KNAPP coding contest 2026

On February 27, 2026, the KNAPP headquarters in Hart bei Graz was the place to be for budding young programmers. Over a hundred came from all over Austria to put their skills to the test at the 14th iteration of the KNAPP coding contest. As every year, the top programmers each took home a cash prize, and the opportunity to join the global tech company KNAPP for a highly sought-after internship. Many young IT buffs now consider the event a must-attend.

Real-life programming tasks

Before launching into the contest, participants had a chance to learn about career paths and different ways to start a career in software or IT at KNAPP. Besides being an excellent chance to prove their programming mettle, the contest is a great networking opportunity for students. On top of that, it also gives them insight into work at a leading IT employer.

As in past years, participants were tasked with solving a challenging real-world logistics task, with a new focus: the AeroBot, the latest autonomous warehouse robot by KNAPP. These intelligent robots move in three dimensions, can navigate the warehouse without having to rely on lines and can store and retrieve containers and trays. The junior programmers were given 2.5 hours to process customer orders as efficiently as possible with one or more AeroBots. To solve this task, they had to direct the AeroBots through the warehouse safely, coordinate several robots at the same time and divide the work between them effectively. The goal was to calculate the best routes, prioritize goods transport and to reduce the customer order processing time as much as possible by directing the robot fleet cleverly. The task itself was designed to be solvable. The real challenge was optimization, which gave the participants a good insight into real-world developments in intralogistics.

Here are the winners

After pounding the keys and racking their brains for 2.5 hours, the contestants enjoyed a well-deserved chance to kick back and relax. Refueling with delicious fresh pizza, the young talents compared notes and chatted – with each other, with KNAPP experts and with the organization team. In a casual atmosphere, the participants could meet new people and calm their nerves before the winners were announced in the afternoon. The 14th KNAPP coding contest came to a close with a celebration of all winners in an awards ceremony. In first place came Max Sitter and Elias Olip – both took home a prize of 1,000 euros. Second place was awarded to Fabian Ha and Andre Rath. Third place went to Biser Biserov and Fabian Leitner.

More information and photos from the KNAPP coding contest: https://www.coding-contest.at/

KNAPP coding contest February 27, 2026 – results 

About KNAPP

KNAPP is an international technology company based in Styria, Austria. The company develops and manufactures intelligent warehouse systems using the latest technologies in digitalization, software, automation and robotics. At KNAPP, an innovative spirit, an international work environment and a strong sense of teamwork are highly valued. Worldwide, the company has about 8,300 employees, each bringing their individual backgrounds, qualifications and points of view to the table. What brings them together is the passion they feel for their work. They know that providing first-class service within long-term partnerships makes KNAPP the strong partner behind the success of their customers, which include food retailer SPAR, pharmaceutical wholesaler Herba Chemosan and e-commerce giant Zalando, to name just a few.