Shape the future. Lead with innovation.
Join the Benelux HackSprint powered by SAS Hackathon: Sept. 23–25
KNVB Campus, Zeist
The launchpad for groundbreaking innovation in the 2025 Global SAS Hackathon
Join the Benelux HackSprint powered by SAS Hackathon– a high-energy, three-day pilot event where your ideas take center stage.
If you’re part of the Global SAS Hackathon, the HackSprint offers an exciting opportunity to advance your challenge. It is a great opportunity to collaborate with peers, create innovative solutions and lead with purpose in a dynamic, in-person setting at the KNVB campus designed to inspire and empower.
Why attend?
This isn’t just another hackathon – it’s a springboard for real-world impact. Why join the three-day HackSprint?
- Collaborate with top talent, local SAS experts and other teams.
- Innovate using SAS® Viya®'s cutting-edge AI.
- Tackle sustainability challenges aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
- Build solutions that extend beyond the event.
- Get inspired by thought leaders.
What to expect
Over three action-packed days, you will:
- Dive deep into real-world use cases from the Global SAS Hackathon.
- Develop and prototype your ideas in a hands-on, collaborative setting.
- Receive guidance from mentors and SAS tech experts.
- Connect with peers and expand your innovation network.
- Enjoy the fun in a festival-like atmosphere with an engaging program.
Agenda - SAS Hacksprint
Tuesday 23 September 2025
- Kick-off & Introduction
Daniel Kuiper - Moderator HackSprint, SAS. - Opening
Phaedra Kortekaas - Managing Director Benelux, SAS - Keynote: "The Only Planet"
Tim van Hattum – Program Leader Green Climate Solutions, Environmental Sciences Group – Wageningen University & Research - Q&A Session
Khalid Boulahrouz – Dutch former professional footballer, who played 35 matches for the Netherlands national team – together with Phaedra Kortekaas - Team Introductions
All teams present their case and ambitions for the HackSprint
- Lunch
- Working Sessions
- Drinks, Dinner and Fun Activity
Wednesday 24 September 2025
- Stand-up per team
- Working Sessions
- Lunch
- Training: Turning Data into Impact: the business lens on analytics
Ischa van der Molen - Customer Advisory, SAS
- KNVB Campus Tour
Exclusive behind-the-scenes tour
- Working Sessions
- Drinks, Dinner and Fun Activity
Thursday 25 September 2025
- Stand-up per team
- Working Sessions
- Lunch
- Sustainability@KNVB at a glance
Tim Hofman, Sustainability Program Manager at the KNVB - Team Pitches & Closing
Teams present their solutions, followed by a festive closing session
- Networking Drinks
Event theme
Sustainability through nature-based solutions
The HackSprint theme is inspired by the framework of The Only Planet by Tim van Hattum and explores hopeful pathways to a better future. Your innovation will be grounded in solutions that support the UN SDGs.
Location
The event will be held in person at the KNVB Campus, the home of Dutch football. A vibrant hub in the green surroundings of Zeist, it is the ideal place to work, meet and connect. See directions.
Who should participate?
Whether you’re a developer, data scientist, business strategist or innovator, HackSprint powered by SAS Hackathon is where your ideas come to life. Don’t just code. Create impact.
How to get involved
Interested in the HackSprint and based in the Benelux region? Let us know by emailing sasinfo@sas.com.
Are you outside the Benelux but still interested? We’d love to hear from you. Email sasinfo@sas.com to get in touch.
Important: To participate in the HackSprint powered by SAS Hackathon, you first need to register for the Global SAS Hackathon and be accepted. Once accepted, you will receive further details about your participation in the HackSprint.
To learn more about participation in the HackSprint, read this FAQ.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Is it compulsory to join the Global SAS Hackathon to participate in the HackSprint powered by SAS Hackathon?
Yes. The HackSprint is an integral part of the Global SAS Hackathon, designed to energize participants through an immersive, in-person experience. The end goal is to create a mock-up during the HackSprint, which will be further developed in the Global SAS Hackathon.
However, while participation in the Global SAS Hackathon is required to attend the HackSprint, the HackSprint itself is not a compulsory part of the SAS Hackathon - you can still participate in the SAS Hackathon without attending the in-person event.
2. Do I need to sign up twice, for both the HackSprint and the Global SAS Hackathon?
No. When you and your team register for the Global SAS Hackathon and are accepted, you and your team will automatically be invited to the HackSprint if you're located in the Benelux region. Official confirmation and further details will be shared by the end of August.
If you are not based in the Benelux region, but are excited to join the HackSprint, we'd love to hear from you! Reach out to us at sasinfo@sas.com to explore the possibilities.
3. Who can participate in the HackSprint powered by SAS Hackathon?
The event is open to developers, data scientists, industry experts, students and business leaders who are eager to solve real-world challenges using data and AI. Whether you're a first-time hacker or an experienced innovator, there's a place for you!
4. What are the key dates for the HackSprint and SAS Hackathon?
- Deadline to register for the Global SAS Hackathon: August 31, 2025.
- Notification of acceptance to the Global SAS Hackathon: End of August.
- HackSprint access & confirmation: End of August.
- HackSprint (Benelux in-person event): Sept. 23 – 25, 2025.
- Global SAS Hackathon: Sept. 15 – Oct. 10, 2025.
5. Where will the HackSprint take place?
The HackSprint will be held in person at the KNVB Campus in Zeist.
6. What technology and tools will be available?
Participants will have free access to SAS Viya, a cloud-native AI and analytics platform, along with expert guidance and mentorship to help bring their ideas to life.
7. Is there a prize for the HackSprint?
Yes! The event will conclude with a mock-up competition, where the most innovative solution will be awarded. Details on the award will be shared closer to the event.
8. Is the HackSprint free of charge?
Yes! Participation is completely free; food, beverage and lodging. Your commitment to the event is the only prerequisite.
Additionally, the event includes a fun and engaging program with optional activities such as yoga, footgolf and social events. These activities are designed to enhance the experience and provide networking opportunities.
Optional accommodation is also available as part of the offering. However, availability is on a first-come, first-served basis.
9. What happens after the HackSprint?
Teams will continue refining their solutions in the Global SAS Hackathon. The ideas and prototypes developed during the HackSprint will serve as a strong foundation for competing in the Global SAS Hackathon event.
10. How do I get more information or support?
For any questions, feel free to reach out to us at HackFestival@sas.com.