Deadline: September 22, 2025
The Digital Democracy Initiative Hackathon 2025 is an exciting opportunity for civil society organisations and activist teams working across Eastern Europe and Central Asia. Organised by the CIVICUS Digital Democracy Initiative (DDI) in partnership with the Metamorphosis Foundation and the Civic Literacy Initiative, this hackathon will provide participants with funding, mentorship, and the platform to create innovative digital solutions that strengthen democracy.
This year’s edition will take place in-person in Bangkok, Thailand, from 1–5 November 2025, bringing together changemakers, developers, designers, researchers, and advocates to build impactful projects.
Why Join the Digital Democracy Initiative Hackathon 2025?
Selected teams will gain access to:
- $8,000 USD in sub-grant funding to pilot their projects.
- Mentorship and technical guidance before, during, and after the hackathon.
- A global platform for networking with digital democracy experts.
- Opportunities to develop practical solutions in areas such as community fact-checking, digital security, and youth-led campaigns.
Thematic Focus Areas
Participants will work on innovative solutions under four key themes:
- Community Fact-Checking – Combating misinformation through reliable and verifiable content.
- Secure Organising Methods – Developing tools that protect activists and civil society actors.
- Digital Security – Strengthening safe online practices and protection from cyber threats.
- Youth-Led Campaigning – Amplifying the voices of young leaders through digital advocacy.
Who Can Apply?
The hackathon is open to civil society organisations and activist teams based in the following countries:
- Albania
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Kosovo
- Moldova
- Montenegro
- North Macedonia
- Turkey
Teams are encouraged to be diverse and multidisciplinary, bringing together skills in development, design, research, project management, and advocacy.
Important Dates
- Application Deadline: 22 September 2025
- Hackathon Event: 1–5 November 2025 (Bangkok, Thailand)
Previous Edition – Sub-Saharan Africa Hackathon
Earlier in May 2025, the Digital Democracy Initiative held a similar hackathon for Sub-Saharan Africa. That edition was hosted virtually (9–10 May 2025) and awarded $7,500 USD seed funding to selected winners. Building on its success, the Bangkok edition expands the impact to Eastern Europe and Central Asia.
Quick Summary
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Target Region | Eastern Europe & Central Asia (7 countries) |
| Funding | $8,000 USD sub-grant per selected team |
| Event Venue | Bangkok, Thailand |
| Event Dates | 1–5 November 2025 |
| Themes | Fact-Checking, Secure Organising, Digital Security, Youth-Led Campaigns |
| Deadline | 22 September 2025 |
| Eligibility | Civil society organisations & activist teams from listed countries |
How to Apply
Interested organisations and teams can apply through the official application portal. Don’t miss this chance to take part in shaping the future of democracy with digital innovation.
👉 Click here to apply
👉 Read more about the programme
For proposal drafting, refining, and review, contact grantsdatabase.org.
