Westbrook University & The Global Innovation Alliance
The Meridian Challenge
Westbrook City 2025
Two days. Six continents. One shared mission — solve real problems with open data. Join 14,800 innovators in the world's most ambitious collaborative build.
Oct 4–5
2025
48 hrs
of building
$110K
in prizes
01 — The Opportunity
The Opportunity Awaits
The Meridian Challenge is the world's largest open-data hackathon, and now it's coming to Westbrook City. For 48 hours, the university's campus becomes a crucible of creation — where scientists, designers, coders, and dreamers from across the Pacific Northwest converge to build projects that matter.
38
countries participating simultaneously
6
challenge tracks to choose from
240
minutes of opening keynotes
02 — On a Global Scale
Real Data.
Real Problems.
Real Impact.
Global Collaboration
Join thousands worldwide in a synchronized effort to solve complex challenges with global impact. Teams in Tokyo, Berlin, and Bogotá will be building alongside Westbrook participants, sharing insights in real-time through the Meridian platform.
Real Data Access
Access 400+ open datasets from partners including the World Bank, NOAA, the UN, and the city of Westbrook itself. Build prototypes with tangible applications — from climate resilience tools to public transit efficiency dashboards.
Solve Real Problems
Tackle themed challenges in environmental science, civic technology, digital arts, healthcare access, and more. Every challenge is designed by domain experts and judged by professionals working in the field.
03 — Unlock Your Potential
Whether you're a student,
professional, or enthusiast — there's a place for you.
Develop Skills
Intensive workshops in design thinking, rapid prototyping, and product storytelling. Leave with skills you'll use for a career.
Network Widely
Connect with 140+ mentors, 60+ industry sponsors, and potential employers actively scouting for talent.
Spark Innovation
Transform creative ideas into tangible solutions with real-world applications. Last year, 34 teams continued to productize their projects.
Win & Shine
Compete for $110K in local awards and a spot at the global judging finals in Zurich. Recognition that opens doors.
04 — Partner with the Future
Your brand. Their breakthrough.
Support Westbrook's brightest minds and showcase your commitment to innovation. Your sponsorship empowers the next generation of problem-solvers and elevates the region's global tech reputation.
Gold Sponsor
Premium Visibility & Engagement
- ✔ Prominent logo on all materials & main stage
- ✔ Keynote speaking opportunity
- ✔ Dedicated mentor/judge slots
- ✔ Exclusive networking access
Silver Sponsor
Strong Brand Presence
- ✔ Logo on website & event signage
- ✔ Social media mentions
- ✔ Opportunity to provide swag
- ✔ Mentor/judge opportunities
Bronze Partner
Community Supporter
- ✔ Logo on website
- ✔ Acknowledgement during event
- ✔ Support local innovation
For custom packages, email partners@meridianchallenge.org
05 — Trusted by Leaders
Our Esteemed Past Sponsors
06 — Participate
Tackle Exciting
Challenges
Engage with diverse challenges designed by experts from the UN, NASA, and leading tech firms. More tracks announced in August.
01
Category 1
Climate resilience and environmental data. Build tools that help communities adapt to a changing planet.
02
Category 2
Civic technology and public transit. Reimagine how residents move, connect, and access city services.
03
Category 3
Digital arts and immersive media. Use open data to craft interactive stories and generative artwork.
"Last year's Meridian Challenge produced not just prototypes, but actual companies. Two of our winners went on to raise seed funding within six months of the event."
Dr. Althea Chen
Director, Westbrook University Innovation Lab
07 — Get Answers
Frequently Asked Questions
Can't find what you're looking for? Reach out and we'll get back within 24 hours.
Anyone! Students, professionals, scientists, designers, artists, technologists — if you're passionate about solving problems, you're welcome. Teams can be formed before or during the event. Beginners are encouraged; mentorship is built into every track.
Yes! Thanks to our generous sponsors, the Meridian Challenge at Westbrook is completely free for all participants. Meals during the event are included. Travel and accommodation are the participant's responsibility.
We offer four sponsorship tiers with progressively deeper benefits: brand visibility, speaking slots, recruitment access, and dedicated networking sessions with top talent. Custom packages are available — contact partners@meridianchallenge.org for details.
The event will be hosted at Westbrook University's Innovation Hall on the corner of 5th and Meridian Ave. Specific building and room details will be announced closer to the event date. We're designing for an inspiring, collaborative environment.
08 — Join Us
Ready to Get
Involved?
Express your interest to participate, sponsor, or volunteer. We'll keep you updated with the latest news, keynotes, and registration details as they're announced.
"The best networking event I've attended in my career." — J. Calloway, Product Lead at Halcyon AI
"We hired three engineers from the 2024 cohort." — M. Reyes, CTO of Cascade Data
For specific sponsorship inquiries: partners@meridianchallenge.org