ARIC Tip | Coding.Waterkant 2026

Coding.Waterkant 2026 will once again bring together the machine learning and AI community in Kiel.

For one week, the historic MFG5 site in Kiel-Holtenau becomes a collaborative playground where participants work on projects, attend workshops on the latest trends and topics in machine learning and AI, exchange ideas, and forge new collaborations—all in a relaxed festival atmosphere right by the sea.

What to Expect

During Coding.Waterkant, you will have the opportunity to:

• Set aside four full days for machine learning and AI projects
• Work together with developers, researchers, and machine learning enthusiasts
• Participate in hands-on workshops and technical sessions
• Receive feedback from invited experts and fellow participants
• Share knowledge with the community
• Present your work at the final project presentations

The event combines deep work, learning, and networking with the relaxed atmosphere of the Baltic Sea.

Bring your own project, join a project team on the spot, or start something new right there.

💚 This year’s question: How green can you code?

Together with DigitalHub.SH, we’re shining a spotlight on Green Coding and sustainable software development.
If you’re working on projects related to energy-efficient systems, sustainable AI, or green software, bring them along.
And if not—that’s perfectly fine too. We’re open to all kinds of projects, and new ideas usually pop up right by the water anyway.

See projects from 2025 here.

Time commitment

Participants are expected to:

• attend the entire program Tuesday through Friday
• Join us for the opening reception on Monday evening
• participate in project presentations on Friday
• take part in shared meals and networking activities

Prerequisites

• Basic or advanced knowledge of machine learning and coding skills are recommended
• Experienced programmers without a background in machine learning are also welcome as a way to get started in the machine learning community
• Participants should bring a project or join an existing one
• All participants are required to sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) to ensure an open collaborative environment. This is mandatory for participation in certain projects.

Educational leave

Participants from Germany may apply for Bildungsurlaub (educational leave) depending on the regulations of their federal state.

Accommodation

Accommodations are available on-site for participants coming from outside Kiel.

Event schedule

Monday – Opening & Kickoff

Participants arrive at the venue, and the week begins with an opening reception at 6:00 p.m., featuring a keynote address and a group dinner.
This is the time to meet other participants, share initial ideas, and get an overview of the week ahead.

Tuesday – Project pitches & team building

Tuesday morning begins with project pitches.

Participants who bring their own project will briefly introduce their idea.
Afterward, everyone can:

• join a project team
• work on their own project
• start a new project with others

From this point on, teams begin working on their projects.

Tuesday – Thursday – Build, learn, collaborate

The main part of Coding.Waterkant takes place from Tuesday through Thursday.

During these days, participants will:

• work on their projects in small teams
• attend technical workshops and expert sessions
• receive feedback from invited experts and fellow participants
• share knowledge with the community

Evenings feature informal networking and community activities.

Friday – Presentations & Closing Ceremony

On Friday, all teams will present their projects and results to the community.

This final session gives participants the opportunity to:

• showcase their work
• provide feedback
• connect with potential collaborators for future projects

The event concludes with a closing session and a community gathering.

Full catering is included on all event days.

See the event schedule here.

Join us at the Waterkant

Coding.Waterkant 2026
July 6–10, 2026
Kiel-Holtenau, MFG5 grounds

A week of coding, machine learning, collaboration, and the Baltic Sea atmosphere.

Organized by opencampus.sh & Waterkant Festival
Supported by DigitalHub.SH & Ariva.de