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]]>The CloudFest Hackathon 2025, scheduled for March 15-17 at Europa-Park in Rust, is just weeks away. As we prepare for this milestone event, we’re excited to continue our tradition of combining open-source innovation with meaningful social impact. This year’s hackathon promises to build upon the remarkable achievements of our previous events while pushing new boundaries in technology and inclusion.
A Legacy of Giving Back
Our community’s impact continues to grow. Following the inspiring journey of Vanessa Nalugya, who progressed from scholarship recipient to award-winning participant in 2024, we’re thrilled to welcome Mable Musiimenta as our newest Groundbreaker Talents‘ participant. These success stories exemplify how our community’s collaborative efforts create lasting change and open new opportunities in tech. Mable will be attending this year’s CloudFest Hackathon together with Laura Kyongo from the Groundbreaker Talents team, and we are beyond excited to welcome them at Europa-Park in just a few weeks from here!
Meet Mable and Laura at the CloudFest Hackathon 2025!
The Power of Community Impact
The CloudFest Hackathon stands as more than just a coding event—it’s a catalyst for positive change in the tech industry. Through our ongoing partnership with Groundbreaker Talents, we support their mission to provide full-time residential scholarships in Software Engineering, tailored to enable young women from financially constrained communities to leverage their full potential and access a brighter future in the digital era.
This transformative initiative empowers talented individuals with the skills needed to thrive in the digital landscape and contribute to building a more accessible and inclusive web for everyone.
2025 Hackathon Awards Program
The CloudFest Hackathon 2025 Awards continue our tradition of supporting the Groundbreaker Talents scholarship initiative. Each carefully crafted award category celebrates excellence in different aspects of open-source development while contributing to our mission of fostering innovation, collaboration, and positive social impact.
Award Categories Spotlight
This year’s award categories reflect the essence of innovation, collaboration, and social impact.
 | Tech Visionary Award Peer-to-Peer Federated RAG Framework |  sponsored by Hostinger | Awarded to the team whose project demonstrates the most innovative technical implementation and creative use of technology. |
 | Dream Team Award Peer-to-Peer Federated RAG Framework |  sponsored by Omnisend | For the team that demonstrates exceptional teamwork, collaboration, and communication throughout the hackathon. |
 | Social Media Master Award WP-CLI as an MCP Host |  sponsored by Kinsta | Highlighting the team that creates the most buzz on social media during the hackathon. |
 | Pitch Perfect Award CMS Freedom Securing the Supply Chain for OSS |  sponsored by Codeable | Rewarding the team that delivers the most compelling and engaging project presentation for all. |
 | Breaking Barriers Award Accessible Infographics |  sponsored by Automattic | Rewards practical implementation of inclusive design principles while breaking down barriers for both development teams and end users |
 | #CFHack2025 Overall Winner Accessible Infographics |  sponsored by Greyd | For the team that hacks its way to the top, emerging as the ultimate #CFHack Champion at the CloudFest Hackathon 2024. |
The Jury
Our esteemed jury is dedicated to overseeing this friendly competition and ensuring that our collective efforts translate into meaningful support for the next generation of developers.
The jury consists of our experienced CloudFest Hackathon crew, representatives of our top-level partners and Laura from Groundbreaker Talents.
Making a Difference Together
The impact of CloudFest Hackathon extends far beyond the 3-day event itself. By participating, sponsoring, or contributing, you become part of a movement that combines technical innovation with social responsibility. Whether you’re coding, mentoring, or supporting through sponsorship, your involvement helps create opportunities for aspiring developers and strengthens the open-source community.
Supporting the Cause
Want to make an even bigger impact? Consider these ways to contribute:
- Sponsor an Award Category +++ SOLD OUT +++
- Help fund educational opportunities while gaining visibility for your organization
- Contact Carole Olinger ([email protected]) for sponsorship details
- Direct Support
- Individual donations can be made through the Groundbreaker platform: Donation Link
- Every contribution helps fund additional training opportunities
See You in March 2025
CloudFest Hackathon 2025 is set to welcome 110 talented individuals from around the globe, bringing together industry-leading companies and game-changing open-source projects. This gathering represents another milestone in our journey toward a more inclusive and innovative tech industry.
Your participation—whether as an attendee or partner—fuels our mission to create meaningful change through technology and community collaboration.
Together, let’s make CloudFest Hackathon 2025 our most impactful event yet! 
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]]>Last week, part of the CloudFest Hackathon team embarked on a venue visit to Europa-Park to scout the Krønasår Hotel, our new home base for CloudFest Hackathon 2025. Spoiler alert: We might have had a bit too much fun for it to count as work! 
Welcome to Krønasår: Where Norse Mythology Meets Modern Luxury
The moment we stepped into Hotel Krønasår, we knew we’d found something special. This Nordic-themed museum hotel doesn’t just offer accommodation – it tells a story. With its stunning architecture inspired by Scandinavian natural history museums and its charming maritime atmosphere, every corner feels like a discovery waiting to happen.
But the real treasure? The Vineta event space is where our hackers will be crafting the future of open source.
Picture this: soaring ceilings, natural light flooding through massive windows, and views that make you forget you’re supposed to be coding. The room’s grand scale and flexible layout are perfect for our collaborative coding sessions, and the surrounding area offers plenty of breakout spaces for those crucial “debugging walks.”
Location, Location, Location!
One of the best parts? Krønasår sits right next to Rulantica, Europa-Park’s epic water world. While we can’t promise you won’t be tempted to take a quick splash break, we can guarantee the atmosphere will be unlike any hackathon venue you’ve experienced before.
Quality Control… For Science!
Of course, no venue inspection would be complete without thoroughly testing the park’s attractions. You know, strictly for research purposes.
The highlight of our “investigation” was braving Europa-Park’s newest addition – the Voltron Coaster. Let’s just say it’s… intense. After experiencing this beast of a ride, we unanimously agreed that once per day is plenty! Our scientific conclusion: this coaster turns even the bravest tech warriors into wobbly-kneed mortals.
Between the heart-stopping drops and the zero-gravity moments, we somehow managed to discuss important hackathon logistics.
