Innovations for Trnava's Dynamic Traffic using AI

Design a system for streamlined registration, booking, and payment processing for fair vendors, eliminating the need for paper confirmations while respecting the necessary processes within a municipal environment.

Prize money for the winner: 3000 €
5th - 6th December 2024
Malý Berlín, Trnava

Registration closed

Livestream

Initial situation

The city of Trnava has undergone an extensive multi-million upgrade of its traffic lights. As one of the most innovative cities in Slovakia, it aims to bring innovation to traffic management and dynamics within the city. Trnava is equipped with “smart” intersections—traffic lights that serve as a rich source of data and can also be controlled externally. Despite the city’s considerable efforts, significant congestion still forms during peak times, contributing to negative sentiment and overloading the city’s traffic.

Trnava sees this hackathon as an opportunity to expand its existing capacities, using advanced technologies like AI and machine learning to radically improve traffic management.

Aim of the hackathon

Design a model system for dynamic traffic light regulation in the city of Trnava, capable of analyzing data in real-time from traffic sensors, cameras, weather stations, and other information sources. The system will serve as a proposal for the subsequent implementation of automatic traffic light modes based on the current traffic situation, seasonality, time of day, and specific events, with the goal of optimizing vehicle flow.

Challenge of the hackathon

Using machine learning or artificial intelligence (AI), design a model system and solution for optimizing the flow of dynamic traffic in the city of Trnava, with a proposal for future adjustments for real-time traffic light control. The system should be capable of analyzing data in real-time from traffic sensors, cameras, weather stations, and other information sources. It should propose automatic adjustments to traffic light modes based on the current traffic situation, seasonality, time of day, and specific events, with the goal of optimizing vehicle flow.

Registration closed

Expected solution

Prototype of a system for dynamic traffic light control in the city of Trnava, capable of automatically adjusting traffic light modes based on the current traffic situation, seasonality, time of day, and specific events.

Features of the ideal solution:

Brings increase in vehicle flow at key intersections.
Allows for integration with public transportation IT systems, parking systems, and air quality monitoring systems.
Ability to learn and adapt to the current traffic situation.
Potential for implementation in other cities in Slovakia.
Adaptable to the city's traffic policy.
Cost-effectiveness in line with the city's financial capabilities.
Intuitive user interface.

Registration closed

Winners

First place
Team SmarTTeam

During the hackathon, the team developed a concept for intelligent traffic management aimed at receiving real-time traffic data from smart intersections and then sending optimized signal plans back to the traffic lights. This would result in reduced waiting times at intersections, improved traffic flow, lower fuel consumption and emissions, and more efficient use of urban transportation infrastructure.

“We planned what we wanted to present, stayed realistic, and created a feasible prototype. I think it also helped that we’re locals. Trnava and its surroundings—we had to win it for our city,” said Denis Helienek after their victory. “What inspired me is that every time I come to Trnava, I can see progress in traffic management, and it doesn’t feel like it’s only being done for cars. Not new roads have been built here, but new ways to move people, not just cars, have been introduced,” added team member Rastislav Černay.

Second place
Team Incomodum

The team proposed a solution called “Traffi,” which integrates with the Invipo system. Using a machine learning model, it processes real-time data from intersections to create optimized plans for traffic light management and intersection evaluation. This system is modular and can learn from external data sources, such as Waze, to further optimize traffic flow.

“We’ve previously focused a lot on design and branding, but this topic didn’t allow for that as much. That’s why we’re very happy with second place. Having the home-field advantage is always helpful, it was tough to compete with strong rivals,” said team captain Daniel Czaja, reflecting on the competition.

Third place
Team DreamTeam

Their solution utilized low-cost camera systems equipped with machine learning and pattern recognition software. To better understand the given task, they conducted field observations at selected intersections, performed vehicle counts, and used the collected and provided data to create simulations of the intersections. They then implemented AI to optimize traffic management.

“I absolutely didn’t expect us to win anything. We came here thinking we’d just give it a try, and as long as we weren’t last, we’d be happy,” said Zbyšek Gabrhel, expressing his surprise at their placement.

