Hackathons
Hackathons drive innovation by bringing together interdisciplinary teams in a time-limited format to develop and test data and AI driven prototypes for diplomatic and consular tasks. Hackathons foster practical skill development and strengthen networks across sectors.
EMBASSIES REIMAGINED: DIPLOMACY IN A DIGITAL WORLD
June 21-22, 2025
The Data Innovation Lab (DIL) organized a hackathon in collaboration with the civil society organization Public Makers and the student initiative TUM.ai, hosted at the Technical University of Munich. The use case chosen was "Virtual Embassy," reimagining diplomatic presence.
BACKGROUND
Virtual embassies expand the reach of diplomatic missions in countries where, for political or safety reasons, it is no longer feasible or viable to maintain a comprehensive physical presence. They maintain the opportunity for real-time interaction and create inclusive platforms for dialogue while maintaining the integrity and security that citizens demand when accessing public services. Participants were challenged to rethink what a virtual embassy can look like in the 21st century.
FORMAT
Over the course of two days, forty students worked in interdisciplinary teams to design and prototype data and AI driven solutions to strengthen core diplomatic and consular functions. Ideas included a streamlined visa application process with automated document review, a crisis response tool for mapping communication channels and safe locations, and a language-based analysis approach to detect emerging diplomatic positions.
RESULTS
Congratulations to team VisaLegatio – ReÅŸat Gökhan Thoran, Tschöpe Alper Kınacı, and Dian Zhuang – for winning the Makeathon! Their concept presented a thoughtful end-to-end solution to simplify the visa process for both applicants and officials. The prototype combined automated document verification, a voice-enabled assistant for resolving inconsistencies, and integrated coordination of data collection and appointment scheduling.
OUTLOOK
Beyond the winning team, all groups demonstrated the potential of data and AI to address concrete diplomatic challenges, from improving crisis communication to enabling real-time policy analysis. The hackathon highlighted how cross-sector collaboration and fresh perspectives can translate into practical, innovative solutions. Open innovation and shared digital capacities are not only desirable but necessary to ensure that diplomacy remains effective, inclusive, and future-ready.