The Verdict
After our exhaustive (and exhausting) research, we can confidently say that CloudFest Hackathon 2025 at Hotel Krønasår is going to be extraordinary! We’re combining the creative energy of 100+ brilliant minds with a venue that’s nothing short of magical.
Ready to Join Us?
Applications Batch #2 opens on January 6, 2025. Check out our attendee info page for all the details.
Our team will review all applications from Batch #1 at the beginning of next year, and applicants will be notified of their status in the week of January 6. If you missed the first round, don’t worry—Batch #2 is your chance to be part of this extraordinary event!
P.S. Any typos in this post can be blamed on my hands still shaking from the Voltron Coaster. 
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]]>We hope this update finds our amazing CloudFest Hackathon community well. We want to share some important updates regarding the application process for CloudFest Hackathon 2025.
During a routine system check, we discovered that our application form experienced technical difficulties between November 20-30, 2024. This may have affected some submissions during this period, particularly those who did not receive an automatic confirmation email after applying.
What This Means For Applicants
If you applied between November 20-30 and did not receive an application confirmation email, please contact us at [email protected]. We will provide you with a link to resubmit your application, ensuring your submission receives full consideration in our selection process.
No action is required if:
- You applied outside the November 20-30 timeframe
- You received an application confirmation email after submitting your application
Changes to Selection Timeline
To ensure fair consideration for all applicants, we have adjusted our selection timeline:
- The first round of selections will now take place in January 2025
- The second call for applications will open on January 6, 2025 (previously scheduled for December 16)
All first-batch applicants will receive an email informing them of one of three outcomes:
- Selected to attend the hackathon
- Being considered for the second batch of selections
- Application not selected
Moving Forward
We understand these timeline adjustments might affect your planning, and we appreciate your patience. Our commitment to fostering an inclusive and diverse hackathon community remains unchanged, and we want to ensure every application receives the attention it deserves.
Questions?
If you have any questions or concerns about your application, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at [email protected].
Thank you for your understanding and continued interest in CloudFest Hackathon 2025. We’re looking forward to another exciting event of innovation and collaboration in the open-source community.
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]]>Highlights from CloudFest Hackathon
As we close the chapter on CloudFest Hackathon 2024, held in the enchanting Europa-Park in Rust, Germany, it’s time to celebrate the remarkable journey we embarked on together. This year’s event took place in the three days leading to our flagship event CloudFest and once again wove a vibrant tapestry of innovation, collaboration, and a shared dedication to fostering a better open web.
Let’s delve into the event’s highlights, achievements, and invaluable contributions from our community.
CloudFest Hackathon in Numbers
This year’s hackathon broke new ground in scale and spirit, highlighted by these impressive figures:
12 Partners & 3 Media Partners
Their unwavering support was instrumental in bringing our vision to life and amplifying our message.
11 Projects
Showcasing the diversity and creativity of our participants across a wide array of technologies and challenges.
124 Attendees from 26 Countries
Bringing a rich mosaic of cultures, ideas, and perspectives
> 300 Applications
Reflecting the tech community’s growing interest and enthusiasm for our mission.
+2500 Human-Hours of Hacking
Demonstrating the dedication and hard work poured into developing open-source solutions.
6 Awards across 4 Winning Teams
Celebrating innovation, collaboration, outreach, and impactful solutions.
€4,500 for Groundbreaker Talents
Our collective contribution to the future of tech through education.
33% female & non-binary attendees
Together, we are striving for greater diversity in our industry.
+25 Blue Fire launches
Establishing a new record of 13 consecutive rides!
The Heartbeat of the Hackathon
This year’s hackathon vibrated with positive energy, fueled by a commitment to innovation and a collective ambition to enhance the open web. It became a fertile ground for new ideas, fostering new friendships and strengthening old ones. Participants from across the globe, regardless of their gender, age, or background, united in a shared passion for open-source and positive change.
A standout achievement was our strides towards greater diversity. With one-third of participants identifying as female or non-binary, and representation from 26 countries, we’ve made significant progress in fostering an inclusive tech community. The success of numerous women and underrepresented folx leading or co-leading projects, and their representation on stage during the presentation of results, underscored the event’s empowering ethos.
The Venue: Tradition Meets Innovation
Nestled in the Santa Isabel Hotel, inspired by the historic grandeur of Portuguese monasteries, the hackathon venue perfectly encapsulated our spirit: a blend of rich tradition and cutting-edge innovation. The Convento and Refectorium spaces were not just rooms but crucibles of creativity, where ideas took flight. The unique setting, watched over by images of popes and monks, added an unparalleled charm to our coding marathon, infusing our work with inspiration and a sense of history.
Looking ahead, we’re already brewing something exciting for 2025. Can we top this venue? Stay tuned!
The Core: Project Results
The core of the CloudFest Hackathon lies in the projects themselves—a diverse array of challenges tackled by talented teams, aiming to make a significant impact on the open web. This year, each of the 11 projects brought something unique to the table, from enhancing web accessibility and security to pioneering new integrations and open-source solutions.
Impressions by project lead Anne-Mieke Bovelett
On the second day of the Hackathon, in the morning, I clicked the link to the page of our MVP. And boom! The dream and vision of CanEveryoneUse was there, for all to see. It was real! Someone ran by and asked how I thought things were going. “800% above expectation!” I yelled, not because I thought our team couldn’t create this. But because they managed to do so in such a short time.
The goal was to start developing a central resource for developers, similar to CanIUse.com. However, in this case, it should display very practical information about the accessibility of the components in their library of choice. Not only that, but also how to improve each element that is not (fully) accessible yet.
Getting started with a project, and still having to define so much, was rough. But it was important to let the developers lead the way in HOW they wanted this massive accessibility resource to be. Because it’s exclusively for them.
The next challenge was for the team members who assisted with research. They were requested to go around all tables to ask questions. We needed to define our users (persona), for example. Besides that, we had to build a website for the project quickly. And even if we knew we could not make the actual MVP fully accessible, we knew we could definitely have an accessible website for the project, because we could use the suite sponsored by Greyd. And we were blasting over social media. Because we wanted the whole world to know there’s a great accessibility resource coming for developers.
