Starts May 8th 2026Event Full · Waiting List Open

$ think. build. play.

The UoR:CS Hackathon. Form a team and build something — an app, website, game, or anything else — from scratch over the weekend, tackling a surprise theme announced at kickoff. Open to all skill levels, with prizes up for grabs.

3 DayHackathon

Day 1Theme Reveal

PrizesTo Win

What is UoR Hackathon?

Form a team and build something from scratch over the weekend — an app, website, game, or anything else — tackling a surprise theme announced at kickoff.

UoR Students Only

This hackathon is exclusively for University of Reading students. Whether you're a first-year or a PhD student, a designer or a developer, all skill levels are welcome.

Learn & Build

The theme is revealed at kickoff. Your team picks the format — app, website, game, ML model, anything that fits — and builds it from scratch by Monday. Optional mid-event challenges keep things interesting.

Win Prizes

Compete for prizes across multiple categories. Best overall, best design, most creative, and more.

Schedule

Friday 8 May through Monday 11 May 2026. Exact times may shift, so stay tuned for updates.

Fri 8 May

Day 1

15:00

Registration Opens

Meet at Polly Vacher. Participants check in, confirm registration and get briefed.

Arrive

16:00

Opening Ceremony

Welcome address, rules briefing and theme reveal.

Kickoff

17:00

Team Creation, Idea Generation & Pizza

Form teams and start planning ideas, with pizza and refreshments provided.

Plan

Sat 9 May

Day 2

All day

Heads-down Hacking

No scheduled events — teams build remotely. Organisers reachable by email.

Build

Sun 10 May

Day 3

All day

Heads-down Hacking

Final push before Monday's submission deadline.

Build

Mon 11 May

Day 4

10:30

Presentations & Judging

Live pitches to the Elanco judging panel.

Judging

After pitches

Food Break

Refuel and mingle while the judges deliberate.

Break

12:30 / 12:45

Reconvene

Head back into the room ready for the results.

Return

After return

Elanco Announce Winners

Winners announced and prizes handed out.

Finale

Prizes

A £450 prize pool with winners picking in order, plus Elanco merch for everyone who turns up.

1st

First Place

First pick from the prize pool.

2nd

Second Place

Second pick from the remaining prize pool.

3rd

Third Place

Third pick from the remaining prize pool.

Prize Pool

The full pool winners get to pick from, worth around £450 in total.

Gift cardsLEGO setsBoard gamesPower bankLaptop standBluetooth speakerXPenUno

Participant Merch

Elanco merch available at the opening for everyone, while supplies last.

PlushiesPensKeychains

FAQ

Got questions? We've got answers.

Who can participate and how do I register?

University of Reading students only. Best suited for those with a Computer Science background, though students from all departments can apply. The event is currently full — join the waiting list below and we'll be in touch if a spot opens up. Sign-ups close 48 hours before the event begins.

What is the event format, schedule, and location?

Form a team and build something from scratch over the weekend — an app, website, game, ML model, or anything else — tackling a surprise theme announced at kickoff. In-person sessions take place on Friday (kick-off) and Monday (judging and closing) at Polly Vacher on the Whiteknights campus. The weekend in between is yours to work remotely. It's free to attend.

How do teams work, and can I join or form one on the day?

Teams can be 3 to 5 people. You can form a team beforehand or join one during the opening event.

What are the project rules, including use of prior code?

Projects must be built from scratch during the event — no pre-existing project code. You're welcome to use open-source libraries, public APIs, and AI tools. We expect and encourage you to use AI.

What tools, resources, and mentorship are available?

You're free to use any tools, frameworks, languages, or AI assistants you like. The opening event is an opportunity to form teams and start generating ideas.

How do submissions work and what is required?

Submissions are due by 12:00 on Monday 11 May. Push your project to a public GitHub repository and present a short live pitch to the judging panel.

How will projects be judged and what are the prizes?

Sponsors from Elanco will judge the final submissions. See the Prizes section above for categories.

What are the key logistics (food, what to bring)?

Food and refreshments will be provided during the in-person sessions on Friday and Monday. Bring yourself and ideally a laptop.

What policies apply, including code of conduct and safety?

The in-person sessions take place during standard university office hours. Standard University of Reading policies and code of conduct apply throughout.

Where can I get updates or support during the event?

Use the contact form below or email alexander.phillips@student.reading.ac.uk. You can also reach Dr Ieuan Higgs at i.c.higgs@reading.ac.uk.

Join the Waiting List

The event is now full. Open to University of Reading students only — sign up with your UoR student email and we'll be in touch if a spot opens up.

$ think. build. play.▏