
29.–30. NOV. 2025
HIKEATHON
X CITIZENS
Our region faces real challenges in administration, in everyday life and in coexistence.
Get involved, develop ideas with others and actively shape Nordhausen.
WHAT IS THE HIKEathon
The HIKEathon is a unique event at Nordhausen University of Applied Sciences. Here you have the opportunity to learn design thinking and practical applications of artificial intelligence. Participation is free and offers you the chance to make valuable contacts and get to know the participating companies.
During the HIKEathon, you will work on real challenges and be able to apply your knowledge directly. At the end, attractive prizes and a certificate await you.
The HIKEathon is the start of new innovations and business ideas. This is where the solutions of tomorrow are created. Take advantage of this unique opportunity to broaden your career prospects and further your education in the field of innovation and AI.
Choose your challenge, sign up and take part!
10
CHALLENGES
10
COMPANIES
10
EXPERTS
2
DAYS
CHOOSE YOUR CHALLENGE
Select one of the challenges to register for the HIKEathon. You will be redirected to a registration form where you can also indicate your second and third choice. Your registration is then complete. The teams will be announced at the beginning of the event and we will do our best to accommodate your wishes.
Registration deadline: November 25th.
Strategie, Region, Image
Wie können wir ein neues, glaubwürdiges und positives Bild von Nordhausen entwickeln, das Identifikation stiftet und die Stärken der Stadt authentisch sichtbar macht?
How can we develop a new, credible, and positive image of Nordhausen that fosters identification and authentically highlights the city's strengths?
Mobilität, Nachhaltigkeit, Nahverkehr, ÖPNV
Wie können wir den Nah- und Schienenverkehr im Landkreis Nordhausen so miteinander vernetzen, dass Menschen aller Generationen zuverlässig, klimafreundlich und einfach unterwegs sein können – auch abseits der Hauptstrecken?
How can we connect local and rail transport in the Nordhausen district so that people of all generations can travel reliably, easily, and in a climate-friendly way—even away from the main routes?
Energie, Nachhaltigkeit, Technologie
Wie können wir erreichen, dass mehr Menschen im Landkreis ihre Energie selbst erzeugen – z. B. durch gemeinschaftliche oder individuelle Lösungen – und damit die regionale Energieversorgung stärken?
How can we encourage more people in the district to generate their own energy—e.g., through community or individual solutions—and thereby strengthen the regional energy supply?
Lebensqualität, People, Region, Kultur
Wie können wir den Landkreis Nordhausen so gestalten, dass junge Menschen gerne bleiben bzw. zurückkehren – und gleichzeitig alle Generationen hier gut und gern leben können?
How can we shape the district of Nordhausen in such a way that young people want to stay or return – and at the same time all generations can live here well and happily?
Wirtschaft, Entwicklung, Strategie
Wie können wir das Potenzial der 100 ha in der Goldenen Aue voll ausschöpfen, um neue Ideen, Branchen und Gründer:innen gezielt in den Landkreis Nordhausen zu holen?
How can we fully exploit the potential of the 100 hectares in the Golden Aue to attract new ideas, industries, and entrepreneurs to the district of Nordhausen?
Technologie, Künstliche Intelligenz, Nachhaltigkeit
Wie können wir Künstliche Intelligenz so einsetzen, dass die Abfuhr von Wertstoffen im Landkreis effizienter, planbarer und ressourcenschonender wird?
How can we use artificial intelligence to make the disposal of recyclable materials in the district more efficient, more predictable, and more resource-friendly?
Mobilität, Nachhaltigkeit, Wirtschaft
Wie können wir eine nachhaltige Mobilität gestalten, die alle Generationen einschließt und den ländlichen Raum besser anbindet, um bis 2040 eine emissionsfreie Fortbewegung zu erreichen?
How can we design sustainable mobility that includes all generations and better connects rural areas in order to achieve emission-free transportation by 2040?
Kultur, Region, Strategie, Tourismus
Wie können wir Nordhausens kulturelles Erbe, Kreativszene und die attraktive Lage am Harz nutzen, um Tourismus und Kulturangebote auszubauen?
How can we leverage Nordhausen's cultural heritage, creative scene, and attractive location near the Harz Mountains to expand tourism and cultural offerings?
Entwicklung, Strategie, Startups, Kultur, Wirtschaft
Wie können wir Nordhausen bis 2030 zur Gründerstadt Thüringens – mit einem smarten, vernetzten Unterstützungsökosystem auf Augenhöhe, in dem gute Ideen nicht an Verwaltung oder fehlender Hilfe scheitern - machen?
How can we make Nordhausen the start-up city of Thuringia by 2030—with a smart, networked support ecosystem on an equal footing, where good ideas don't fail due to bureaucracy or a lack of assistance?