One of the team members, Nina Jameson, was a first-timer at the Hackathon. She sent us this: “The hackathon was incredible! It had such a warm and inviting atmosphere, and everyone there was so passionate about open source. It was my first time attending, and I was pleasantly surprised by how quickly I felt right at home. The collaborative spirit of the event really struck me and how everyone rallied together to help each other with their projects. I especially liked the EveryoneCanUse project because it has so much potential. Can’t wait to contribute and to see it evolve and improve over time.”
Big thanks to the organization, my team, and the sponsors. The biggest winner of this project is accessibility itself. We’re coming one step closer to making the digital world accessible to all.
Links:
caneveryoneuse.com
GitHub
X (Twitter)
LinkedIn
Mastodon
CFH project page
Hackathon results by project lead Andrew Hutchings
The project brief was quite simple for a technology that no one outsidea small team had seen before: create a PHP framework/library so that the new MariaDB Catalogs feature could be integrated with admin panels that deploy websites. MariaDB Catalogs itself is the containerisation of databases and users within the MariaDB Server, allowing hosting providers to save resources and properly isolate their customers in a single MariaDB Server.
Unfortunately, not everything went to plan. MariaDB Catalogs has not been released yet. We were planning to have an alpha before the Hackathon, but things were not ready in time. We ended up using a source build pulled from one of Monty’s servers in a basement in Finland.
Despite this, the team quickly reached the point where we had a Docker image we could all use. There were new bugs they hit, but they rapidly worked around them.
By the end of the Hackathon, we had a functioning library in Packagist and integrations of this into the WordPress site installer, WP-CLI, and Laravel.
The MariaDB development team learned a lot from the team, which was the first people ever to try the Catalogs feature. This has fed back into the feature to make it even easier to use once it is released later this year. It is thanks to the team’s work that we went on to win the “Future of the Web” award at the Hackathon.
I may be biased, but I fully agree that this is a game-changer for hosting websites, and making it easier to use is an even bigger win.
Links:
GitHub (PHP framework)
GitHub (WP integration)
GitHub (Laravel integration)
GitHub (WP-CLI commands)
CFH project page
A recap by project co-lead Lars Gersmann
The JSON Schema Field/Form Renderer Project was a great success. We have successfully implemented JSON schema renderer prototypes based on Gutenberg UI as well as HTML2.
With these renderers, developers can define data structures with JSON Schema that render forms in both Gutenberg UI and pure HTML5 without writing a single line of code. This means it is now possible to define forms, plugin settings pages etc. for WordPress with significantly less effort.
The use of JSON schema field/form renderers also enables the modernization of the WordPress admin interface. As part of the Hackathon, we implemented the WooCommerce Plugin Settings page (partly) using the Gutenberg Form Renderer as an example.
A playground was also created for the interactive development of JSON schema forms with live previews.
As a bonus, a WordPress Custom Post Type was also implemented, which uses the form renderer to edit the post type properties.
Using JSON schema as a technology for defining forms opens up new possibilities and saves development time.
We will continue to work on perfecting the renderers in the hope of making this great piece of software in WordPress available to all developers.
A recap by project co-lead Stephan Luckow
The first half of day 1 served to sharpen the scope of the project. We identified a big problem: where to collect the relevant domains with metadata, what kind of website and who is the responsible entity. We found some GitHub repositories with thousands of domains from the public sector. From there, we came to the conclusion that wikidata was our source of truth. Some of us read the wikidata documentation on how to query the API endpoint and started programming a script to automate the queries.
Although we knew that our prototype should end up as a website, we decided to build a toolchain that fulfills the requirements for a sustainable infrastructure. We looked at the apps on our self-hosted app platform and found directus as an app in the automatic update process from our sponsor Cloudron. Fun fact: no one at the table had ever had any experience with creating headless cms projects. Almost a third of us worked in front-end development. They decided to use React as our frontend framework. The wikidata query people worked with some other backend developers to set up more scripts for the various API endpoints.
- wikidata to collect the domains with metadata
- versionmanager to obtain information about the CMS
- directus to save the results.
Due to the backend developers’ taste, they decided in favor of Python as the main language.
Ah. And because nobody could really remember the title of the project (Public Sector Website Funding Transparency project), we came up with a catchier title. Welcome: Follow the money.
The collection of public sector domains shows us some implications. How can quality assurance be carried out on more than 10,000 domains? Not in one weekend. Therefore, for the prototype, we decided to analyze only almost 1,000 domains from the category of municipal websites.
We harvested them directly from wikidata, got their metadata (which city belongs to which state), examined the version manager results, and set up a feedback loop to add about 10 small CMSs from companies we’d never heard of.
At the same time, Tim added the Lighthouse framework to versionmanager. As a result, we can now display accessibility metrics in our results list.
Later, we decided not to show the versions of the identified CMSs in detail publicly. Nearly 30% of the websites analyzed run on outdated software and are potentially vulnerable.
While the results were being honed and QA’d, our front-end team got to grips with design and user experience. After a brief round of questions, we suddenly had a logo for the project.
We used the last few hours before the final countdown to fine-tune the prototype. A small team prepared the presentation, while the others looked at the final results and made comments to achieve better results.
Our first conclusion from the findings:
- 70% of all websites rely on FLOSS CMS (great)
- 1st place of FLOSS CMS goes to TYPO3
- almost 30% of FLOSS CMS websites lack security updates
Here’s the current state of the project: Internal Project Page.
Links:
follow-the-money.org
GitHub
CFH project recap
CFH project page
A summary by project lead Birgit Olzem
The “Inclusive Language Checker for Open-Source Contributors” project aimed to make online spaces more welcoming by helping people use kinder and more inclusive words when creating WordPress content. This tool, developed during the CloudFest Hackathon in 2024, suggests better word choices to ensure everyone feels included, especially those from different parts of the world.
Our main goals were to ensure content is easy for everyone to understand, respectful to all, works well within WordPress, and helps people from various backgrounds contribute more easily. Thanks to our team’s hard work, we built a basic version of this tool that does just that. It gives immediate advice on improving your writing to be more welcoming and is open for anyone to help make it even better.
