The Eco-Digithon, created within the ENNEPlus project, is an educational marathon that blends digital innovation with environmental responsibility. It challenges Vocational Education and Training (VET) students to design and prototype solutions to real sustainability issues, drawing inspiration from the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. More than a competition, it is a collaborative journey where students, educators, policy-makers, businesses, and community stakeholders come together to “social hack” ideas for a greener future.
Rooted in the priorities of the Erasmus+ programme, the Eco-Digithon aligns with the European Green Deal, the Digital Agenda for Europe, and the European Innovation Agenda. This approach ensures that participants not only develop technical solutions but also strengthen their eco-competencies, creativity, and teamwork skills, while gaining valuable experience in intercultural collaboration.
The first edition took place in 2025, starting with national events in Austria, Italy, Portugal, and Spain. The national Eco-Digithons brought together 32 teams from 28 VET centres with different educational backgrounds and local sustainability challenges. Some of the winning teams participated at the Social Hackathon Umbria from 3–5 July 2025 in Spello, Italy. There, participants showcased their project solutions and had the opportunity of sharing knowledge with peers from across Europe. Projects tackled a wide range of themes, from efficient water management and smart recycling to sustainable mobility and eco-themed educational tools.
Looking ahead, the second edition in 2026 will be even more ambitious. For the first time, the event will have an online edition opening its doors to VET teams from across the European Union, expanding its reach far beyond the ENNEPlus partner countries.
The Eco-Digithon’s expansion reflects a growing recognition that sustainability challenges require not only local solutions but a participatory approach, international cooperation and knowledge sharing. By creating a space where young people can connect, innovate, and exchange perspectives, the Eco-Digithon is shaping a new generation of VET learners ready to lead in both the green and digital transitions. As preparations for 2026 begin, the call aims at rethinking how education responds to the environmental and technological challenges of our time through collaborative social change
