Hackathon: Build Your Own Public Stack

Technology is not neutral—and neither are the choices behind it. Every platform, tool, or service is built on layers of infrastructure, software, and design decisions that shape who benefits, who participates, and who is left out.

During this hands-on hackathon, you’ll explore the Public Stack model and apply it directly to your own organisation. Together, we’ll map your digital landscape—from materials and protocols to business models and interfaces—and uncover how your values can guide better, more ethical tech choices. By the end of the day, you’ll have the foundations of your own Public Stack.

Whether you’re already building “tech for good” or just getting started, this is your chance to rethink your digital ecosystem and collaborate with like-minded organisations. This hackathon is funded by the European Union via the European project DIGISET - helping social economy actors along their digitalization journey. It is a collaboration with the Public Spaces Conference.

🧩 What to expect

• A practical introduction to the Public Stack model
• Guided mapping of your organisation’s digital infrastructure
• Collaborative hackathon sessions with peers and experts
• Concrete insights you can take back and implement immediately

🎁 Bonus

Tickets include free access to the PublicSpaces Conference in the morning and afternoon on the same day—an inspiring start to the day with leading voices in public digital infrastructure.
For social SMEs which are established at least 20 km away from the main location, additional financial grant of 948 EUR will be provided as lump sum to cover travel and accommodation costs.

🎯 Who should attend?

We welcome two types of organisations:

• Social SMEs (Non-profits, cooperatives, and impact-driven startups with fewer than 250 employees and annual turnover ≤ €50 million or total assets ≤ €43 million)
• Tech / Digital SMEs (SME organisations providing digital services—ideally already working towards positive social impact)

📍 Location

The public spaces conference takes place at Pakhuis de Zwijger in Amsterdam, a leading platform for dialogue, creativity, and innovation in the heart of the city. The hackathon takes place in a closeby separate location, Huis de Pinto, where participants will be guided to.

📅 Program

• 10:00 – 13:00 PublicSpaces Conference @ Pakhuis de Zwijger(Includes lunch and drinks during the conference)
• 13:00 – 13:30 Travel to Huis de Pinto
• 13:30 – 17:00 DIGISET Hackathon @ Huis de Pinto
• 17:00 – 19:00 Drinks @ Pakhuis de Zwijger

🎟️ Tickets

1. Social SMEs established at least 20km away from location (40 spots)
   These tickets require a mandatory financial grant application. The grant of 948 EUR will be provided as lump sum to cover travel and accommodation costs. 👉 Apply for the grant here: Application form_SMEs - DIGISET
   Only after approval will your participation in the hackathon be confirmed.
2. Digital SMEs (10 spots)
   These tickets do not require a financial grant application.

⚡ Why join?

• Gain clarity on your organisation’s digital dependencies
• Align your technology choices with your mission and values
• Connect with a community shaping a fairer digital future
• Walk away with actionable results—not just ideas

Spots are limited—secure your place!

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

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Host or Publisher COSME DIGISET