One challenge we especially remember was deciding which words should be changed. It was a big task and sometimes tough because we had to think about words that might make people feel left out or upset. Everyone on the team worked extra hours, showing great dedication to ensure our tool was thoughtful and careful. We also learned a lot from the technical side of things, like fitting our tool into WordPress in the best way.
Starting this project was just the beginning. It’s already starting important conversations about making sure everyone feels welcome online. We’re excited to keep working on it, improving it, and seeing how it helps bring people together. This project wouldn’t have been possible without the amazing team behind it and the support from the open-source community.
A recap by project co-lead benny Vasquez
The project was a strong departure from the traditional web-centric projects that the CloudFest Hackathon has seen, but we were delighted with what our group accomplished.
We chose three primary goals for the Hackathon, and split our work between the five of us. One of us was working on setting up automated testing environments for our CentOS 6 to 7 idea, one of us was working on how we would present things, one of us was working on the backports, and two of us were working on testing ELevate scenarios. It was extremely rewarding to see all of our work come together, though we definitely hit snags in technology.
What ideas did we have, and what were the results?
– Deep Dive into User Space: Analyze commonly used software and CMSs to pinpoint potential upgrade obstacles, ensuring smoother transitions
– We tested 3 different real-world scenarios and reported bugs against each scenario!
– Focus on Industry Drivers: Identify key elements crucial to data consistency and other industry needs to facilitate necessary upgrades.
– We identified a number of drivers that could be easily and safelyre-added to the kernel, allowing users a chance to continue using unsupported hardware
– Expand ELevate Support: Extend the capabilities for in-place upgrades across enterprise Linux distributions, including critical updates from CentOS 6 to 7.
– We did research here and determined it to be possible, but did not have enough time to complete the work.
More details about the results are available in our project report.
A summary by project lead Matthias Pfefferle
Enable Mastodon Apps is a WordPress plugin that provides a Mastodon-compatible API for your blog. This allows you to subscribe to your content, connect with friends, and share posts via various existing apps.
The primary objective of our hackathon project was to maximise the plugin’s flexibility, enabling other plugin providers to seamlessly integrate their data using filters and hooks. Additionally, we aimed to refine the publishing mechanism and collaborate on sample implementations with other plugins.
Despite being a small team of just four individuals, we accomplished nearly all of the necessary refactoring to ensure the plugin’s extensibility and ease of management.
Thanks to all the contributors who helped make WordPress a little more social. 
Links:
GitHub
CFH project page
Impressions by project co-lead Thorsten Frommen
Alongside my colleagues Robert Windisch and Christian Leucht, we worked together to prepare and co-lead a hackathon project. Our main focus was making the Multisite feature in WordPress more user-friendly for everyone and highlighting its effectiveness for building multilingual WordPress sites.
We had a rather big, diverse, and absolutely fantastic project team! There were several engineers with different levels of experience in WordPress and multisite functionality, along with a customer success expert, a designer, a writer, a business analyst, and a TYPO3 project lead. Overall, this setup allowed for involved and rich discussions, resulting in a lot of progress.
During the weekend, we jotted down questions, concerns, and multisite hurdles we wanted to tackle. We discussed code changes, UX improvements, and new workflows. We also looked at existing Trac tickets and pull requests on GitHub, did testing and fixing, and created tickets ourselves. In the end, we realized an interactive click dummy for several flows through our newly imagined admin interface around translation sites.
A summary by project lead Javier Casares
The small team of three people has made great progress on some elements that had been in the backlog for over 4 years.
An important detail is that all the changes made are backward compatible, so the default configuration should not affect any new features, especially considering GitHub Actions.
What has been achieved?
The first step was to include support for Multi-PHP. This way, a user could submit different reports of the same commit but with different versions of PHP installed.
The second step was to create Multi-Environment. This allows users to establish different servers with their respective configurations and PHP versions. This allows, for example, having an environment for “shared hosting”, another for “vps”, and another for “cloud”. This is in addition to the Multi-PHP from before.
The third step was to support All-Commits. The tool previously only executed the latest available commit. With this new change, a list of the 10 latest commits will be made, and all of them will be processed in case many commits are sent in a short time. Usually, the tool can take between 5 and 30 minutes per process, and sometimes commits that were never tested in all environments could be lost.
All these changes are accompanied by their respective improvements in the PHPUnit Test Reporter, the plugin that collects and displays the information.
From now on, the initial list will be a summary of the different environments and how many are working and failing. Once inside, we can see the list of all environments and PHP combinations. This is the visualization for developers: one commit, many results.
Furthermore, there is the option for different bots (i.e., different providers) to have their list and on the same screen, they can see the list of the latest tests and thus easily detect when or in what change an error occurred. This is the visualization for providers: one provider, many results.
Where can the changes be seen?
They are not yet approved because they need code review, documentation, and validation by more people. The focus of the Hackathon was to include the functionality, and it was done “too quickly,” so there is duplicated code and improvements can be made. It works, yes, but it’s not pretty.
The PRs with the changes are at:
If you want to contribute, please review and test the code to validate that everything works correctly.
Next steps
In addition to giving a code review, looking for possible errors, and proposing some improvements, we also intend to review the documentation on how to install and maintain the system automatically.
In parallel, we will review with the WordPress Core team that everything is working fine and that the GitHub Actions do not give errors, even with the possibility of running different tests depending on the PHP version.
Links:
CFH project page
A recap by project co-lead Elias Hackradt
We arrived with a simple goal in mind. Gather information about hosting a hackathon and create a platform with FOSS tools to accommodate hosts and attendees. Well, that did not work out as planned. Quite the contrary – it got bigger and better! We had 3 internal projects after the team assembled and discussed everything.
- One-Click install
- Guide Handbook
- Host and Attendee Chatbot
Starting with the Chatbot. In our project, we implemented a chatbot that utilizes open-source language models, such as Llama. This chatbot was specifically designed to respond to user inquiries regarding content on a website. A significant advantage of our approach is its ability to detect changes on the website in real time, eliminating the need for retraining the language model. However, we faced a challenge in selecting a server with sufficient computational power to handle high traffic on the site. However, we had a working Chatbot that could answer specific questions regarding the Hackathon.