List of Mentors and Experts

Marián Gogola

Associate Professor, University of Žilina

Marián is an Associate Professor in the Department of Road and Urban Transport at the University of Žilina. He specializes in transport planning, traffic engineering, and sustainable mobility, focusing particularly on cycling and public transportation. He is the author of numerous professional publications, books, and textbooks. He has collaborated on several domestic and …

Juraj Majera

Engineer and Business Developer

Juraj is an engineer and business developer with over ten years of experience in electromobility and sustainable transport. He has worked on innovative projects such as designing the first electric Porsche and developing simulation software for zero-emission public transport. He is ready to support teams in creating new innovative solutions with a focus on customer value …

Martin Polák

Senior Policy Advisor - Mobility Innovations, Office of the Government of the Slovak Republic

Martin focuses on policy development in science, research, and innovation, with a specialization in mobility. He draws on experience coordinating the Railway CEO Coalition and managing stakeholders for one of the flagship projects of Europe’s largest railway innovation program. During the hackathon, he will gladly offer an out-of-the-box perspective on service design, …

Miroslava Tereková

Head of Department and Project Manager for the National Smart Mobility Coordinator, Ministry of Transport of the Slovak Republic

Miroslava is an expert in smart mobility with extensive experience in implementing innovative transport solutions. She has contributed to the execution of several pilot projects in Slovakia, delivering sustainable, efficient, and modern solutions for the future of transportation. Her projects include initiatives such as utilizing 5G networks to enhance road safety, …

Ivan Kopčík

IT Specialist

Ivan has been dedicated to creating and developing e-shops for over 10 years through his own programming company. His clients come from various industries, and he helps them fully realize their online potential and achieve success. As a city councilor in Trnava, he brings his experience and expertise as a digital innovator to support the development of modern technologies …

Marián Schwarz

Enterprise Agility Coach in IT

Marián is an experienced Agile coach with extensive practice in IT and software development, specializing in efficiently managing large development teams and leading agile transformations in complex environments. He has expertise in SAFe and scaling agile processes, enabling him to support innovation and sustainable growth in companies of all sizes. He actively …

Andrej Farkaš

Programmer, Expandeco

Andrej is a developer at Expandeco, a company providing consulting and critical infrastructure for expanding e-commerce businesses. Recently, he has been actively working on optimizing processes across various departments of the company, often leveraging artificial intelligence tools. Since 2018, he has been involved in municipal politics as a city councilor in Trnava, …

Erik Matovič

Lead Data Scientist, City Office of Trnava

Erik is a graduate of the Faculty of Informatics and Information Technologies at the Slovak University of Technology in Bratislava. As the Lead Data Scientist in the Transportation Department of the Trnava City Office, he is responsible for the city's data policy and focuses on artificial intelligence, data science, computer vision, and Smart Cities concepts. He leverages …

Peter Rozsár

Sustainable Mobility and Transport Urbanism Officer, City Office of Trnava

Peter graduated in regional development from Comenius University in Bratislava. He has been dedicated to the development of sustainable transportation, particularly cycling, since 2017, starting his career at the Ministry of Transport and Construction of the Slovak Republic. Currently, he works in the Department of Transport Urbanism and Sustainable Mobility at the Trnava …

Tomáš Ludwig

UX Expert, jabono s.r.o., MIRRI SR

Tomáš is dedicated to business process analysis, UX design, and software, web, and mobile application prototyping in the UX company jabono. Additionally, he works as a consultant for the mass deployment of Apple technologies in schools and businesses. Currently, he is working at MIRRI on prototyping designs for selected citizen life situations and expanding the ID-SK …

Tomáš Lörinc

Senior Internet of Things Engineer and Solution Architect, FPT Slovakia s.r.o.

Tomáš studied theoretical and industrial electrical engineering combined with artificial intelligence. He currently works as a solution architect for IoT systems in a multinational IT company. In addition to projects focused on industrial innovation, he is actively involved in research on intelligent building management. He also worked as a lecturer at the Košice Academy …

Martin Nemeček

Founder, Potom.sk

Martin comes from the startup world. As a startup scout, he worked for the venture capital fund ZAKA and, together with partners at Katalyst, invests in promising projects. Currently, he is focusing on innovations in Sweden and launching a project to support people coping with the loss of a loved one. He also trains presentation skills and, as a winner of multiple …

Vilém Knap

Sales manager, RoadTwin s.r.o.

Vilém graduated from the Faculty of Transportation Sciences at the Czech Technical University in Prague, specializing in Intelligent Transportation Systems, and from the Technical University of Denmark, specializing in Transport and Logistics. His first professional experience involved conducting road safety audits in Macedonia using the iRAP methodology. He contributed …

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Frequently Asked Questions

Who is behind the Hackathon?

The owner of the topics of the Hackathon is the City of Trnava.

How is the "team" defined?

The minimum of 2 people including a speaker e.g. a person that will present the idea, and understands the business and the challenge; and a tech expert who is able to create a prototype or a clickable version of the application / web / product.

What are the ideal roles for our hackathons?

