Digitalization of Cultural Heritage Hackathon
May 2026 · Iraq / Mosul · Open to Students
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What Is It?
Teams of 3 students work together over several days to tackle a wide-range challenge that directly uses skills in the digitalization of cultural heritage — photogrammetry, 3D modeling, research documentation, programming, and more.
The hackathon includes hands-on workshops, fun activities with prizes, and the exploration of local heritage sites. Work takes place at the hackathon venue and at real sites connected to the challenge.
On the final day teams present their work to all participants and a panel of judges. Results are announced at the closing ceremony.
Event Details
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Event | Digitalization of Cultural Heritage Hackathon — 2026 |
| When | May 2026 — duration, exact dates & times TBA |
| Where | Iraq / Mosul — venue to be announced |
| Who | Students (teams of 3) |
| Format | In-person hackathon + workshops + site visits |
| Language | English · Arabic · Kurdish |
Goal & Inspiration
Iraq has over 15,000 ancient and cultural sites. The digitalization effort needs more hands, more ideas, and more talent. Many organizations already collaborate with local universities and students, but we need to scale up — raising awareness, sparking innovation, and making the work more efficient across every city in Iraq.
This hackathon exists to accelerate that mission: bring students together, give them real challenges, and let them prove what the next generation can do for heritage preservation.
3D models — sketchfab.com/HusseinYaseen
Tracks
Photogrammetry
For those who love building 3D models — capture, process, and reconstruct heritage objects and sites using photogrammetry and 3D modeling techniques.
Documentation
Research photography, booklets, videography — the human component that links and affirms information, telling the stories behind the heritage.
Software
Build the final digital product that showcases the team's work and makes it usable and accessible — web, app, or game development that makes everything shine.
Tooling & Standards
| Category | Tools / Standards |
|---|---|
| Photogrammetry | Meshroom, COLMAP, Metashape, RealityCapture |
| 3D Scanning | Structured-light, LiDAR, handheld SLAM |
| Post-processing | MeshLab, Blender, CloudCompare |
| Formats | glTF 2.0, OBJ, PLY, E57, LAS |
| Metadata | Dublin Core, CIDOC-CRM, LIDO |
| Visualization | Three.js, CesiumJS, Potree, IIIF |
| GIS | QGIS, ArcGIS, OpenStreetMap |
| Web / App Dev | React, Vue, Next.js, HTML/CSS/JS |
| Game / XR Dev | Unity, Unreal Engine, WebXR |
| Backend / Data | Node.js, Python, REST APIs, SQLite / PostgreSQL |
| Version Control | Git, GitHub |
FAQ
- Chance to win high-value prizes for 1st, 2nd, or 3rd place 🏆
- Your project could be adopted by one or more of our partners — with real investment into your team and work.
- International coverage and opportunities for the talented and those who stand out.
- Networking and chances to expand in your field through DoCH.
- Walk out with cool swag, gifts, and a certificate for all participants.
Organizers & Partners
Apply Now
Applications are open to students. Submit your application through the form — it only takes a few minutes.
Questions?
Reach out — we're happy to help.
Full site: heritagehackathon.com