"Hack-a-ton 25 v.2 (Fall Edition)" is a 2-day design competition that has been organised by the ARU STEM Society in collaboration with the ARU Business Society, the ARU Orators, the Chelmsford Science and Engineering Society, the Institute of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) and the ARU Finance and Investment Society.
In this challenge, students form teams and ideate a solution to a real-world problem using any creative methods of choice. This problem will be unveiled on Day 1 of the hackathon.
This hackathon is a sequel to the Maiden Edition that took place in March 2025, where we had 40+ attendees, with participants from Cambridge and Wales and senior lecturers from ARU's faculties of Science and Engineering, and Business and Law. Finally, we welcomed industry experts from BAE Systems, the Chelmsford Science and Engineering Society and the Alten Group. The top 3 teams were awarded Amazon vouchers of up to £100, Arduino robotics kits and even vouchers for free food at 92 on campus; however, this year's prizes are going to be even bigger! All participants will receive a professional LinkedIn-compatible certificate for greater employablity prospects.
You do not need to have any distinct technical skills to be a part of this event, as we'll have workshops held by experts on the skills you need. There are going to be breakout rooms and CAD suites available all over the Marconi building for design, so you don't need to come with any equipment other than a mind ready to brainstorm. There will also be a "Debate Your Hack" segment hosted by IMechE in partnership with the ARU Orators where we'll test your ability to defend your idea!
At the end of the design, all groups will be required to pitch their solutions before a varied group of judges, including lecturers, industry professionals and alumni. The solutions will be judged on their functionality, applicability in the real world, user experience, presentation clarity and aesthetic quality, amongst other factors.
During the event, we will have refreshments and opportunities to network with industry professionals and sponsors. We assure you that Hack-a-ton 25 provides a wholesome opportunity to grow and engage yourself as a student, a lecturer, or even a random individual who decides to take part. We encourage you to sign up. It's gonna be amazing.
Event ticket details
Participants buy Members ticket (£5.00)
Spectators buy General ticket (free, but you still have to order it!)
See the Event Itinerary below
Hack-a-ton 25 Event Itinerary
Virtual pre-event workshops
AI-based Ideation and Integration Workshop – Monday, 27 October, 2025
Intellectual Property Workshop x ARU Law Society – Wednesday, 29 October, 2025
Marketing Your Solution Workshop x ARU Marketing Society – Friday, 31 October, 2025
Day 1 – Saturday, November 1, 2025
- 11:00 AM - 11:30 AM – Registration
- 11:30 AM - 11:40 AM – Welcome Address
- 11:40 AM - 12:00 PM – Team Formation
- 12:00 PM - 12:20 PM – Guest Lecture 1: The Engineering Design Process
- 12:20 PM - 12:40 PM – Guest Lecture 2: Taking Your Idea to Market
- 12:45 PM - 1:45 PM – Design Sprint 1 (MAR breakout rooms)
- 1:50 PM - 2:40 PM – Lunch and Networking
- 2:50 PM - 3:50 PM – Design Sprint 2
- 3:50 PM - 4:20 PM – Debate Your Hack (debate/mini pitch session x IMechE)
- 4:20 PM - 4:30 PM – End of Day 1
Day 2 – Sunday, November 2, 2025
- 1:00 PM - 1:10 PM – Welcome Brief
- 1:10 PM - 1:30 PM – Guest Lecture 3: Pitching Your Solution x Anglia Ruskin Enterprise Academy
- 1:30 PM - 3:30 PM – Design Sprint 3 (MAR breakout rooms)
- 3:30 PM - 4:00 PM – Refreshments
- 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM – Solution Pitches
- 5:30 PM - 6:00 PM – Judges' Results and Feedback
- 6:00 PM - 6:20 PM – Award Ceremony
- 6:20 PM - 6:30 PM – Closing Address
- 6:45 PM - 8:00 PM – After Event Networking Dinner