Ideas That Can Become Businesses
“We came to ‘Portathon’ to test our abilities and see whether our knowledge could be valuable for the port. During the hackathon, we received inspiring feedback from highly qualified mentors. It was here that we realized our solution had real potential, and shortly after the event, our startup was born,” says team leader Gytis Raudonius, who today, together with the same team, offers technological solutions for ports through the jointly established company “PortMi.”
Challenges for the “Portathon” hackathon are presented not only by the Port of Klaipėda and companies operating there, but also by other Baltic Sea ports seeking to implement innovative solutions. This year, particular focus will be placed on security, artificial intelligence, and sustainability—topics that, in the context of today’s geopolitical and defense realities, are shaping the future of modern ports. Solutions emerging in these areas are already determining how ports will manage risks, optimize operations, and reduce environmental impact in the coming decades. Experience from previous hackathons shows that “Portathon” can also serve as a space where ideas gain practical value and teams have the opportunity to develop them into prototypes with real application potential in port ecosystems.
The Eighth Wave: An International Event Further Strengthening the Link Between Science and Business
Over eight years, “Portathon” has grown into one of the most important initiatives connecting science, business, and technology developers in the field of maritime innovation. The event annually attracts participants from across Lithuania and abroad—young tech creators, startup representatives, and professionals from various fields. Experience from previous years shows that solutions born here do not remain at the idea stage—they are further developed together with ports and business partners.
More than one “Portathon” project has evolved into solutions that are tested or implemented in real life—from logistics optimization to smart data analytics tools. For participants, it often becomes a springboard into careers in maritime innovation.
Klaipeda University, together with the European University Alliance EU-CONEXUS, is joining the organizers, further strengthening connections with the community of young talents and international academic partners. The organizers expect that in 2026, the community of innovators will be even larger and more active in creatively addressing maritime sector challenges and developing solutions that can be applied not only in the Baltic region but also globally.
“Today, a university is no longer just a place for transferring knowledge—it is a space where solutions for the real world are created. ‘Portathon’ enables our students and young creators to immediately engage in solving the most pressing port challenges and to see how their ideas turn into functioning solutions,” emphasizes Prof. Dr. Artūras Razbadauskas, Rector of Klaipeda University.
Hackathons – A Catalyst for Businesses Operating in the Port
“Ports and the businesses operating within them use ‘Portathon’ as a platform that allows them to meet young talents in one place, gain fresh perspectives, and discover new ideas—something that is often lacking in day-to-day operations. Here, teams of specialists from different fields come together to develop innovative solutions that can later be integrated into existing projects,” note the organizers.
“Portathon” also provides an opportunity to build valuable professional connections with maritime sector experts from various countries. The in-person event will bring participants together for intensive teamwork, discussions with experienced mentors, and the development and testing of new ideas.
Over eight years, “Portathon” has clearly demonstrated that it is more than just a hackathon. It is a place where science and business meet, where young talents connect with experienced experts. Most importantly, it is where different maritime horizons—and ports that typically compete—come together to collaborate. If the ports of the future are to be smarter, safer, and more sustainable, part of those solutions will be born here. Therefore, the hackathon aims to further strengthen synergy between innovators, business, and academia, transforming port challenges into the technologies of tomorrow.
More information and registration for the teams: https://kmtp.lt/portathon-lt/
