RGUHack 2026 set to welcome next wave of tech talent

Running from Saturday 28 February to Sunday 1 March at RGU’s Sir Ian Wood Building, the 24-hour innovation challenge invites participants to design and build improvised technology solutions known as “hacks” in response to real-world problems posed by industry partners.

Teams of up to four will work intensively across the weekend using technologies of their choice, before presenting their creations in a five-minute pitch to an audience of peers, academic staff and industry professionals. The event will culminate in a prize-giving ceremony celebrating the most inventive and impactful projects.

Organised by students from the Computing Society with support from the School of Computing, Engineering and Technology, the hackathon attracts many computing students from across the North of Scotland, but it’s equally open and welcoming to students and recent graduates from any discipline across the UK who are eager to learn, collaborate and have fun.

Previous years have seen participants develop everything from 3D asset‑tracking maps and wildlife‑monitoring tools to Arduino-powered sensor systems, retro-inspired games and prototypes designed to support people at risk of homelessness.

Jordan Newlands, Hackathon Lead with RGU Computing Society, said: “The event’s growing interdisciplinary appeal allows participants from a range of academic backgrounds to turn ideas into reality, whether that be hardware, software or something between. This year’s theme reminds us that, just as rivers carve new paths through the landscape, our participants have the power to shape the future of tech through creativity and collaboration.

“As it’s open to all students and recent grads, it’s a fantastic way to meet professionals and peers across the sector. Teams can expect the traditional overnight supply of pizza, coffee and snacks as well as some new features for 2026.”

This year’s event is powered by an impressive mix of new and returning sponsors, including Sword, Salus, Aize, Core29, Elementz, Fennex, ABB, The Data Lab, DEV4, CAN Group, Big Mannys’ Pizza and BCS – Aberdeen.

Gail Henderson, Founder of Dev4 Online, commented on last year’s event: "Last year's hackathon was exceptionally well-organised and a truly engaging event for companies in software development like ours. It provided valuable opportunities to connect with the next generation of software developers, network with like-minded organisations and witness how RGU is diligently enhancing the skills of students.”

If you would like to find out more and apply, please visit the RGUHack website.