SMARTHAIR: Hack Hair Care with New Solutions, an Innovative VET Project
SMARTHAIR is an interdisciplinary innovation project in Vocational Education and Training (VET), developed by two collaborating institutions: IES Politècnic and CEPA La Balanguera. It brings together students from Hairdressing and Electrical studies to co-develop a smart, automated hairdressing cabin. During the DigiEduHack event, students will work in mixed teams to design and present a concept for a cabin that integrates dynamic lighting (chromotherapy), motorised privacy curtains, and user recognition to personalise treatments based on client preferences and emotional needs.
The event will begin on Thursday, November 13 at 11:00 at IES Politècnic with technical workshops on KNX-based home automation, sensor technology, communication systems, digital design, and hair care technologies. These sessions will equip students with the essential knowledge to develop functional and innovative proposals.
In the afternoon, interdisciplinary teams will continue the 24-hour hackathon, sketching and designing prototypes of tech-based solutions using AI, AR, and IoT to enhance personalisation and emotional well-being in beauty services.
The event will conclude on Friday morning with group presentations in front of the jury and a peer feedback session, showcasing their creativity and collaborative achievements.
The address to attend this onsite hackathon is: Carrer Menorca, 1 07011 Palma de Mallorca Spain
Questions?
jmgarau@iespolitecnic.catPrizes
The winning team will receive a prize consisting of materials or equipment valued at approximately €50 per participant. Additional recognition will be given during the closing ceremony, and selected ideas may be developed further in class.
Who can join?
Specific conditions to apply
Students from IES Politècnic and CEPA Balanguera taking part in the SMARTHAIR innovation project .
13 - 14 NOV 2025
Register by 03 NOVLanguage(s) of the hackathon
English, Catalan, Spanish
Onsite
Palma de Mallorca - Spain
AI and Emerging Technologies for Education
Challenge and goals
The main goal of this DigiEduHack challenge is to encourage students to apply their technical and creative skills to solve real-life problems.
By the end of the hackathon, each team is expected to produce a prototype or concept that enhances the smart cabin’s functionality. These could include automated comfort systems, data-driven customisation tools, or accessible user interfaces based on digital profiles. Or any other innovative solution.
Students will strengthen digital competencies, teamwork, language skills and problem-solving skills, while gaining experience in applied innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration.
The outcomes will not only contribute to the SMARTHAIR project but also serve as transferable models for future VET collaborations in other sectors. Prototypes and ideas may be further developed as part of the academic year or integrated into real classroom practice.
Expectations and requirements for the solutions and participants
Teams must develop a clear and creative proposal that aligns with the SMARTHAIR concept, ideally using technologies such as sensors, KNX systems, facial recognition, or digital customisation tools. Solutions must be realistic, inclusive, and user-centred.
At the end of the hackathon, each team will give a short presentation (5–7 minutes) showcasing their idea. This can include a slideshow, a physical or digital prototype, a short demo video, or a live demonstration. Presentations should explain the concept, how it works, and how it improves the user experience.
Presentations should be delivered in Catalan or Spanish, and must include a brief summary of the idea in English.
Available Support
Participants will receive guidance through introductory workshops led by professionals in automation, softskills, haircare techniques and others.
Technical mentors and instructors from both VET fields will be available during the hackathon to support project development and troubleshoot problems.
Teams will also have access to workspaces and equipment.
