In 48 hours from idea to prototype
Tourism doesn’t happen in one place – it happens across regions, providers, and platforms that rarely talk to each other. That’s the gap the InnoDays #ConnectedJourney is here to close. We bring together destinations, companies, students, designers, and engineers to build prototypes for five real industry challenges. In 48 hours, in Vienna, as part of ViennaUP.
Look back and feel the energy of last years InnoDays #SeamlessExperience:
Challenges
Connected journeys depend on more than transport. They depend on how guests arrive, where they stay, how regions work together, and how the ecosystem connects. Each of our five challenges tackles one piece of that puzzle.
get inspiration
How it works
Before the InnoDays, companies define their challenge. During the 48 hours, interdisciplinary teams move from first ideas to tested prototypes.
Prototypers
Join the InnoDays teams on May 21 (14–16h) and May 22 (9–12h) to turn rough ideas into something you can see, touch, and test. Designers, makers, and visual thinkers welcome.
🛠️ Build what matters
Contribute to important challenges and help shape the future of travel, side by side with a team.
🎨 See your design come to life
Turn rough ideas into something tangible that your team can showcase.
🌐 Expand your network
Meet companies, mentors, and other builders.
Why join
We believe complex problems are best solved collaboratively. Everyone is welcome to join the InnoDays. Participants are students, employees, freelancers, creatives and hopefully you.
🤝 Get support
The best ideas get the company partner’s support to make the idea happen.
🧑💻 Build skills
Work in a team with different skillsets and mindsets to come up with innovative solutions and learn with others.
🧑🏫 Receive mentoring
Mentors and challenge partners support you across the 48 hours – with feedback, expertise, and the occasional reality check.
🛠️ Gain experience
Innovation is something you get better by doing it. This is your opportunity to gain hands-on experience by solving critical challenges.
🌟 Create opportunities
Find your next career opportunity as an InnoDays talent.
🌐 Expand network
Meet companies, partners, mentors, and other innovators from across industries and disciplines.
Special Prizes
In addition to the prizes from the company partners, you can win special awards.
Most impactful idea
For the team whose idea goes beyond innovation, to make the future of mobility more sustainable and create lasting change.
For the team whose prototype has startup potential. Recognized by the Tourism Incubator with a consultation and a path into the program.
Highest business potential
whataventure honors the idea with the highest potential to generate significant business impact. We are looking for breakthrough concepts that can drive new business and real growth.
Most motivated team
For the team that brought the most energy and commitment across the 48 hours.
Location
Austria’s first Co-Innovation Factory is located in what used to be Europe’s largest bread factory. On two floors, the Co-Innovation Factory offers a variety of unique and flexibly customizable spaces that invite you to rethink, experiment and innovate together.
Absberggasse 27
1100 Vienna
FAQ
Do I need to pay to participate in the InnoDays?
No, participation is free.
Where will the InnoDays take place?
The InnoDays will take place in person in Vienna (AUT)
How will I get to the Venue?
The easiest way is to come by public transport or by hopping on your bike and enjoy a ride through Vienna.
What language do you speak at the InnoDays?
The InnoDays’ language will be a mix of English and German depending where the participants come from. Teams can choose to work together in whatever language they want, but the outcomes of the event will have to be in English too.
Who are the participants?
The event is free for everyone to join. Our main group of participants is university students with diverse backgrounds including business, design, and engineering. The only requirement for participation is your full-time commitment during the 48 hours event.
How does the application work?
You will have to submit a video that summarizes your idea for the innovation challenge on our registration form.
What if I don’t have an idea to submit?
In this case, you can apply with a video introducing yourself, your interests and skills, and motivation for joining the InnoDays. Moreover, you will have to briefly explain an industry trend or inspiration relative to the challenge you would like to tackle.
How do teams work?
At the InnoDays, you can join individually or in teams. Teams may have up to 5 people. When submitting the video, you can indicate the names of your team members. Even if you join as a team, all team members need to sign up for the event independently. If you don’t have a team after registration, we will assign you to a team based on your application. Every team needs to have a minimum of two different backgrounds (e.g. business+design).
How does the 48 schedule look like?
We will kick off with a welcome session on May 20. Day 1 will be dedicated to ideation, Day 2 to prototyping, and Day 3 to validation. Teams will have daily check-ins with the lead mentors, and office-hours with experts and company partners.
Are the daily check-ins mandatory?
Yes, daily check-ins are mandatory.
What kind of support will participants receive at the event?
Teams will have access to a platform showcasing useful resources to progress on the idea. Webinars, check-ins, and office hours will complement the support.
How will the winner be selected?
Each team will have to submit a pitch-deck showcasing its idea and a pitch-video. A jury composed of company partners, experts, and mentors will evaluate the submission based on innovativeness, feasibility, challenge fit, progress in the 48 hours, and motivation to continue working on the idea.
Are there any pre-requisites to joining?
No, there is no pre-requisite besides your commitment throughout the 48 hours.
More questions?
Email hello@innodays.org
Program partners
Challenge partners
Community partners & Supporters