The Guide Handbook: Our team gathered information from the Cloudfest Hackathon organization team and many other attendees to write a comprehensive guide from Zero to Hero. From planning the hackathon, getting sponsors, attendees, accommodation, diversity, and so much more! We created more than 25 A4 documentation pages to assist future hackathon hosts.
One-Click install: With the help of the talented project members, we were able to implement a full template install functionality. The information gathered by the Chatbot and Handbook team enabled us to get a full set of FOSS apps to accommodate everything we could think of.
All in all, the project was a great success for us, and we are looking forward to the next hackathon.
Recap to be delivered…
Links:
GitHub
CFH project page
To truly appreciate the depth of work and creativity each project represents, we’ve recorded the presentation of results during the hackathon: we provided a platform for each team to share their journey, from conception through to the hackathon’s conclusion, highlighting the collaborative effort and dedication that went into making each idea a reality
Kudos to our Partners
Our heartfelt appreciation extends to each partner who played a pivotal role in making CloudFest Hackathon 2024 a reality. Their support went beyond financial contributions, embedding within our event a sense of community and a shared goal of driving forward the open-source movement.
This collaboration underscored the hackathon’s ethos: leveraging technology not just for innovation, but for meaningful, real-world impact. Their belief in the power of community and support of open-source technology is truly inspiring.
CloudFest Hackathon 2024 Awards
The CloudFest Hackathon 2024 culminated in a ceremony that not only celebrated the technological achievements of our participants but also their profound impact on the community and open-source innovation. Here’s a spotlight on our winners, who stood out for their creativity, teamwork, and commitment to a better web.
Our collective contributions raised €4,500 for Groundbreaker Talents, fostering future talent in technology.
 | Future Of The Web Award: Integrate MariaDB Catalogs with PHP Platforms | sponsored by wp.one | Awarded to the team whose innovative project forecasts the future of the web through technological foresight and explores new problems and new approaches to solving them. |
 | Dream Team Award: Follow The Money (Public Sector Website Funding Transparency) |  sponsored by Codeable | For the team that demonstrates exceptional teamwork, collaboration, and communication throughout the hackathon. |
 | Social Media Master Award: Can Everyone Use ____? | sponsored by one.com | Highlighting the team that creates the most buzz on social media during the hackathon. |
 | Web Impact Award: Can Everyone Use ____? |  sponsored by wpwartung24.de | Recognizes the team whose project significantly uplifts sustainable, inclusive, and ethical web practices and promises a lasting positive impact on the web and how it is used and evolved responsibly. |
 | Pitch Perfect Award: JSON Schema Field/Form Renderer |   co-sponsored by CloudLinux & imunify 360 | Rewarding the team that delivers the most compelling and engaging project presentation for all. |
 | #CFHack2024 Overall Winner: Can Everyone Use ____? |  sponsored by Automattic | For the team that hacks its way to the top, emerging as the ultimate #CFHack Champion at the CloudFest Hackathon 2024. |
Special mention to our custom-designed winner pins, embodying the spirit of innovation and community that defines CloudFest Hackathon, which was a great surprise for our award-winning teams.
Hack For Good: The Groundbreaker Talents Initiative
At the core of CloudFest Hackathon 2024 was our partnership with the Groundbreaker Talents initiative, underlining our dedication to actionable change and empowerment through technology.
This year, we were honored to host Vanessa from Uganda, not just as a scholarship beneficiary but as a beacon of the tangible impact of our collective efforts. Her involvement in the Follow The Money (aka Public Sector Website Funding Transparency) project and subsequent recognition as part of the Dream Team Award winners highlights the potential for hackathons to effect real-world change and foster global talent.
Vanessa’s journey from scholarship recipient to hackathon award winner encapsulates the essence of our Hack for Good ethos, reinforcing our commitment to nurturing the next generation of tech innovators worldwide and contributing to a sustainable, inclusive, and accessible open web.
You can also support the project individually. Donations can be made through the Groundbreaker platform. 
Want to learn more about GroundBreaker Talents? Check out their website here.
Side Events
The CloudFest Hackathon 2024 wasn’t just a marathon of coding and collaboration; it was also a celebration of community, creating memorable experiences and fostering connections beyond the workstations.
This year, our social events provided a perfect balance of fun, networking, and relaxation, underscoring the hackathon’s essence: bringing people together, not just as contributors to a project, but as members of a vibrant and diverse community.
Early-Bird Gathering
We were kickstarting our event on Friday with the Early-Bird Gathering at the Colosseo Hotel with an informal dinner for attendees to meet, share stories, expectations, excitement for the coming days, and set the stage for the collaborative work ahead.
Mario Kart Tournament: Victory Lane
Saturday evening saw the return of the much-loved Mario Kart Tournament, a spirited competition where attendees battled it out for the title of ultimate racer. Congratulations to Laura Herzog, who zoomed past the competition to claim victory in a series of heart-pounding races. Laura’s skillful navigation and strategic item usage crowned her this year’s Mario Kart champion, adding a fun, competitive edge to our hackathon.
Blue Fire Megacoaster: Breaking Records
Sunday’s thrill ride on the legendary Blue Fire Megacoaster at Europa-Park became an instant classic among our side events. With over 25 launches, attendees experienced the adrenaline rush of one of the park’s most iconic attractions, setting a new record of 13 consecutive rides for the bravest among us. This event pushed the limits of thrill-seeking and provided a unique way to bond over shared exhilarating experiences.
These social events underscored the essence of the CloudFest Hackathon: while we are serious about technological innovation and making a positive impact, we also value the importance of fun, relaxation, and creating lasting friendships. Each laugh shared, and every scream on the coaster contributed to the unforgettable atmosphere of the hackathon.
Media Partners & Coverage
In the realm of media coverage and contributions, CloudFest Hackathon 2024 was significantly enriched by our official media partners, who were instrumental in chronicling the event’s journey and amplifying our achievements.
Their contributions, along with our attendees’ active social media engagement, propelled the #CFHack and #CFHack2024 hashtags to over 1 million impressions, showcasing the hackathon’s wide-reaching impact.
