Innovation Hackathon

C:\>DIR Regulatory Commons Hackathon

Collaborative Innovation for the Future of Digital Governance
Hybrid Format, in Cambridge and Global  

The C:\>DIR Regulatory Commons Hackathon is a hybrid, cross-disciplinary programme that brings together regulators, policymakers, technologists, researchers, students, start-ups and established organisations to develop practical, shared solutions for the evolving governance of digital systems, markets and economies.

The event is grounded in the recognition that many of the challenges and opportunities at the intersection of digital innovation and regulation are increasingly common across jurisdictions, and that progress depends on working collectively to address them with common approaches, solutions and toolkits. To govern our digital future effectively and enable responsible digital innovation to scale, we need to create a Digital Regulatory Commons, where data and information, approaches and lessons learned, digital tools and toolkits could be shared and harnessed collaboratively.

The Hackathon provides a structured environment in which diverse teams collaborate to prototype ideas, test assumptions, and build tools and frameworks that contribute to a more coherent and interoperable Digital Regulatory Commons for the governance of digital markets; especially when it comes to the regulation and supervision of digital actors, activities, assets and infrastructure. Participants will engage in guided sessions, work with curated case materials and datasets, and receive support from mentors across regulatory, technical, legal and design domains.

Designed to strengthen shared understanding and cross-sector collaboration, the programme encourages teams to explore approaches that can be adapted, scaled, or applied across different institutional contexts and in multiple jurisdictions. Challenges are drawn from regulatory authorities, public institutions and market actors, with an emphasis on solutions that can inform further research, experimentation, and, critically, real-world adoption.

The Hackathon concludes with presentations to a panel of senior regulators, practitioners and academics who provide structured feedback, highlight promising pathways for continued development and help connect viable ideas to partners within the broader Digital Regulatory Commons ecosystem. Each year, C:\>DIR will provide a clear and comprehensive list of project(s) it wishes to include and highlight through the Hackathon.

Participation is welcome from individuals and teams across all backgrounds - students, emerging ventures and established organisations. Those wishing to participate are invited to express their interest by clicking here.