The goal of our hackathons isn’t to program an entire solution but to develop a comprehensive concept. It’s crucial to focus on the feasibility of the solution during its creation and presentation, as this heavily influences the jury’s decision on the winning project. Before arriving at the hackathon, define the roles within your team. Leverage each member’s strengths to save time and avoid conflicts. One person can take on multiple roles, but having clarity helps.

Analyst
Thinks analytically and can quickly understand and map out processes or data structures. Often, technical problems stem from flawed processes, so it’s beneficial to outline, comprehend, and propose adjustments to these processes before suggesting a technical solution.
Designer
Understands the design process and knows that a picture is worth a thousand words. By creating sketches or wireframes, the designer quickly brings the proposed product to life. This makes it easier to iterate on ideas and test solutions with users. Whether you stick to sketches or refine the design, it’s an excellent way to present your product.
IT specialist
Has a strong grasp of technical matters. If you’re designing a software product, this could be a software architect or developer who outlines the technical architecture of the solution. While coding is a plus, it’s not the primary goal. If you decide to code, focus on components that can be completed within the timeframe and set you apart from the competition.
Product manager
Rozumie biznis potrebám a problémom zákazníka. Spoluprácou a spájaním informácií od ostatných členov tímu potom smeruje výsledný produkt tak, aby riešil problémy ako zákazníka, tak aj koncového používateľa a bol realizovateľný v stanovenom čase a rozpočte.
Salesperson
Actively communicates and represents your team during the hackathon, especially when presenting your product to the jury. They believe in the product, can highlight its strengths, address customer business problems, and emphasize the benefits for end users.

Can I change the team composition during the hackathon?

The team composition can be changed before the hackathon. However, it remains fixed during the hackathon, meaning that no new team members whose names or email addresses were not provided during registration or check-in on the event’s opening day can be added after the official registration and check-in.

What will happen after filling out the application?

As soon as you submit your application, a member of the hacknime.to team will contact you within 24 hours (either by email or by phone) with further information and the procedure.

Can I be not selected for the hackathon?

If you register after the capacity is full or you will not match the criteria for the participating teams, you will not be chosen as the participant.

What are the selection criteria for contestants? What do I have to fulfill?

The basic scoring scale includes:

Experience in the IT and TECH industry or
Experience in design thinking procedures or
Experience in the so-called sprint procedures, SCRUM master certificate or
Experience in drawing up business plans, new businesses, creating prototypes or MVP or
You are a high school student focused on computer technologies, economics, business or design (both product and digital) or
You are a student of a university focused on computer technologies, economics, business or design (both product and digital)
If you do not meet any of the above criteria, you can still prove that you have personally participated in at least two hackathons in the past (it is necessary to prove the output of these events)

If as an adept (or combined your team) meets at least two requirements from the above criteria, you have the right to participate in the hackathon. The more requirements you fulfill, you move up in the ranking.

What is a conflict of interest?

A conflict of interest represents a situation where a personal interest motivates or could motivate a judge/mentor/organizer employee/topic owner/competitor to act against the best interests of the hackathon. Involvement of these individuals in activities where a conflict of interest occurs or may occur is not allowed. Such activities include:

Influencing mentors and judges to gain an advantage for themselves or a close person, financially or otherwise,
Influencing individuals working for the organizer, the ministry, or a company with a supplier or partner relationship with the organizer,
Intentional modification of solutions by mentors or possible one-sided mentoring in favor of some participants,
Formation of a competition team by a mentor, judge, or person working for the organizer, topic owner, or the ministry,
and others.

If a participant identifies a conflict of interest, they are required to immediately and verifiably inform about the conflict of interest. If a participant fails to report circumstances that could lead to a conflict of interest, this fact will itself constitute a violation of these principles and may result in the disqualification of the competition team at the hackathon. The decision on disqualification is made by the organizer.

Can I participate in the event if I am under 18 years old?

A person under 18 years of age may participate in the event only after completing and submitting a parental/legal guardian consent form to the organizer or when accompanied by a parent/legal guardian throughout the entire duration of the event.

When is the deadline for registration?

Teams or individuals will be able to register until December 3rd, 2024, or until the maximum capacity is reached.

Is there capacity for the attendees?

The attendee capacity is up to 60 people.

How will the best solution be evaluated at the hackathon?

Task Fulfillment / Relevance / Functionality:

Score by the jury: 1 to 35
The solution / POC / MVP / Software relates to the theme of the hackathon and the defined challenges.
The solution / POC / MVP / Software works and meets at least the basic user functions.

Idea / Originality, Uniqueness, Creativity

Score by the jury: 1 to 10
How creative is the idea behind the solution / POC / MVP / Software?
How original is the solution / POC / MVP / Software?
Is it something that hasn’t been done before, and unique compared to competitors?

