First Hackathon “Lovable × Salem”

Just how much creativity can unfold in a mere two weeks became clear at the finale of the first Salem Hackathon, “Lovable × Salem”. Around 40 students from the middle school and Salem International College took on the challenge of developing their own digital products for the very first time – supported by the AI platform Lovable, which enables users to build web and app prototypes without any coding skills. As the first school in Germany to do so, Salem entered into a pilot partnership with Lovable and jointly created a format that blends digital education with real product development.

The seven best teams presented their projects to a jury of experts from business, law and technology. With a strong focus on everyday usefulness, a duo from the middle school won with an app that smartly consolidates the school’s sporting activities: teams, results and tables – all at a glance. In the Salem International College, “S-Move”, a booking system for the boarding school’s vehicle fleet, took first place. The jury was particularly impressed that the tool is already being used in daily boarding-school life, providing immediate and tangible value.

Project lead and Salem alumnus Patrik Birkle was visibly moved by the students’ energy: “What you’ve created in such a short time is extraordinary. Many of you built a digital product for the very first time – and at a level you can genuinely showcase.” He emphasised how crucial the collaboration between students, committed alumni, and colleagues from all areas of the school had been.

The hackathon aligns with Salem’s ambition to equip young people in a holistic way – and to strengthen technological competence as part of responsible education. Lovable offers a hands-on gateway: ideas turn directly into functioning prototypes, and teamwork becomes the driving force behind true innovation.

By the end, one thing got clear: the hackathon sparked curiosity and encouraged students to try out digital ideas. How the format will continue to develop remains to be seen – but the evening already proved: Salem harbours tremendous potential for fresh inspiration, creative thinking and a genuine enthusiasm for digital creation.

Interview with Patrik Birkle

Patrik Birkle, Salem alumnus and organiser of the first Lovable Hackathon at Schule Schloss Salem, explains why he initiated the project.

Q: How did the idea of bringing this project to Schule Schloss Salem come about?

Patrik Birkle: At the beginning of the year, I started using AI tools to develop websites. At some point I thought: this would be perfect for Salem. The school still means a great deal to me – even though it’s been ten years since I took my Abitur. I’m always pleased when I can give something back. Salem has given me so much; it’s a truly special place. So I approached Lovable. The response was fantastic: “We’re in, you’ll get 100 licences.” That’s when it became clear – we were going to run the first hackathon.

Q: Does Lovable frequently collaborate with schools or other institutions?

Patrik Birkle: As far as I’m aware, we were the first in Germany to enter into such a partnership with Lovable and to implement this format together. We’re rather proud of that.

Q: What do the students take away from the hackathon? Some seemed to have already developed initial business ideas.

Patrik Birkle: Yes, indeed. Above all, I hope they realised just how versatile AI can be – far beyond writing homework. You can use it to build genuinely impressive products. They should also have gained a basic understanding of how websites are structured and how to communicate messages intelligently in digital form. And most importantly: how to work together as a team on a digital product. Teamwork is more demanding than tinkering away on your own – but it opens the door to far greater possibilities. These are the three core learning fields: confident use of AI, the basics of web development, and collaborative work on digital projects.

Q: Because that’s the future?

Patrik Birkle: Yes, absolutely. One hundred per cent.

Photos: Julia Rieß | Philipp Heckmann