Hulme Grammar School in Oldham is set to bring together 100 pupils, aged 8 to 18, for a 12-hour Junior Hackathon aimed at tackling local school challenges through technology-driven solutions. This initiative gathers students from primary and senior schools in the region and is designed to address skills shortages in the UK's digital economy.
Digital skills demand
The UK faces a projected digital skills gap that could cost GBP £27.6 billion by 2030. Focusing on this issue, the event invites pupils to create apps, websites, or other digital tools addressing topics including Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND), literacy, attendance, and school efficiencies. Teams will receive an initial workshop, followed by ten hours of collaborative programming and development.
Industry partnership
Sponsorship for the hackathon includes technology companies such as Lovable, Purple, and Nominet, as well as contributions from Koder.ly, AMEX GBT, and Bury Arcade. Senior tech professionals and experts from CTI Digital, ADA College, and the Junior Fellows of the Brenda Mills Institute of Innovation & Technology (BMIIT) will mentor students throughout the event, offering perspectives on real-world tech careers and coding pathways.
Supporting diversity
The hackathon is also structured to encourage participation from a diverse group of students, aiming to promote inclusion across science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) subjects. Organisers hope this approach will help remove barriers to entry into technology roles for underrepresented groups.
Company involvement
Lovable, a global AI software firm, and Purple, a technology company focused on smart spaces and data insights, headline the event's sponsors. Nominet supports as the event's technology partner, while Koder.ly contributes as an innovation sponsor. The involvement of these organisations brings hands-on experience and resources for young participants navigating real-world challenges with digital solutions.
"We are thrilled to host this pioneering hackathon, which directly addresses the government's call for a digital skills revolution. By challenging students to use cutting-edge AI technology, like that provided by Lovable, to solve real-world issues, we are delivering the practical STEM engagement that the Chancellor is backing with significant investment. This event is not just inspiring; it is future-proofing the next generation of coders, engineers, and digital leaders right here in Oldham, and securing the pipeline of talent the UK's economy urgently needs," said Mark Jones, Director of the Brenda Mills Institute of Innovation & Technology, Hulme Grammar School.
"Lovable is proud to be a headline sponsor for the Junior Hackathon. We believe in empowering the next generation of coders and innovators. This event perfectly aligns with our mission to support creativity and provide young people with the hands-on experience they need to build the future," said Sophia Nabil Gustafsson, Community & Growth, Lovable.
"By partnering with Hulme Grammar School, we're supporting the next generation of tech talent here in Oldham and Greater Manchester. Sponsoring this hackathon provides a platform for students to explore the potential of AI and develop crucial skills. We are excited to mentor the participants and witness their innovative ideas come to life," said Gavin Wheeldon, CEO, Purple.