User Experience / Added Value (or technical design for solutions without a frontend)

Score by the jury: 1 to 15
Is the overall user experience intuitive?
Does the solution / POC / MVP / Software make sense from a UX perspective?
What will be the impact (in terms of scope) and added value of the solution / POC / MVP / Software for the target audience?

Feasibility / Implementability / Viability

Score by the jury: 1 to 35
Does the solution / POC / MVP / Software actually work? Is the solution / POC / MVP / Software easy to scale?
Is there potential for the solution to be realized with the resources that are realistically available?
How relevant and applicable is the use of the solution / POC / MVP / Software for solving the given challenge?

Presentation to the Jury

Score by the jury: 1 to 5
Quality of the presentation, visual aspects, content, and delivery in an engaging manner.

The maximum number of points a team can earn is 100.

What happens if the participating team comes to the hackathon with a pre-prepared solution?

The organizer and owner of the hackathon theme has the motivation to bring, based on the innovative hackathon event, new solutions for our company, improvement of existing available solutions or otherwise innovate the current state. The competition team can come to the hackathon with a ready-made solution, but it must be visibly demonstrated that, thanks to the hackathon, consultations with mentors and experts, the transformation of its ready-made solution into the final form for the requirements of the Topic Owner took place.

Can I be disqualified?

A team may be disqualified by the organizer if caught cheating, copying solutions from other teams, making audio or video recordings, plagiarism, or any other form of copying from other teams, misusing information from other teams, illegally obtaining data from other teams, creating content with the intention of harming other participants, or otherwise violating the ethics of the competition. Anyone who witnesses unfair behavior must inform the organizer.

Suspicion of disqualification can be reported by members of the competition teams, mentors, or the theme owner’s team or the Organizer. Suspicion of unfair behavior must be reported personally to the Organizer. The team or team member who has violated the rules will be asked to leave the hacking area. To ensure the smooth progress and continuation of the hackathon, the disqualification of a team will be announced to other participants during the next break.

Can I withdraw my team during the hackathon?

Teams can withdraw at any time during the hackathon. Merging of teams is not allowed after the initial check-in of the teams. A team that wishes to withdraw must notify the organizer in person.

Is it possible to hack both physically and online during the event?

For the physical hackathon, in-person attendance of the team is required. However, in case of need or personal circumstances, it is possible for a team member to participate and hack online.

Is there a fee for attending the hackathon?

Participation is free of charge. All costs are covered by the organizer.

Can the hacking continue during the night?

Yes, participants will be allowed to continue hacking during the night.

The organizer does not provide sleeping bags, mattresses, beds, or other accommodation directly at the hackathon venue. Drinking water and showers are available throughout the entire hackathon. Each competing team is assigned one access card, allowing them to enter and exit the designated hacking area at any time during the event.

What is required from the attendee and what will be available in the premises?

Each participant needs to bring his / her own laptop or any other hardware that he / she needs to work on challenges. Other things will be provided by the organizer such as WiFi, food for the whole day (buffets, breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks and drinks).

What is the official language of the hackathon?

The official language is Slovak. However, some keynote lectures and workshops may also be held in English.

Is there any catering during the event?

The hackathon organizer guarantees full meals and snacks throughout the entire event in the form of buffets. Drinks are provided as well.

Prize money pre víťazné tímy

Prvé tri miesta, ktoré porota vyhodnotí ako najlepšie budú ocenené prize money nasledovne:

Prvé miesto : 3000 Eur
Druhé miesto: 2000 Eur
Tretie miesto: 1000 Eur

What will happen after the hackathon in case I win?

Winning teams will have a chance to participate in the development and implementation of the solution in cooperation with the topic owner.

What does it mean to win a hackathon and what are my requirements afterward?

The winning teams enter into a licensing agreement for their solutions developed during the hackathon (the license applies only to what was created during the hackathon). This is a non-exclusive license that is limited to the territory of the Slovak Republic and is unlimited in time. This means, it does not limit the author at all in the dissemination of his work as part of his commercial activities. On the contrary, the owner of the topic (always a public administration institution) is authorized to distribute the license in the interest of the economy within public institutions. The author remains the owner of the work, the owner of the topic has only such a non-exclusive license. In addition, if the winning teams do not agree on the implementation of the winning solution with the Theme Owner, the winning prize money may not be returned to the Organizer.

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Do you want to be part of the next step towards Slovakia’s digitalization?

Prize money

First place 3 000 €
Second place 2 000 €
Third place 1 000 €

Simply fill out the registration form, and we will contact you in due time with all the details. You will receive information about the competition, updates, and specifics of the challenge.