At the recent Smart Move mobility hackathon, the Fiksie Hakatroni team from Riga State Gymnasium No. 1 was recognised as the creators of the best idea after the young inventors proposed an advanced technology capable of detecting black ice on bridges and, using artificial intelligence, predicting its risk of formation.
This solution could help cities to respond proactively, improving traffic safety and preventing hazardous road conditions, reports Labs of Latvia.
The team of Timurs Dobrovoļskis, Jēkabs Sniegs, Georgs Korotkovs, Roberts Peičs, and Roberts Nikolajevs developed a safety solution utilising cameras and LiDAR sensors to measure the thickness of snow cover and road icing in real time. This data could enable road maintenance services to optimise snow removal operations and clear roads more efficiently and promptly.
The Smart Move mobility hackathon, organised by Junior Achievement Latvia and the Transport and Telecommunication Institute, brought together 60 high school and vocational school students. Working in teams, they tackled challenges in the mobility sector and developed innovative transport solutions for the future.
The hackathon tasks focused on various topics, including:
“Hackathons give young people the opportunity to apply creativity in practice, develop entrepreneurial skills, and foster innovative thinking while collaborating with industry experts. At the same time, the industry benefits from fresh ideas and inspiration for sustainable mobility solutions,” said Jānis Krievāns, CEO of Junior Achievement Latvia.
Irina Jackiva, Board Chair at the Transport and Telecommunication Institute, added that the hackathon is more than just a competition—it is an opportunity for students to develop real-world skills and generate ideas that can shape the future of mobility. “This event focuses on solving critical transport issues while promoting sustainability and inclusion. Its greatest value lies in inspiring innovation and driving change.”
The Smart Move hackathon was organised for the second time by Junior Achievement Latvia and the Transport and Telecommunication Institute.
Last year’s winners were Impuls from Liepāja Draudzīgā Aicinājuma Secondary School and Ventspils Technical School, as reported by Labs of Latvia. They tackled a micromobility challenge, proposing an electric scooter attachment for wheelchair users along with a mobile app to facilitate safer and more convenient travel.
In the 12 months after the hackathon, the students continued to develop their idea, successfully creating the first prototype of an electric scooter compatible with wheelchairs.
