REAL CHALLENGES · CREATIVE SOLUTIONS
AERONAUTICS HACKATHON 2026
by Saab and East Sweden Game
What happens when game technology meets aeronautics?
Take on a real challenge from Saab and explore how game tech, 3D, visualization, simulation, interaction, AI and software development can help shape the production environments of the future.
Hack Day · 28 November 2026
Linköping · Sweden
Different skills.
A shared curiosity.
Saab and East Sweden Game are bringing together game developers, software developers, designers, students and creative technologists for a unique hackathon in Linköping.
Your mission is to explore a real challenge from Saab and turn your ideas into something that can actually be experienced and demonstrated.
THE CHALLENGE
Imagine an IKEA kitchen planner – but for a factory.
Create a tool for planning a production environment.
Explore how modern game technology and interactive 3D tools can help people design, visualize and optimize complex production environments.
The goal is to create a prototype that can be experienced and understood – something that demonstrates your solution rather than simply describes it.
HOW IT WORKS
Three stages. One opportunity
01
KICK-OFF
19 NOVEMBER 2026
ESG Summit, Spektrum Conference · Linköping + online
Meet Saab, discover the challenge and get everything you need to start building. The event will be streamed online and a recording will be available. Visit ESG Summit eventpage →
02
HACK DAY
28 NOVEMBER 2026
Spektrum Conference · Linköping
A full-day development sprint where teams work on their solutions. At the end of the day, each team submits a short demo. A jury selects the finalists.
03
FINAL
10 DECEMBER 2026
Spektrum Conference · Linköping
The selected teams present their solutions live to the jury. One team will be chosen as the winner, with the opportunity to continue the dialogue with Saab.
WHO CAN JOIN
Open to curious minds.
The hackathon is open to students and professionals. We’re looking for people who can bring new perspectives, technologies and ways of thinking to the challenge.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What can I win?
First of all: glory, obviously. But more importantly, the winning team will get a unique opportunity to visit Saab, meet relevant experts and decision-makers, and present their solution in more depth to selected people within the organization.
If we make it to the Final, can we keep working on our project?
Absolutely. The Hack Day is not the finish line. Finalists are welcome to continue developing, polishing and improving their solutions before the Final on December 10.
Can we use Unreal, Unity or other existing tools and libraries?
Yes – please do. Use the tools you like, that help you build something great.
Can we use AI?
Absolutely. AI tools and technologies are welcome – whether you use them to help you develop your solution or as part of the solution itself.
Does it have to be a serious application – or can we make something weird?
We’re looking for ideas that could create real value, rather than pure entertainment. But that doesn’t mean your solution has to be boring. If you have a strange, playful or crazy idea that makes us see the challenge differently – then join us.
Will there be food and drinks during the Hack Day?
Yes. We’ll make sure you have food, drinks and enough fuel to keep building throughout the day. More practical details will be shared with registered participants closer to the event.
Is my registration guaranteed?
Places are limited. If we receive more registrations than we can accommodate, we may not be able to offer everyone a place.
Why is Saab doing this?
Because interesting solutions often emerge when you bring together people who don’t normally work on the same problems.
And why is East Sweden Game doing it?
Because we believe game developers know things that are useful far beyond games. East Sweden Game wants to create more opportunities with other industries and real-world challenges.
Do I need to know anything about aeronautics?
No. That’s kind of the point. We’re looking for new perspectives.
Do I have to be a game developer?
No. The hackathon is open to game developers, software developers, designers, 3D artists, AI developers, students, startups and other creative and technical people.
Can I participate without a team?
Yes – sign up and we’ll help you meet potential teammates.
Do I need to attend all three stages?
Not necessarily – but the Hack Day is mandatory of course. The Kick-off provides useful information, and if you make it to the Final, we definitely want to see you on stage!
READY TO TAKE ON THE CHALLENGE?
Bring your skills. Try something new. Build something real.