The SafeHack Hackathon was successfully completed at the Montenegro Science and Technology Park: Code for a Violence-Free Space, an event dedicated to developing innovative solutions for preventing violence in schools and creating a safer environment for youth.

In the final stage of the hackathon, seven teams of high school students from Montenegro participated: Kaskaderusi, Stranger Links, Unlockers, EMPA, Digital Minds, Minioni, and BreakTheSilence. Through their ideas and prototypes, the teams demonstrated how technology, creativity, and teamwork can be powerful allies in the fight against violence and in building spaces where respect, safety, and solidarity prevail.

First place was awarded to the Unlockers team – JU Secondary Economic and Hospitality School Bar, Second place went to the Kaskaderusi team – “Stojan Cerović” Gymnasium, Nikšić, Third place was won by the Minioni team – JU SMŠ “Mladost,” Tivat.

During the program leading up to the final event, more than 30 mentoring sessions were held, providing participants the opportunity to work with mentors on developing their ideas, improving solutions, and preparing their final presentations.

The aim of the SafeHack Hackathon was to encourage creativity, critical thinking, and active participation of high school students in developing digital and other innovative solutions that promote positive behavior, safer online and physical environments, and a culture of zero tolerance for violence. Although significant challenges still exist in Montenegro’s education system, this hackathon demonstrated that young people have the knowledge, energy, and ideas to contribute to real change.

The participants developed phenomenal, socially responsible ideas with the potential to make a concrete and lasting impact on reducing violence in schools, while also serving as an inspiration for further initiatives in education, digital safety, and youth mental health.

The SafeHack Hackathon confirmed that investing in young people and their creativity is a key step toward creating a safer and more just society for all.

The hackathon was organized by the Programs Office of the Council of Europe in Podgorica, with the support of the Montenegro Science and Technology Park, as part of the joint projects “Quality Education for All” and “Prevention of Violence in Schools in Montenegro,” implemented with the support of the European Union and Germany.