Here are some of the results of their work.
Do The Woo
Bod Dunn and his co-hosts recorded and published 6 podcast episodes before, during and after the CloudFest Hackathon (in order of release):
Introducing Groundbreaker, Empowering Women in Tech in Uganda feat. Groundbreaker
You Don’t Need to be a Developer to Join a Hackathon feat. Patricia Brun Torre
Updates from the CloudFest Hackathon 2024 feat. Andrew Hutchings, Anne-Mieke Bovelett, Birgit Olzem, Christian Leucht, Javier Casares, Lucas Radke, Pawel Suchanecki and Robert Windisch
What You Can Expect from the CloudFest Hackathon 2024 Projects feat. CF Hackathon project leads
All Things CloudFest 2024 Hackathon with Christian, Carole and Alain feat. Christian Jäger, Alain Schlesser, Carole Olinger & Robert Jacobi
WordPress and WooCommerce at CloudFest 2024 feat. Jonathan Wold & Tammie Lister
KrautPress
Simon Kraft published a series of interviews and notes on the hackathon and CloudFest on the KrautPress Micro Blog.
Vulgar Productions (Photos)
Roan de Vries presents an amazing photo gallery that visually narrates the hackathon’s story, capturing the attendees’ intense work, joy, and camaraderie.
A large selection of Roan’s photos made it into the official CloudFest Hackathon 2024 Flickr Album here 
Your Impressions & Stories
But the narrative of CloudFest Hackathon 2024 doesn’t end here! You, the attendees, played a pivotal role in documenting and sharing your unique perspectives and achievements.
Here is a compilation of your blog posts, project websites, and GitHub links creating a rich, multifaceted account of the event’s impact and the technological advancements fostered during our time together:
Matt Biscay
CloudFest Hackathon 2024: the recap
Team Syde, by Thorsten Frommen
Recap: CloudFest Hackathon 2024
Patricia Brun Torre
Cloudfest and Hackathon 2024
WordPress.com blog, by Daniel Bachhuber
https://wordpress.com/blog/2024/04/15/custom-post-types-wordpress-admin/
Team MariaDB, by Andrew Hutchings
MariaDB Wins at the CloudFest Hackathon
Team Codeable, Mike Demopolous
CloudFest Hackathon Recap
Team AlmaLinux, by benny Vasquez
SCaLE 21x, Hackathon, AlmaLinux Day, and CloudFest!
CMS Garden by Stephan Luckow
Public Sector Website Funding Transparency project at Cloudfest Hackathon 2024
Proposal on wp.org by Javier Casares
Proposal: PHPUnit Test Runner with Multi-PHP and Multi-Environment
IONOS Blog, guest post by Andrew Hutchings
MariaDB Foundation’s Success at CloudFest Hackathon with Catalogs Feature
Zeshan Ahmed
LinkedIn Post by Zeshan Ahmed
Andreas Biberacher on LinkedIn (video)
LinkedIn Video Post
We’re dedicated to continually updating this list to include all your contributions.
For that purpose, and If you haven’t already, please share your links in the Mattermost channel, allowing the entire community to explore, learn from, and build upon the work we’ve accomplished together.
What’s Next?
As we set our sights on CloudFest Hackathon 2025, we’re filled with anticipation and excitement for the future:
Mark Your Calendars For March 15-17, 2025!
Stay tuned for updates on this website as we continue to build upon this year’s success, and foster a platform for innovation, collaboration, and positive change in our industry.
If you’re already missing the CloudFest atmosphere and can’t wait until next year, we’ve got great news!
CloudFest USA is just around the corner, set to take place from June 5-8 in Austin, Texas. For all our hackathon attendees and enthusiasts, we’re excited to offer a 10% discount for your registration for all CloudFest USA – and NamesCon Global passes! Dive back into the CloudFest vibes and join us for more groundbreaking discussions and networking opportunities:
In closing, thank you to everyone who contributed their time, expertise, and passion to CloudFest Hackathon 2024!
Your efforts have not only propelled technology forward but have also sown the seeds for a more inclusive, sustainable, and open web. Here’s to continuing this incredible journey together in 2025 and beyond!
Estimated reading time: 29 minutes
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]]>The post CloudFest Hackathon Social Events appeared first on CloudFest - Hackathon.
]]>As we gear up for the much-anticipated CloudFest Hackathon 2024, we’re not just about hard work and groundbreaking open-source projects. Fun, camaraderie, and unforgettable experiences are equally important to us! This year, we’re thrilled to announce two spectacular evening side events designed to unwind, connect, and add an extra layer of excitement to your hackathon journey:
Friday’s Early-Bird Gathering
What better way to dive into the hackathon spirit than by joining fellow attendees for a welcome dinner?
This casual get-together at the Restaurant Medici & Cesare offers the perfect setting to meet and mingle with the brilliant minds you’ll be collaborating with over the weekend.
Tables are booked starting from 18:00. You can join at your own convenience.
Keep in mind, while the company and conversation are on us, the cost of food and drinks will be your own.
This is a fantastic chance to build connections, share ideas, and set the tone for a productive and enjoyable weekend ahead.
Reminder: Early Badge Pickup
Avoid the morning rush by picking up your CF Hackathon attendee badge early!
The CloudFest Info Counter will be open exclusively from 17:00 – 19:00 for hackathon attendees in the lobby of the Colosseo Hotel.
Saturday Night: The Mario Kart Tournament – Let’s a go!
On Saturday at 20:00, get ready for the return of a CloudFest Hackathon classic – the Mario Kart Tournament.
It’s time to put down the coding tools and pick up the controllers. Who will drift, dash, and power up their way to victory? Whether you’re a seasoned Mario Kart champion or a casual racer, this tournament promises fun, laughter, and a healthy dose of competitive spirit.
Will you be the one to dethrone last year’s winner and claim the prestigious title?
Sunday’s Thrill Ride: The Blue Fire Megacoaster
For the first time, Europa-Park is opening its doors exclusively during the CloudFest Hackathon on Sunday from 19:30 to 20:30. Prepare to experience the thrill of the legendary Blue Fire Megacoaster, a ride known for its heart-pounding speeds, loops, and twists, sponsored by our dear partners at Intel.
