RGU’s 24-hour endurance challenge for coding enthusiasts is back

Across Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 March, students from across the region will take part in workshops and challenges with the chance to win prizes by creating improvised solutions—commonly known as hacks—to programming or computer hardware problems. 

The event has gained a massive number of sponsors of both national and international distinction, including Codify, Dev4, Fennex, ITI Group, Leonardo, Core29, Aize, Harbour Energy, CGI, Global E&C, and the University itself. 

RGU Computing Society President Calum Wood says: “Our RGUHack event is free, inclusive and open to any current student, or those who have graduated in the last 12 months. You also don't have to be a computing student to contribute, learn, and have fun—we’re welcoming anyone with an interest in programming. 

“With thanks to our amazing sponsors this year, there are prizes to be won and even the opportunity for us to reimburse a limited number of journeys up to £25 to help you get here.” 

The range of prizes has been tailored to be of interest to the tech-savvy attendees. They include projectors, portable solid-state drives, RGB strips, miniature drones, and even Arduino kits which enable users to create interactive electronic objects. 

RGU’s Head of the School of Computing, John Isaacs, adds: “If you’ve never attended a hackathon before, you won't be alone in the challenge. Suitable for first-years to postgraduates, RGUHack is all about learning something new, having fun, and meeting other developers.  

“As 2022’s Times & Sunday Times Good University Guide’s top modern university in Scotland for Computer Science, you can expect lots of expert mentorship and tech support on hand to help. So do feel welcome to come along and learn—it’s always a great experience. Our workshops will teach you new skills, there will be games, lots of food, and interesting tech to use.”  

With 24 hours of in-person activity to complete, attendees should consider a phone charger, warm and comfortable clothes, and a fresh set for the final presentations. They will also need a laptop and its charger. To be as inclusive as possible, a laptop could be provided for the event for those without one by getting in touch in advance. 

Global E&C’s Technical Services Director Paul Rushton adds: “As Gold Sponsors we fully support RGU’s enthusiasm for students taking part in this Hackathon and the opportunity it gives us to engage with a fledgling community of digitally-led minds. At Global E&C, we believe in empowering our people to fully embrace technological advances and digital solutions that will enhance our efforts in supporting the energy sector.   

“Our experience shows that when companies embrace digitalisation, it can unlock a wealth of environmental, sustainable and improved performances. 

“We’re not only delighted to be sponsors of this fantastic initiative but to also be submitting our own challenge to the students and seeing how they can inject some fresh thinking into our own business digital ecosystem called Slingshot.” 

RGUHack will be held at Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen, within the atrium of the Sir Ian Wood Building. For more information, visit RGUHack's webpage.