Hack-a-Ton 2025

Creativity, Teamwork & Purpose at ARU’s Hack-a-Ton 25

In November 2025, Anglia Ruskin University’s Chelmsford campus was filled with curiosity and energy as the ARU STEM Society hosted Hack‑a‑ton 25. This two-day event brought together students from various backgrounds—including engineering, business, health, and law—to tackle real-world challenges through creativity, collaboration, and conversation.

🚀 What Happened

• Two full days of innovation
  Participants were split into teams and given a challenge when the event began. Over the weekend, they used workshops, breakout rooms, and computer labs to develop ideas and in some cases working prototypes.
• “Debate Your Hack”
  A highlight was the interactive session where teams defended their ideas in front of an expert panel, sharpening both their problem-solving and public-speaking skills.
• Support from start to finish
  Expert mentors from ARU and companies like BAE Systems, Rolls-Royce (Alten), and the Chelmsford Science & Engineering Society guided students throughout.

🎤 Voices from the Day

Samuel Ayodele, a Mechatronics and Robotics Engineering student and organiser, reflected on the weekend:

“It was an incredible weekend — the energy, innovation, and collaborative spirit on display were truly inspiring. I was blown away by the creativity and technical skills showcased… from groundbreaking ideas to impressive prototypes, it was fantastic to witness the future of STEM in action.” [linkedin.com]

Masarrath Farah, a BSc Artificial Intelligence student, shared:

“It was an inspiring experience filled with creativity, collaboration, and innovation… Events like these remind me how powerful teamwork and technology can be when combined to create meaningful change.” [linkedin.com]

Zainab Minhas, a member of the organising committee, added:

“It was an amazing opportunity to network with industry experts… Throughout the course of the Hackathon, I was able to significantly strengthen my understanding in the field of Engineering, as well as further comprehend its notable connection to the Business Sector.” [linkedin.com]

🌟 Impact & Highlights

• Themes with meaning: Students explored solutions in sustainability, health-tech, legal-tech, and social impact—designed to benefit both people and the planet.
• Creative celebration: Participants were rewarded with prizes like Amazon gift cards and a robotics kits (sponsored by CSES). Everyone took home a professional certificate to showcase their achievement.
• More than a competition: It was a platform for learning, networking, and testing the very skills, leadership, teamwork and problem-solving, that drive real change.

Hack‑a‑ton 25 was more than a weekend challenge—it was a vibrant, inclusive space where young minds came together to share ideas, push boundaries, and shape solutions for tomorrow. Comments from participants and organisers alike show the power of collaboration and how events like this bring ideas to life in inspiring ways.

While the event is primarily about taking part it’s always nice to know the results:

Team members know who they are!