Not a fan of adrenaline-pumping rides? No worries at all. Join us for a short stroll around the beautiful park areas, or simply enjoy the spectacle from the observation platform as you watch fellow teammates “lose their cool” on the coaster.
After the excitement, we’ll reconvene at the Santa Isabel Hotel or the Colosseo Bar to continue the evening with networking, fun, and drinks. Please note: Due to our exclusive Megacoaster event, dinner will be served an hour earlier, at 18:00, ensuring you’re fueled and ready for the evening’s exhilarating adventure.
These side events are the perfect opportunity to bond with fellow participants, enjoy one of Europa-Park’s world-class attractions, and create memories that will last a lifetime. So, whether you’re in it for the speed, the competition, or to chill, we’ve got you covered.
Get ready for an unforgettable hackathon experience, both on and off the keyboard! Let’s make CloudFest Hackathon 2024 the best one yet!
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]]>The post CloudFest Hackathon 2024 Awards appeared first on CloudFest - Hackathon.
]]>The CloudFest Hackathon 2024 is just around the corner, and with it comes the opportunity to unite under the banner of open-source innovation within the inspiring confines of Europa-Park.
This year, we’re not just about coding and creating; we’re once more about making a real-world impact that echoes far beyond the event itself.
A Legacy of Giving Back
Reflecting on the triumph of last year’s Hackathon, our community came together to fully fund a scholarship for a gifted female developer from Uganda, who has since completed her training and obtained her certification. This year, we’re honored to welcome her among us as a participant, allowing you to witness firsthand the profound difference your contributions can make.
Meet Vanessa at the CloudFest Hackathon 2024!
Continuing Our Commitment
In 2024, we’re thrilled to continue our collaborative efforts with CloudFest and Groundbreaker on the Groundbreaker Talents initiative. providing scholarships for IT training to aspiring female developers in Uganda, equipping them with the skills to thrive in the digital landscape and contribute to a sustainable and accessible open web.
The Awards: Celebrating Your Impact
Our goal for this year’s Hackathon is to fund another full scholarship through the awards we present. This is where our esteemed partners come in:
We invite you to sponsor an award category, contributing to a cause that extends the spirit of the Hackathon throughout the year and beyond.
Your contribution will be acknowledged during the award ceremony and the Presentation of Hackathon Results on the CloudFest Arena Stage, offering you additional exposure and recognition for your support.
In case you would like to sponsor an award category,
please reach out directly to Carole Olinger, Head of CloudFest Hackathon:
[email protected]
Thank you for considering this opportunity to make a lasting difference!
Award Categories Spotlight
This year’s award categories reflect the essence of innovation, collaboration, and social impact.
| Future Of The Web Award: Integrate MariaDB Catalogs with PHP Platforms | sponsored by wp.one | Awarded to the team whose innovative project forecasts the future of the web through technological foresight and explores new problems and new approaches to solving them. |
| Dream Team Award: Follow The Money (Public Sector Website Funding Transparency) | sponsored by Codeable | For the team that demonstrates exceptional teamwork, collaboration, and communication throughout the hackathon. |
| Social Media Master Award: Can Everyone Use ____? | sponsored by one.com | Highlighting the team that creates the most buzz on social media during the hackathon. |
| Web Impact Award: Can Everyone Use ____? | sponsored by wpwartung24.de | Recognizes the team whose project significantly uplifts sustainable, inclusive, and ethical web practices and promises a lasting positive impact on the web and how it is used and evolved responsibly. |
| Pitch Perfect Award: JSON Schema Field/Form Renderer | co-sponsored by CloudLinux & imunify 360 | Rewarding the team that delivers the most compelling and engaging project presentation for all. |
| #CFHack2024 Overall Winner: Can Everyone Use ____? | sponsored by Automattic | For the team that hacks its way to the top, emerging as the ultimate #CFHack Champion at the CloudFest Hackathon 2024. |
The Jury
Our esteemed jury is dedicated to overseeing this friendly competition and ensuring that our collective efforts translate into meaningful support for the next generation of developers:
- Lucas Radke, President of the jury, project mentor (Automattic)
- Carole Olinger, Head of CloudFest Hackathon (Yoast)
- Alain Schlesser, project mentor (Yoast)
- Simon Kraft, media partner (PressWerk & group.one)
- Kelli Gray, jury member (WebPros)
- Bob Dunn, media partner (Do The Woo)
- Leoni Rossberg, jury member (Groundbreaker Talents)
How Can You Contribute?
Beyond your meaningful contributions to open-source projects during the CloudFest Hackathon – and possibly securing an award – you can individually support the project. Donations can be made through the Groundbreaker platform: Groundbreaker Donation Link.
This is more than a competition; it’s a chance to contribute to a meaningful cause, supporting the next generation of developers and the future of the web. Your involvement can make a lasting difference.
Your participation and contributions fuel our mission to create impactful changes through technology and community. Let’s make CloudFest Hackathon 2024 a milestone for open-source innovation and social impact!
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]]>The post CloudFest Hackathon Agenda appeared first on CloudFest - Hackathon.
]]>As anticipation builds for the CloudFest Hackathon 2024, we’re thrilled to unveil the agenda finally.
Set against the vibrant backdrop of Europa-Park, this year’s hackathon promises an engaging mix of innovation, collaboration, and fun, all dedicated to forging the future of open-source technology.
Day 1 – Kickoff to Innovation
The event kicks off on March 16th at the Santa Isabel Hotel, where attendees will be greeted in the grand Convento & Refectorium rooms—a perfect setting for creative minds to converge.
The day begins with an official welcome and project presentations, followed by intensive hacking sessions that dive deep into the world of open-source projects.
An evening social event will cap off the day, offering a chance for participants to relax, network, and exchange ideas.
Day 2 – Deep Dive into Development
The second day continues with more hacking and opportunities for informal collaboration.
Attendees and project leads will further develop their projects with the ongoing support of our esteemed project mentors, Lucas Radke (Automattic) and Alain Schlesser (Yoast).
