Portugal Tech Week 2026 · Main initiative

Hackathon for a cause

Build something that matters. A week-long hackathon on a real challenge from people who live with ADHD every day, from 351 Portuguese Startup Association, Brainstorm and Institute for Tomorrow.

9–13 Nov 2026
Lisbon + online
Solo or team
Spots are limited

Organised by

The cause

Technology with a purpose

Instead of building technology for technology’s sake, you’ll work on a real challenge from people who live with ADHD every day, and turn your skills into something that could make a difference.

Brainstorm supports people with ADHD and their families in Portugal. Expect a challenge where smart technology and human-centred design have to work together.

Revealed at the kickoff

Brainstorm’s challenge is revealed on Monday 9 November, and you’ll hear it straight from the people it matters to.

Skills that will come in handy

Bring what you have

Code

Software development

Frontend, backend or both, with comfort around APIs and third-party tools.

AI and automation

Know-how, or the curiosity to learn on the go.

UX and product design

Especially accessible, low-effort experiences.

Think

Product thinking

Turning a messy problem into a clear solution.

Pitch

Storytelling and pitching

For a convincing Friday demo.

Care

Empathy and lived experience

Knowing ADHD first-hand, or through someone close, is a real advantage.

No need to tick every box. The best teams are mixed, and solo participants can be matched with teammates if they prefer.

Why join

Why it’s worth your week

Work on a problem with real human impact
Talk directly with Brainstorm and learn from lived experience
Practise building responsibly, with privacy, consent and user autonomy in mind
Get guidance from mentors and feedback from a jury at the final pitches
Meet people in Portugal’s tech and startup community who care about building with purpose
Prizes to be announced

Who can join

Everyone, from anywhere in Portugal. Developers, designers, product people, students, career changers, and anyone who cares about the cause.

Take part onsite in Lisbon or fully online. Come with a team or come solo, and we’ll help you find teammates.

What you’ll build

A working prototype or demo and a short pitch. No finished product needed.

Show a realistic user journey, and be clear about what works today and what is still an idea.

Mon 9 – Fri 13 November

How the week works

Mon · 9 Nov
Kickoff
10:00 – 12:00
The challenge is presented at the Portugal Tech Week Palace, also open online.
Mon – Thu · 9 – 12 Nov
Build
All week
Hybrid work, onsite or online, with mentors available to help.
Thu · 12 Nov
Submit
21:00
Send your results for pre-review.
Fri · 13 Nov
Final pitches
17:30 – 20:00
At the Palace, also open online.

Where

At the Palace, or online

Onsite at the Portugal Tech Week Palace, or online from anywhere in Portugal. Both the kickoff and the final pitches can be followed online, so you won’t miss a moment wherever you are.

Portugal Tech Week Palace
Rua Gomes Freire 98, 1150-179 Lisboa
Open in maps →