MoMu Hackathon 2026: Call for Participants

On 21 and 22 November 2026, MoMu and Masjien are organising the third edition of the MoMu Hackathon, bringing fashion heritage and technology together for a weekend of experimentation, collaboration and innovation.

The starting point is the MoMu Study Collection, comprising approximately 2,500 historical, contemporary and regional fashion and costume objects. Participants are invited to explore how technology can unlock new ways of experiencing, interpreting and sharing this collection.

The MoMu Hackathon is a two-day event on 21 and 22 November 2026 at MoMu - Fashion Museum Antwerp, bringing together a multidisciplinary community of creatives and technologists. The programme will include:

• A two-day creative challenge in which participants develop an innovative prototype inspired by MoMu’s study collection.
• Multidisciplinary teamwork, bringing together fashion and costume designers, pattern makers, digital artists, game developers, 3D specialists, heritage professionals, researchers and creative technologists.
• Coaching and mentoring by experts in fashion heritage, digitisation, design and technology, supporting teams as they develop their ideas.
• A final pitch and jury moment on Sunday afternoon, where teams present their concepts and prototypes.

Projects could take the form of 3D reconstructions, games, animations, AR or VR experiences, digital storytelling tools, AI applications or entirely new concepts. Creativity is key and all approaches are welcome.

Outstanding concepts will be recognised with a range of awards and opportunities offered by MoMu and its partners. The 2026 jury is chaired by MoMu Director Kaat Debo and brings together Filip Arickx (A.F.Vandevorst), Jacopo Trivellin (Innovation Manager at OTB Group) and Marco Rendina (Director of the European Fashion Heritage Association).

• The MoMu Hackathon Award:

  Presented to the team demonstrating the most creative and impactful (re)use of the Study Collection, with an original concept that shows real potential to make the collection accessible to a broader audience. The winning concept will be featured in the museum’s magazine and on its website. Each team member will also receive a goodie bag including the exhibition catalogue, two free tickets and lunch at the MoMu Café.

  
  

• The EFHA Innovation Prize:
  At the heart of Europe’s fashion memory lies innovation. The European Fashion Heritage Association (EFHA) - the world’s largest network of fashion museums and archives, uniting over 50 institutions from 15 European countries - wants to celebrate new ways of bringing fashion heritage to life.This is why EFHA will award a €1,000 prize to the team whose digital prototype most creatively reimagines the value of fashion heritage and opens it to new audiences
  
  
• The CLO Prize:
  Awarded to the team that demonstrates the best blend of creativity, innovation, and technical excellence - using CLO - to bring their concept to life with strong visual and functional quality. The prize offered includes a one-year free CLO license, promotion of your project as a success story on CLO Instagram and free access to three CLO Academy courses for six months.
  
  
• The OTB Prize:
  Every garment has a story worth telling. OTB, the international fashion group behind Maison Margiela, Marni, Diesel, Jil Sander and Viktor&Rolf, wants to explore how digital storytelling can reveal a garment’s creative origins, design choices and evolving meaning. This is why OTB will reward the team whose concept most creatively brings that story to life. Each member of the winning team receives a feedback session with OTB’s innovation team, either at OTB headquarters in Breganze, Italy, or online, to discuss their concept and personal portfolio, receive tailored feedback and explore how their ideas and skills could connect with the fashion industry.
  
  
• The Bloomsbury Prize:
  Awarded to the concept that unlocks access to knowledge and history in the most innovative way. The winning team will receive three months’ access to editions 1 and 2 of the Bloomsbury Digital Fashion Masterclasses, including the recently released second edition. Created by The Digital Fashion Group, the masterclasses combine insider expertise and real-world case studies, connecting education with industry practice.

We welcome applications from:

• Fashion and costume designers

• Pattern makers

• Digital artists and designers

• Game developers

• 3D specialists

• Heritage professionals

• Students and researchers

• Creative technologists

• Anyone with a passion for fashion, culture, and innovation

Think you have the right profile? Apply by 8 November 2026 via the online form and tell us who you are.

Applications will be reviewed by a selection committee to ensure a balanced mix of skills and backgrounds. Places are limited.

• Application deadline: 8 November
• Location: Classrooms Antwerp Fashion Department, MoMu Library & Dries Van Noten Study Center, Nationalestraat 28, 2000 Antwerp
• Timing:
  • Saturday, 21 November: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
  • Sunday, 22 November: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
  • Jury & awards: Sunday, 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
• Participation fee:*
  • €100: Standard
  • €50: Student
• Please contact dieter.suls@momu.be or ann@masjien.be for further questions.

*Includes lunch and refreshments on both days, a pizza party on Saturday, a reception on Sunday evening, and coaching and support throughout the weekend.