dAIper Hackathon
Turn ideas into impact – together we advance Computer Vision and AI for Procter & Gamble (P&G), a well-known consumer goods company.
The dAIper Vision Hackathon is an intensive, hands-on innovation event jointly organized by FAU and P&G. It brings together motivated students to tackle challenging computer vision and AI problems using real-world challenging industry data.
Over three days, you’ll work in small teams, explore different modern and classical Computer Vision and AI approaches, and develop creative solutions – all in close collaboration with researchers and industry experts.
Why should you join?
- real world challenges: we will work on real data, and real challenges from industry, instead of solving artificial problems.
- academia meets industry: apply the latest scientific techniques and test them on real-world problems with realistic constraints and real-world performance metrics
- learn from experts: we have both, experienced researchers from industry and doctoral students, as well as professors from academia
- boost your profile: gain practical experience, strengthen your CV and connect with industry professionals at P&G and researchers at FAU
What will we solve?
The hackathon focuses on solving challenging computer vision problems on images of diapers – they raise a surprising amount of fascinating vision problems that are surprisingly complex. You will deploy cutting edge foundation models and/or classical techniques to explore which perform better. No prior experience with diapers is required, just curiosity, technical interest, and the willingness to experiment (and a solid background in the field of computer vision/foundation models is highly beneficial).
Who can apply?
We are looking for motivated and skilled students with a strong background and interest in:
- Computer Vision
- Machine Learning/AI
- Pattern Recognition
- Computer Graphics
- related fields
Application is open for master and doctoral students at FAU and other institutions.
Participants will be selected through a competitive application process to ensure a diverse and effective crew. The application process opened in December and is open till February 06th. We will conduct interviews with some candidates in the first week of March.
When will it happen?
The hackathon happens on Friday 24. to Sunday 26.04.2026 in the beginning of the semester, when the coursework is still less intense. Transportation from Erlangen will be included (we might also be able to offer shuttles from other places depending on our participants). We will start early in the morning and be back late on Sunday evening.
Where will we hack?
Our retreat will take place at Speinshart Monastery, home to the Scientific Center for AI and SuperTech (SSC) — a truly unique venue that offers the perfect environment for creative and focused collaboration. Surrounded by centuries of history and a spirit of innovation, participants will find quiet workspaces for intensive teamwork, on-site accommodation and full catering (free of charge), and an atmosphere that encourages fresh thinking far beyond the routines of everyday university life.
The SSC is jointly supported by Universität Bayern e. V. and Hochschule Bayern e. V., and funded by the Bavarian State Ministry of Science and the Arts, bringing together cutting-edge research and visionary ideas at the intersection of AI and key technologies.
What can I win?
There will be a monetary price for the winning team.
Where to apply?
Please use this application form.
Questions?
You have a question regarding the hackathon? Please contact bernhard.egger@fau.de and tim.weyrich@fau.de