Wirtschaft, Entwicklung, Fachkräfte, Zukunft
Wie können wir den Standort Nordhausen für Fachkräfte aus aller Welt sichtbarer und attraktiver machen – sowohl digital als auch im direkten Kontakt?
How can we make Nordhausen more visible and attractive to skilled workers from all over the world – both digitally and through direct contact?
Technologie, Region, Strategie, Startups, Wirtschaft
Wie können wir den de:hub Photonics & Digital Experience Platforms (DXP) als Impulsgeber nutzen, um Verwaltung, Wirtschaft und Gesellschaft in und um Nordhausen stärker zu vernetzen und so die Region über die Kreisgrenzen hinaus zu stärken?
How can we use the de:hub Photonics & Digital Experience Platforms (DXP) as a driver to better connect public administration, business, and society in and around Nordhausen, and thereby strengthen the region beyond its district borders?
SUPPORTED BY
TIMELINE & CONTENT
During the HIKEathon we follow a schedule.
In each subsection, you will learn several methods and apply them practically to solve your challenge. You will receive a digital workbook for the workshop, which you can use to apply the methods in your studies and career.
DESIGN THINKING INPUT
DESIGN THINKING INPUT
TAG 1
DAY 1
INPUT ZU GENERATIVER KI
INPUT GENERATIVE AI
TAG 1
DAY 1
PROBLEMANALYSE UND VERSTÄNDNIS
PROBLEM ANALYSIS AND UNDERSTANDING
TAG 1
DAY 1
ZIELGRUPPEN UND NUTZERANALYSE
TARGET GROUPS AND USER ANALYSIS
TAG 1
DAY 1
IDEEN ENTWICKELN UND EVALUIEREN
DEVELOPING AND EVALUATING IDEAS
TAG 1
DAY 1
VISUALISIEREN UND TESTEN VON IDEEN
VISUALIZING AND TESTING IDEAS
TAG 2
DAY 2
PITCH TRAINING
PITCH TRAINING
TAG 2
DAY 2
PITCH TIME
PITCH TIME
TAG 2
DAY 2
SIEGEREHRUNG
AWARD CERTIFICATE
TAG 2
DAY 2
KREATIVES GET TO GETHER
CREATIVE GET TO GETHER
TAG 2
DAY 2
THAT WAS THE HIKEATHON 23
FAQ
Do you have any questions about the HIKEathon? We may have some answers here.
1. What is the HIKEathon?
The HIKEathon is an event at the Nordhausen University of Applied Sciences where participants work on real challenges and learn design thinking and practical applications of artificial intelligence.
2. When and where does the HIKEathon take place?
The HIKEathon takes place on November 29-30 at the Nordhausen University of Applied Sciences.
3. Who can take part in the HIKEathon?
Students, university members and interested people with no connection to the university are cordially invited to take part.
How can I register for the HIKEathon?
Registration takes place online via the official HIKEathon website.
Is participation in the HIKEathon free?
Yes, participation in the HIKEathon is free.
Which companies are setting the challenges?
Ten leading companies from various industries are setting the challenges. You can see which companies are setting which challenges in the overview above.
What is the HIKEathon?
The HIKEathon is an event at Nordhausen University of Applied Sciences where participants work on real challenges and learn design thinking and practical applications of artificial intelligence.
When and where does the HIKEathon take place?
The HIKEathon takes place on November 29-30 at the Nordhausen University of Applied Sciences.
Who can take part in the HIKEathon?
Students, university members and also interested people with no connection to the university are cordially invited to take part.
What subject areas do the challenges cover?
The challenges cover a wide range of topics, including sustainability, technology, AI, environmental protection and more.
How does the HIKEathon work?
Participants work in teams on the challenges facing companies, using design thinking methods and AI applications. The teams are also supported by the hike team and by experts provided by the companies.
What is Design Thinking?
Design Thinking is a creative approach to problem-solving that focuses on user needs and develops innovative solutions.
Welche Rolle spielt Künstliche Intelligenz (KI) ?
Teilnehmer lernen, wie KI in praktischen Anwendungen eingesetzt wird, um reale Probleme zu lösen.
Are there prizes for the winners?
Yes, at the end of the HIKEathon there are attractive prizes for the best solutions.
Will I receive a certificate for my participation?
Yes, all participants will receive a certificate confirming their participation and the skills they have acquired.
Muss ich besondere Vorkenntnisse haben?
Besondere Vorkenntnisse sind nicht erforderlich. Interesse und Engagement sind die wichtigsten Voraussetzungen.
Is there food available?
We ask that you provide your own food. We provide coffee and cold drinks for a small additional charge. On Friday you can use the university cafeteria. On Saturday you can order pizza with us.
What do I need to bring to the HIKEathon?
Since we work with AI tools, it is good if each participant brings their own laptop/tablet. If you don't have a suitable device, you can certainly come to an agreement with your team.
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