The Valletta Design Cluster (VDC) proudly hosted its first-ever hackathon, the Mobility Innovation Design Sprint, on the 16th and 17th of November. This exciting event, part of the VDC’s activities under the EIT Urban Mobility project, aimed to tackle pressing urban mobility challenges through creativity, collaboration, and cutting-edge innovation.
Held at the Cluster’s state-of-the-art studios and residency facilities, the design sprint brought together bright minds to develop transformative solutions for sustainable urban transportation. Participants had the invaluable opportunity to be mentored by esteemed experts: Prof. Matthew Montebello, a leader in Artificial Intelligence, Dr. Suzanne Maas, an authority on Urban Mobility in Island Cities, and Ms. Marisa Abela Gatt, a specialist in Design Thinking.
The event concluded with a vibrant pitch session, where teams presented their ideas to a panel of judges. Taking home the top prize was Glazed, (Bryan Spiteri, Jacob Ellul, Keith Farrugia, and Luca Vella) a team of computer science students from the University of Malta who impressed the judges with their innovative digital solution to enhance the public transport user experience.
Second and third prizes were awarded to KSS and HALLD, who both presented inspiring projects focused on alternative mobility solutions.
The VDC is committed to fostering innovation and empowering individuals to use their creativity and innovation to create sustainable solutions. This inaugural hackathon marks a significant milestone in the Cluster’s journey toward shaping a more connected and accessible future.
For more information about the Valletta Design Cluster and its initiatives, visit https://www.vca.gov.mt/en/valletta-design-cluster/