Another social event in the evening promises more networking and fun in the unique atmosphere of Europa-Park.
Day 3 – Showcasing Achievements
The final day of the hackathon focuses on finalizing projects and preparing for the presentation of results. This day is a culmination of hard work and innovation, with each team presenting their achievements.
The event concludes with an awards ceremony, recognizing the outstanding contributions and successes of the participants while supporting the GroundBreaker Talents project.
Special Addition on March 15: Early-Bird Gathering
This year, we’re adding a special early-bird gathering on March 15th at the Restaurant Medici & Cesare in the Colosseo hotel. It’s a casual prelude to the main event where attendees can meet and mingle ahead of the intense hacking days. Please note that food and drinks at this gathering will be at your own expense.
Beyond the Hackathon
The excitement doesn’t end with the hackathon. Participants are encouraged to join the WP Day or the Intel AI Summit (tba) happening right after on Monday, March 18, or simply enjoy the legendary CloudFest 2024 Opening Party in the streets of Europa Park.
Hackathon goes CloudFest: Presentation of Results
Don’t miss the opportunity to showcase the fruits of your labor during the main CloudFest event!
Our Presentation of Results session on Tuesday, March 19th will bring the innovative solutions and collaborative efforts from the hackathon to the larger CloudFest audience. This is your chance to highlight your hard work, share your project’s impact, and maybe even take the stage yourself in the CloudFest Arena.
We’re setting the stage for a hackathon that not only challenges but inspires. With a blend of technical rigor, community spirit, and sheer enjoyment, CloudFest Hackathon 2024 is the place to be for anyone passionate about shaping the future of open-source software. Whether you’re a coder, a designer, a tech visionary, or an open-source enthusiast, this event promises an unparalleled opportunity to collaborate, learn, and innovate. Join us for an unforgettable experience!
FRIDAY, MARCH 15: EARLY-BIRD GATHERING
Hotel Colosseo
17:00 – 19:00: Early Badge Pickup at CloudFest Info Counter
Avoid the morning rush by picking up your attendee badge early! The CloudFest Info counter will be open exclusively for hackathon attendees in the lobby of the Colosseo hotel. Get your badge, beat the queue, and get ready for an exciting start!
From 18:00: Welcome Dinner
Join us for a casual get-together at the Restaurant Medici & Cesare. It’s a perfect opportunity to meet hackathon attendees before the event kicks off.
N.B. Food and drinks are not covered and have to be paid for.
DAY 1
MARCH 16
SATURDAY
to
11:00
Check in for the CloudFest Hackathon and pick up your badge at the lobby of the Santa Isabel hotel.
Welcome to the Santa Isabel hotel! Get settled in the Convento & Refectorium rooms and gear up for an exciting start.
A heartfelt welcome and an introduction to the hackathon, setting the stage for what’s ahead.
Dive into the project introductions. Pick the challenge that calls out to you the most.
Form teams, meet your project lead(s), and start brainstorming on your chosen project.
It’s time to recharge with some nourishment.
Also, it is a perfect window to formally check in to your hotel if you haven’t yet.
Continue collaborating with your team on your hackathon project.
Enjoy a well-deserved meal and drinks at the Sala Santa Isabel restaurant.
Get ready for the return of a CloudFest Hackathon classic.
Fun, laughter, and a healthy dose of competitive spirit are guaranteed.
DAY 2
MARCH 17
SUNDAY
Quick morning check-in. Need any adjustments? Extra support? Let’s make sure every team is set up for success.
Dive back into your project work with fresh energy.
You gotta feed the machine! Another round of delicious fuel to keep you going.
Keep up the momentum on your project with your team.
Wind down with another delicious dinner at the Sala Santa Isabel restaurant.
For the first time, Europa-Park is opening its doors exclusively during the CloudFest Hackathon. Prepare to experience the thrill of the legendary Blue Fire Megacoaster.
DAY 3
MARCH 18
MONDAY
Let’s kick off the final day of this hackathon!
Use these last hours wisely to polish your project before the final presentation.
Project leads, it’s time to submit your slides for presentation and the jury’s review.
Keep up the momentum on your project with your team.
Enjoy your final lunch with fellow hackers as the jury deliberates.
Celebrating the winners and wrapping up with closing remarks
Location: Alhambra, Hotel El Andaluz
14:00
Participate in the WP Day, and the Intel AI Summit,
or continue to work on your hackathon project in the Santa Isabel hotel, Biblioteca Magellan.
Don’t miss the legendary CloudFest 2024 Opening Party in the streets of Europa-Park, featuring the infamous Lords of Uptime.
MARCH 19: PRESENTATION OF RESULTS @ CLOUDFEST
Tuesday, at the CloudFest Arena Stage – 17:10
Innovation Unleashed: CloudFest Hackathon Results
Be part of the excitement on the CloudFest Arena stage as we reveal your remarkable achievements from the hackathon. Celebrate the innovative solutions and collaborative efforts presented to the CloudFest audience. Join us in supporting and showcasing your hard work and dedication – and who knows? You might just find yourself spotlighted on stage
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]]>The CloudFest Hackathon 2024 is shaping up to be an unforgettable event, with eight pioneering projects already available on our website for you to explore. These projects showcase the remarkable scope of open-source innovation, offering a broad spectrum of challenges—from cloud security enhancements to groundbreaking web development tools, including vital initiatives in accessibility.
Each project provides a unique opportunity for participants to collaborate with fellow tech enthusiasts and industry leaders, bringing transformative ideas to fruition.
And there’s more on the horizon! While we’ve unveiled a significant portion of this year’s projects, we’re not done yet.
In the next two weeks, expect to see at least two more projects join the lineup, broadening the field of exploration and innovation for all attendees. These additions will introduce new dimensions to our hackathon, ensuring a diverse and enriching experience for everyone involved.
Prepare to immerse yourself in a dynamic environment of coding, collaboration, and breakthroughs at CloudFest Hackathon 2024. The stage is set for an event that promises to push the boundaries of open-source technology and leave a lasting impact on the tech community. Join us as we embark on this journey of innovation and discovery!
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