Hub of innovations for cities · since 2018

Hackathons and programmes for real change

SYNCHRO SPACE brings cities, business, research and international partners together to address complex challenges — and prepare solutions for implementation.

Research - hackathons - acceleration - implementation

The international interdisciplinary community at a SYNCHRO SPACE urban hackathon in 2019
A hackathon is a tool for change.

An international interdisciplinary community addressing real challenges.

SYNCHRO SPACE archive · urban hackathon, 2019

What SYNCHRO SPACE does

We organise collaboration.
We develop solutions.

We design and deliver full-cycle hackathons, research and innovation programmes, combining methodology, teams, expertise and the infrastructure to make them work.

Cities and communities

Challenge → project

We identify priority needs, engage residents and experts, and shape a portfolio of solutions for a place.

Business and research

Expertise → solution

We bring together interdisciplinary teams for corporate and sector challenges, applied development and testing new approaches.

Government and international partners

Programme → result

We manage programme design, participant coordination, delivery, evaluation and support for next steps.

Beyond IT

Urban challenges need
different professions

Our work spans engineering, spatial, environmental, social and digital solutions.

01

Construction and recovery

Bio-based materials, energy efficiency, housing and urban infrastructure.

02

Industry and research

Applied research, engineering, manufacturing, mobility and energy.

03

Place transformation

Just transition in coal-mining towns, the environment, public spaces and tourism.

04

Community services

Education, public services, cultural exchange and digital tools.

Our scale

Eight years of practice.
Measurable experience.

3000+participants in hackathons,
events and programmes
80+solutions at different stages —
from prototypes to pilots
100+mentors
and experts

SYNCHRO SPACE’s consolidated experience as of 2026. Individual solution stages are described in the programme cases.

Selected work · 2018–2026

From a community challenge
to an international programme

Six examples of our work. A separate page brings together all programmes, hackathons and events.

A digital solution being presented at the first Livelihood Hackathon
Solution presentation · Kyiv, 15–17 April 2026
2026 · UkraineIOM Ukraine

Livelihood Hackathons

Three in-person hackathons for 12 communities, covering education, public services and urban development. SYNCHRO SPACE designed and delivered the hackathon cycle.

Result: 6 winning teams; €45,000 in IOM funding for further solution development.

Part of Livelihood+. Funded by BMZ through KfW.

Programme website Final hackathon press releases (UA)
The completed PtakhaHata pavilion by the BUDMO team in Severynivka
PtakhaHata / Common Ground · BUDMO team · completed in 2025
2023–2030Green recovery

Rebuild Green 2030

An international green recovery programme: from municipal needs and an urban hackathon to acceleration, consortia and implementation.

2024–2025 cycle: 60+ municipal needs reviewed, 20+ municipalities, 16 countries, 600 participants and 35 experts. 4 projects continued development; 2 pilots implemented.

Co-organised by SYNCHRO SPACE and FIABCI-Ukraine. Sustainability partner: Modulina Straw Panels.

Programme website Projects and their current stages
Participants of the Mine New Ideas! hackathon for the transformation of coal-mining towns
Mine New Ideas! hackathon · 2021
2021 · UkraineUNDP Acceleration Lab, Embassy of the Netherlands

Butterfly Effect:
Mine New Ideas!

Just transition in Myrnohrad and Chervonohrad: systems research, deep listening to communities and nature, a hackathon and a portfolio of initiatives.

Result: a research foundation and a portfolio of interconnected solutions for the transformation of coal-mining towns.

The programme was delivered with the official support of four Ukrainian ministries and two regional administrations.

All programme stages on the UNDP website
Participants and project presentations at Strade e Piazze Gentili in SC3 Milano, 2025
Art and design for neighbourhood transformation · Milano Design Week 2025
2025 · MilanSC3 Milano GentiLab, Gentletude and Voice of Space

Strade e Piazze Gentili

A hackathon in the official Milano Design Week 2025 programme. Its goal was to transform Milan’s Turro-Martesana neighbourhood: rethinking public spaces around Via Scutari and connecting residents through design, art and digital technology.

Result: six phygital projects connecting physical space and digital interaction.

SYNCHRO SPACE founder Alissa Bankovska took part as a co-organiser, contributing to programme work and mentoring. Partner support: Immobiliare Falco, Modulina and TAF Abrasivi.

Projects and results at SC3 Milano
Participants at the official launch of the tourism innovation incubator in Basicò
Basicò incubator launch · Sicily, 2025
2025 · BasicòComune di Basicò and ISIVI

Basicò Tourism Innovation

A solution incubator for tourism development in small towns: potential assessment, a Pitch & Demo Session and selection of a solution for piloting.

Result: six teams presented solutions; a tourism innovation incubator model was launched.

In partnership with Comune di Basicò and ISIVI.

SYNCHRO SPACE post-release
Participants working together around a table at a SYNCHRO SPACE urban hackathon
SYNCHRO SPACE archive · urban hackathons, 2018–2020
2018–2020 · UkraineUrban hackathons

SYNCHRO SPACE Urban Hackathons

SYNCHRO SPACE interdisciplinary urban hackathons: real city challenges and co-creation with communities, public authorities, business and experts.

Result: teams and project proposals for urban environments and services.

Organised by SYNCHRO SPACE, alongside development of its innovation ecosystem.

Explore our hackathon history

Our approach

One process.
Four stages.

We agree each stage’s format and depth with the partner, based on the challenge and available resources.

  1. 01

    Understand the challenge

    Data, interviews, user needs and alignment on priorities.

    Output: a clear brief and success criteria.
  2. 02

    Build the ecosystem

    Challenge owners, teams, mentors, experts and partners.

    Output: relevant expertise and shared working rules.
  3. 03

    Create and test

    A hackathon or lab: facilitation, prototyping and expert evaluation.

    Output: solutions, prototypes and selected teams.
  4. 04

    Prepare implementation

    Validation, incubation or acceleration, pilot sites and funding pathways.

    Output: a development plan and partnerships for the next step.

Online, in person or hybrid

Publicly documented

Recognition
and institutional trust

Partnerships, research and awards.

Alissa Bankovska presenting Rebuild Green during a visit by Ursula von der Leyen and António Costa
Rebuild Green 2030 and Circular Lab Ukraine · New European Bauhaus Festival, 2026.Official participant page

European Commission · DG RTD

SYNCHRO SPACE’s experience is included in the study Fostering knowledge valorisation through citizen engagement.

European Commission study

New European Bauhaus Festival · 2026

Rebuild Green 2030, together with Circular Lab Ukraine, received the Best Innovation award, as reported in the festival’s official publication.

Festival results
International partnerships

SYNCHRO SPACE hackathons have been delivered in partnership with and funded by leading international organisations, including UNDP and IOM, as well as BMZ, KfW and embassies — from programme design to event delivery and solution implementation.

Official cooperation with 5+ Ukrainian ministries, regional and municipal authorities, cities and communities.

Start with your challenge

What challenge
shall we address together?

Tell us what your city, organisation or business needs — and we will discuss the right programme format.

Contact us