"It is one of the best competitions I have ever participated in. I’m planning to join more events like this. Thank you very much for giving us this opportunity.” – Student
The SparkTech Hackathon, held in partnership with WCIT and Urban Synergy, was a vibrant mix of creativity, teamwork, and technology with purpose. Students arrived bright and early, laptops open and refreshments in hand, ready to take on this year’s inspiring challenge: CommunITy – “How would you use tech to benefit the community in which you live?”
From the moment they stepped into the Ada Lovelace Suite, students were immersed in a real tech-industry experience. After a warm welcome, an icebreaker, and introductions to the mentors, Kantar kicked off the morning with an engaging demo showing how AI co-pilots are used to solve real business challenges; a powerful way to spark ideas for the SparkTech Hackathon ahead.
Team formation, big ideas & AI in action
Once teams were formed, students got stuck straight into their mission: create an AI-powered solution to a real-world problem and prepare a pitch for the judges. Supported by technical mentors from Microsoft, Kyndryl, and Kantar and guided by Urban Synergy’s youth-centred approach, students explored how technology can enhance community services, support local businesses, tackle digital poverty, and strengthen community connection.
One of the most special moments of the day was seeing how students with limited knowledge of AI rapidly learned, adapted, and collaborated. In just three hours, they built AI tools that aimed to tackle meaningful, real-world problems, including:
- An AI tool to help homeless people find their nearest food bank
- Step-by-step digital guidance to support elderly users as devices become more complex
The room was buzzing with ideas, curiosity, and teamwork, exactly what a community-themed SparkTech Hackathon should feel like.
"It was a great opportunity for the students to learn and work together.” – Teacher
Innovation meets presentation
After lunch, teams refined their concepts, built their prototypes in Copilot Studio, and practiced their pitches. They were judged on teamwork, presentation quality, content, the demo, and the business case behind their ideas.
The final presentations were impressive; full of passion, clear thinking, and creativity. Judges Gus Machado (WCIT Master), Cat Smith (CEO, Community TechAid), and Prab Greenwood (Digital Productivity & Transformation Lead, Kantar) were treated to tech solutions with genuine community impact in mind.
Thank you to WCIT, Microsoft, Kyndryl, Kantar, Genuine Solutions, and the incredible volunteers who helped bring this SparkTech Hackathon to life. And a special thank-you to all the mentors who guided students every step of the way.
"The energy was fantastic, and the students were inspiring. The skills and knowledge used in their presentations was exceptional. I loved taking part.” – Volunteer
Get involved with STEM
Urban Synergy's SparkTech programme gives young people the chance to step inside real workplaces, meet professionals, explore careers, and build confidence, perfectly aligned with Urban Synergy’s STEM programmes. Through these events, students from all backgrounds can apply their skills in areas like science, technology, engineering, and maths, while connecting their learning to real-world opportunities. SparkTech supports Urban Synergy’s mission to empower youth, close the opportunity gap in STEM, and help students build ambitious futures.
