Description

Join the Innovation Forum × R1X Beyond the Mainframe hackathon from 26–30 October 2026.

Cost and usage data is now scattered across mainframe, distributed and cloud systems. This free, virtual-first challenge asks mixed teams to bring those sources together and reimagine IT cost transparency as a whole-estate discipline.

The challenge

Teams will work with a synthetic enterprise environment containing workloads, cost data, logs and expert scenarios. There is no exposure to client systems or client data, and practitioner mentors will be available throughout the event.

You can build a prototype, analysis, interface or integration that helps IT, finance and leadership understand cost, usage and business impact across the technology estate.

What you could create

• A dashboard or interface that connects mainframe, distributed and cloud costs.
• An analysis that reveals a pattern no single data source can show.
• A knowledge layer that captures expert reasoning and makes it accessible to the next generation.
• A common language or integration that allows technical, financial and business data to work together.

Who can take part

The event is open to all ages and skill levels, and no prior coding experience is required. Bring a team of up to five, or apply individually and form a mixed team during the event. Hand-code, use low-code or no-code tools, or build with an AI assistant.

Event details

• Dates: 26–30 October 2026
• Format: Virtual-first
• Finale: Optional Huntingdonshire gathering
• Cost: Free
• Places: 100, allocated first come, first served

Apply for a place →

Read the complete Beyond the Mainframe challenge brief →